Penn State Football: 5 bold predictions for the 2017 season
By Zach Bigalke
4. Trace McSorley will miss time due to injuries in 2017
The Nittany Lions had a charmed season in 2016 in large part because their starting quarterback stayed healthy. Penn State got a solid season from Trace McSorley, who could get some notice in the Heisman race this year alongside running back Saquon Barkley. As mentioned earlier, that could end up splitting the vote for both players.
More important than his quality of play, though, was the fact that McSorley remained healthy throughout the 2016 season. Penn State ranked fifth in the Big Ten in terms of sacks allowed, with McSorley hitting the turf more than one and a half times per game. James Franklin’s squad has a decent offensive line returning, though it will depend on sophomores at all three interior positions.
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Health in college football is often interrelated to luck. And for Penn State in 2017, they will learn just how valuable McSorley has become to the offense. Unfortunately, that will become evident when he is forced to sit out at least one game with nagging injuries.
With the quarterback set to put together a more consistent and complete effort this season, any time lost will be detrimental to team goals. The difference between team play with and without McSorley will only make the redshirt junior look that much more appealing to Heisman voters. As a result, John Cappelletti will remain the only Heisman winner from the school.