Looking at the WHOLE scenario dynamics, I'm seeing significant reason for optimism. That's true for performance with respect to won-loss record as well as individual achievements. First off, I think the defense will be on par, if not slightly better, than last year's team. A couple reason's for that. The biggest reason is the two starting. DTs returning from last year's team. Johnson and Zettel were solid last year...spectacular in some respects. When your defensive front can consistently clog up the inside run, that leaves the opposing offense little choice but to attack the flanks and/or resort to the pass. A defense that can create lots of 2nd and long and 3rd and long situations forces other teams to punt a good percentage of the time, AND it increases the chances of turnovers. The secondary will have some improved performance if for no other reason than experience. All of these guys have played a lot. A strong D-line that puts pressure on opposing QBs in long yardage situations provides defenders with numerous opportunities to make big plays. There is some inexperience at LB but there's also a lot of talent there as well. With a relatively soft schedule the first half of season, these guys will likely be up to speed by the time the heart of the B1G schedule gets under way.
Another big reason for the increased performance for the defense will be a more consistent and improved offense. Last year's defense was called upon again and again because the Lion offense sputtered. The defense was pretty gassed by the 4th quarter providing opponents the opportunity to eek out late game heroics that ended in Lion losses. With better offensive performance, the defense will be better poised to thwart opposing offenses from moving down the field for late game FGs and TDs.
The offense will be more productive for several reasons. First, everyone, especially the O-line, has had a whole year to learn and perfect a new offensive system. Franklin's offense may not be as sophisticated as O'Brien's but Franklin's offensive strategies allowed his Vanderbilt teams to earn winning records in the tough SEC conference. Franklin started with a lot more talent here at PSU than they had at Vanderbilt. The learning curve should be shorter here than at Vandy. And another thing...a very important thing...Franklin is working with one of the most talented QBs in the nation. Given a little more protection than last year, Hackenberg will be more productive. The O-line will be more effective at opening up the running game which was a huge disappointment last year. A more effective running game takes time off the clock, keeps the Lion defense on the sideline resting, and gives Hackenberg an extra second on play action passes; something that was sorely lacking last year.
Will these factors make a difference on every play? No, they won't but it will likely make a difference on a handful of plays in virtually every game. If last year's team had those handful of plays every game, the Lion's record could have easily been 8-4...maybe even 9-3 which is right where I think they'll end up this year. With a record like that, I'm sure we'll see a nice bowl game in a warm climate...maybe even on New Year's day!!!
Another big reason for the increased performance for the defense will be a more consistent and improved offense. Last year's defense was called upon again and again because the Lion offense sputtered. The defense was pretty gassed by the 4th quarter providing opponents the opportunity to eek out late game heroics that ended in Lion losses. With better offensive performance, the defense will be better poised to thwart opposing offenses from moving down the field for late game FGs and TDs.
The offense will be more productive for several reasons. First, everyone, especially the O-line, has had a whole year to learn and perfect a new offensive system. Franklin's offense may not be as sophisticated as O'Brien's but Franklin's offensive strategies allowed his Vanderbilt teams to earn winning records in the tough SEC conference. Franklin started with a lot more talent here at PSU than they had at Vanderbilt. The learning curve should be shorter here than at Vandy. And another thing...a very important thing...Franklin is working with one of the most talented QBs in the nation. Given a little more protection than last year, Hackenberg will be more productive. The O-line will be more effective at opening up the running game which was a huge disappointment last year. A more effective running game takes time off the clock, keeps the Lion defense on the sideline resting, and gives Hackenberg an extra second on play action passes; something that was sorely lacking last year.
Will these factors make a difference on every play? No, they won't but it will likely make a difference on a handful of plays in virtually every game. If last year's team had those handful of plays every game, the Lion's record could have easily been 8-4...maybe even 9-3 which is right where I think they'll end up this year. With a record like that, I'm sure we'll see a nice bowl game in a warm climate...maybe even on New Year's day!!!
