Penn State Football: 5 reasons Trace McSorley could win 2017 Heisman

Penn State Football: 5 reasons Trace McSorley could win the 2017 Heisman Trophy

Oct 22, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) throws a pass during a warmup prior to the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Ohio State 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) throws a pass under pressure from USC Trojans linebacker Michael Hutchings (19) 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 /

4. Starting experience

McSorley was a star in his first year, but he made his fair share of mistakes. Whether it be the three interceptions in the Rose Bowl or the game-sealing interception against Pitt, he went through growing pains.

No quarterback can play a flawless game every outing. Nevertheless, with 14 starts under his belt, he should reduce his mistakes. The final pick he threw against USC was a rookie mistake. Tied 49-49 with less than 40 seconds to play, he fired up a deep ball into double coverage. The Trojans picked it off and returned it almost into field goal range.

The typical coaching cliché here is “live to fight another down”. If he threw that ball away and the Nittany Lions pin USC deep, They might’ve made it to overtime. Regardless, he played on big stages and that experience in the Rose Bowl, the Big Ten Championship, versus Ohio State and at Michigan will help him.

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