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Penn State Football: 3 keys for successful 2020 season

By Shane Lunnen

STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 30: Tyler Rudolph #21 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates with teammates after recovering a kick against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half of the game at Beaver Stadium on November 30, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 30: Tyler Rudolph #21 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates with teammates after recovering a kick against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half of the game at Beaver Stadium on November 30, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

2. Offensive line must become a strength

Penn State have been improving gradually over time along the offensive line. With the limits on scholarships, it was not a position of high importance for former coach Bill O’Brien. The first few seasons under James Franklin saw the offensive line being anywhere from mediocre to downright bad at times.

Another coaching change Franklin made in the offseason was to not renew Matt Limegrover’s contract and bring in Phil Trautwein, who had successful offensive lines at Boston College the last two seasons. He takes over an offensive line returning a lot of experience.

The projected five starters all are returning to their starting roles from a year ago. The only difference is CJ Thorpe and Mike Miranda rotated starts at right guard last season. Now Thorpe is likely to land at the left guard spot while Miranda will man the right guard spot.  Rasheed Walker and Will Fries will be at the tackle spots while Michal Menet mans the center.

The Nittany Lions have a loaded running back stable with Journey Brown, Noah Cain and Devyn Ford all vying for carries. New offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca will be sure to use the bevy of talent in the backs in his downhill running game. The offensive line will be key to not only bringing success to the running backs but also keeping quarterback Sean Clifford upright.

With all the returning experience, the offensive line has the potential to be Penn State’s best in seven seasons under Franklin.

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