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Penn State’s Trace McSorley proves he’s the future in loss

By Collin Wieder

Sep 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) passes the ball against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) passes the ball against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Penn State’s sophomore quarterback Trace McSorley threw the game-clinching interception, but his second half performance gives Penn State hope.

Penn State’s Trace McSorley found himself on the wrong end of Saturday’s 42-39 loss to the Pittsburgh Panthers. McSorley managed to dig the team out of a miserable offensive start only to throw a late interception, ending the Nittany Lions’ comeback.

The Lions started the game down 28-7 after a couple of McSorley fumbles. However, the offense stayed composed and followed McSorley’s lead on a 24-7 comeback. The Panthers would add to their lead with a Nathan Peterman 12-yard touchdown pass to running back James Connor making it 42-31 Pitt in the fourth.

McSorley led Penn State on a 6-play, 60-yard drive capped by a Saquon Barkley 2-yard touchdown run. The Lions converted the two-point conversion making it 42-39 Pitt with five minutes to play in the fourth. He completed 2-of-3 passes for 46 yards on the drive.

The Lions’ defense came up with a huge defensive stop giving Pen State on blast shot at winning the game. McSorley and offense started the final drive on their own 29 and they marched straight down the field. Barkley pounded the Panthers’ defense for a quick first down.

The Lions would then net -6 yards on the following three plays bringing up 4th and 16 for the Lions. McSorley calmly and collectively completed a 34-yard pass to keep the drive alive. It would come undone just two plays later as he was intercepted in the end zone.

Despite a bad ending to the game, McSorley put up a great passing performance. He completed 24-of-35 passes for 332 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He didn’t have the best first half, as noted by his two lost fumbles. It was all about McSorley’s composure. Most quarterbacks fall apart down 28-7 especially with a team that has gone just 30-22 over the last five seasons.

A big thing to note is that McSorley is just a sophomore. He invigorated an offense that showed zero life in the opening half. He’s brought life to a passing game that was average at best under Christian Hackenberg.

must read: College Football Rankings 2016: Projected Week 2 AP Top 25

Expect next weekend’s game against Temple to be a better performance for McSorley and the offense.

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