Penn State Football: Is 2020 the year for the Nittany Lions?

Sean Clifford will take that next step

In 2019, Sean Clifford was stepping into some pretty big shoes left by his predecessor, Trace McSorley. But despite the pressure, Clifford stepped up and performed well, throwing for over 2,600 yards and 23 touchdowns while tossing just seven interceptions. He was also effective on the ground, rushing for over 400 yards and five touchdowns.

Clifford has a big arm and it was on full display in 2019, but there were still some learning curves he had to overcome, but he seems to be on the incline and improving each week, bringing higher expectations in 2020.

Clifford’s favorite target, Pat Freiermuth, the best tight end in all of college football, is back for 2020 after hauling in 43 catches for 507 yards and seven touchdowns last season. His top deep threat from last year, KJ Hamler, is now a member of the Denver Broncos, but that should be no issue as Jahan Dotson looks to step into that WR1 role and make it his own. Dotson recorded five touchdowns and 488 yards on just 27 catches last season, providing that big-play ability in the passing game for the Nittany Lions.

But the biggest X-factor on the Penn State offense is running back Journey Brown.

After going with a running back by committee game plan for the beginning of the season that introduced “The Lawn Boyz”, Brown emerged as the clear No. 1 running back and finished last season with 890 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging just under seven yards per carry. And with an experienced offensive line, those numbers should have no other expectation than to increase.

Penn State may not have the big names as it’s had in recent years, but it has the talent and balance to have one of the best offenses in the country this season; an offense good enough to carry this team to the College Football Playoff.