Penn State Football: 5 Bold Predictions for Nittany Lions in 2018

3. Trace McSorley will be a Heisman finalist

The last couple seasons most praised Trace McSorley for his play. But it always seemed he was playing in Saquon Barkley’s shadow. With Barkley in the NFL, this is now McSorley’s team. He will garner an invite to New York City by the end of the season.

McSorley has thrown for 7,369 yards and 59 touchdowns. He also is a yard shy of 900 yards on the ground and has rushed for another 18 scores. While he had fewer yards and one less touchdown last season compared to the 2016 season, he was more accurate, improving his completion percentage by nearly eight percent.

Many prognosticators believe Penn State will take a step back this fall with the loss of so much star power. With McSorley back, the team can do anything. He is a proven winner and has the swagger to keep the Lions in any game. Expect his numbers to soar to new heights this season.

McSorley will surpass the 4,100 yards mark and throw for 30 touchdowns. On the ground, he’ll rush for 600 yards and add in 10 scores. Those gaudy numbers should surely nab him a spot for the Heisman ceremony in December, becoming the first Nittany Lion to do so since running back Larry Johnson‘s 2,000 yard campaign in 2002.