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Big Ten Football Spring Preview: 10 biggest questions and storylines

By Patrick Schmidt

Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer and Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh prior to the game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer and Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh prior to the game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin reacts to a play against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State won 39-0. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin reacts to a play against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State won 39-0. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Is Penn State a legit threat in the East?

The Big Ten East has been controlled by Ohio State and Michigan State in recent years and Michigan is now making it a three-team race with Jim Harbaugh, but can the Penn State Nittany Lions make it a four-team race?

It’s an optimistic view, but not entirely out of the realm of possibilities considering Penn State returns 17 starters from last year’s 7-6 team, including rising sophomore running back Saquon Barkley who led the team with 1,076 yards and seven touchdowns as a freshman.

Penn State welcomes new offensive coordinator and former Fordham head coach Joe Moorhead who brings a fast-paced temp to Happy Valley. He’ll have to get Trace McSorley up to speed quickly as he takes over for three-year starter Christian Hackenberg who regressed the last two years in the old system.

It’s not just a new offense that’ll be in Happy Valley as the Nittany Lions have to overcome the loss of defensive coordinator who took the same job at Tennessee. If the revamped coaching staff takes off in 2016, the Nittany Lions could make things awfully interesting in the East.

Next: How does Michigan State replace Connor Cook?

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