http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...all-confidence-soars-james-franklin/98499124/
As the Nittany Lions prepare for the start of spring practice in March, the next step in the program’s evolution is a national championship. Maybe confidence alone won’t bridge the gap from the Rose Bowl to a College Football Playoff national semifinal; it’s not as if Alabama, Clemson, the Buckeyes and Wolverines lack confidence, after all.
But other factors stand in the Nittany Lions’ corner. A full allotment of scholarships has dramatically improved depth across the board — Penn State is now three deep at every position, Franklin said. One year after holding one of the nation’s youngest rosters on the Power Five level, the 2017 Nittany Lions boast more senior leadership than at any point in the program’s post-sanction existence.
And there’s the offense. In overhauling Penn State’s philosophy — trading meat and potatoes for a 21st-century approach to attacking defenses — Moorhead brought the Nittany Lions’ offense to the forefront of the Big Ten in 2016. With a Heisman Trophycontender in running back Saquon Barkley in tow, along with a returning starter at quarterback and an improved offensive line, the offense might be even more productive come September.
“Everyone has always talked about what Penn State was. You know, 1982, 1986, national championships,” Franklin said. “I think for the first time in a very long time, these kids have people talking about what Penn State is. For the first time in a long time. To me, that’s a powerful deal.”
As the Nittany Lions prepare for the start of spring practice in March, the next step in the program’s evolution is a national championship. Maybe confidence alone won’t bridge the gap from the Rose Bowl to a College Football Playoff national semifinal; it’s not as if Alabama, Clemson, the Buckeyes and Wolverines lack confidence, after all.
But other factors stand in the Nittany Lions’ corner. A full allotment of scholarships has dramatically improved depth across the board — Penn State is now three deep at every position, Franklin said. One year after holding one of the nation’s youngest rosters on the Power Five level, the 2017 Nittany Lions boast more senior leadership than at any point in the program’s post-sanction existence.
And there’s the offense. In overhauling Penn State’s philosophy — trading meat and potatoes for a 21st-century approach to attacking defenses — Moorhead brought the Nittany Lions’ offense to the forefront of the Big Ten in 2016. With a Heisman Trophycontender in running back Saquon Barkley in tow, along with a returning starter at quarterback and an improved offensive line, the offense might be even more productive come September.
“Everyone has always talked about what Penn State was. You know, 1982, 1986, national championships,” Franklin said. “I think for the first time in a very long time, these kids have people talking about what Penn State is. For the first time in a long time. To me, that’s a powerful deal.”