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Penn State Football: 5 reasons the Nittany Lions will struggle in 2017

By Andrew Miller

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 02: Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks on against the USC Trojans during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 02: Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks on against the USC Trojans during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 02: Quarterback Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks on prior to the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual against the USC Trojans at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 02: Quarterback Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks on prior to the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual against the USC Trojans at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

1. Interceptions plague McSorley after Rose Bowl

Trace McSorley finished the 2016 season well. He tossed four touchdowns in each of the final three games. McSorley added seven touchdowns rushing. He beats defenses in multiple ways. Penn State was fortunate with their Christian Hackenberg replacement.

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Three of McSorley’s eight interceptions were in the Rose Bowl. The mindset of costing your team a Rose Bowl could wear on McSorley. He was so efficient last year because he did not turn the ball over on a regular basis.

Penn State’s offense thrives on the variety of weapons at their disposal. The receiving corps is deep and talented. Mike Gesicki is the best tight end in the country. The passing game keeps running room for Barkley abundant.

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McSorley could compile 30 passing touchdowns without issue. He threw five interceptions before the Rose Bowl. Continuing to throw three interceptions in games does not form a winning equation for Penn State.

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