Penn State Football: Best, worst, and most likely scenarios for 2021

Penn State football would love to forget about the 2020 season. It opened the year at Indiana, losing in controversial fashion. It snowballed from there as the Nittany Lions started 0-5 for the first time in program history. While they recovered to win their final four games, it was mostly a forgettable season.

James Franklin looked to shake up things in the offseason. He dismissed offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca after only one year. He was replaced by Mike Yurcich after stints at Texas, Ohio State, and Oklahoma State.

Quarterback Sean Clifford, now in his third year as starter, is on his third offensive coordinator in his career. After a decent first-year campaign in 2019, Clifford took a step back a year ago. Yurcich looks to course correct and get Clifford back on track.

Clifford will not be without weapons. The Nittany Lions have arguably the deepest running back room in the Big Ten. Wide receivers Jahan Dotson and Parker Washington look to lead the club again in the passing game. Also, the offensive line could be Franklin’s best in his time in Happy Valley.

Over on the other side of the ball, Brent Pry is in his sixth year as defensive coordinator and his 11th overall on Franklin’s staff. The defense has some question marks in the front seven but they are not lacking talent, just experience especially along the defensive line. The secondary will be the Nittany Lions defensive strength, with corners Joey Porter Jr., Tariq Castro-Fields, and safety Jaquan Brisker leading the way.

What will the Nittany Lions look like throughout the 2021 season? Let’s take a look at their best, worst, and most likely scenarios.