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Evaluating the Top 10 Groups of FBS Returning Starters in 2017

By Zach Bigalke

Sep 17, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs the ball past Oklahoma Sooners defensive end D.J. Ward (87) in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs the ball past Oklahoma Sooners defensive end D.J. Ward (87) in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) scores on a 79-yard touchdown run in the third quarter against the USC Trojans during the 103rd Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) scores on a 79-yard touchdown run in the third quarter against the USC Trojans during the 103rd Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

The defending Big Ten champions bring back plenty of tools to try to do it again, even against a tough division. Trace McSorley is back at quarterback. Saquon Barkley joins him in the backfield. In total there are nine returning starters on an offense that ranked 21st in scoring last season. After seeing how the Nittany Lions produced against USC at the Rose Bowl in January, a year of experience could make this one of the most explosive offenses in the nation.

Penn State’s defense should have no trouble keeping the team ahead in most games. Seven starters return from the 2016 roster, and the unit should allow fewer than the 25 points per game conceded last season. With an offense that could be otherworldly, the defense won’t have to do everything. They will be in College Football Playoff contention this year thanks to all the returning experience.

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