In the latest long list of offseason changes, Penn State announced former Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley as a new offensive analyst and assistant quarterback coach. After a successful collegiate career, he spent a few years in the NFL, with the last season with the Washington Commanders. However, he now returns to the college game working for James Franklin, his former head coach. It is hard to imagine a better fit to ignite the fanbase and the players. Importantly, Trace is McSorley needed at Penn State.
The national championship aspirations of Penn State entering next season will hinge on the play of quarterback Drew Allar. A physically gifted passer with a cannon for an arm, there were rumblings that Allar would forgo next season to enter the NFL Draft. However, he is returning to Happy Valley for his senior year. Looking to improve upon last season’s College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal appearance, Allar will need to accomplish something that has eluded him so far. He needs to win the big game. Having McSorley on board as a coach and mentor will help with that.
Trace is McSorley Needed, and Missed, at Penn State
As a Nittany Lions quarterback from 2014 – 2018, Trace McSorley was a letterman from 2015-2018. For his Penn State career, McSorley completed 59.3% of his passes, throwing 77 touchdowns and 25 interceptions. He was also a threat running the ball. On the ground, McSorley gained 1,697 yards and scored 30 touchdowns. However, McSorley brought more to the team than just passing and rushing statistics. He was a winner and a leader on the team.
A sign of a great quarterback is the ability to win big games. McSorley frequently stepped up to those challenges with the Nittany Lions. At Penn State, a quarterback’s legend is established and refined by how he performs against the likes of Ohio State and Michigan and in bowl games. Through his three years as a starter, McSorley had mixed results against the big-time opponents. For instance, facing Michigan in 2017, McSorley completed 17 of 26 passes for 282 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He also ran for three touchdowns in that game. Conversely, in a 2016 contest against Ohio State, McSorley only completed eight of 23 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown. He added a rushing score in that game, too. Overall, though, he stepped up when it came to playing the tougher opponents.
What endeared McSorley to Penn State fans was the winning mentality he brought to the gridiron every time he stepped on the field. He was not the biggest quarterback at six feet tall and 202 pounds. However, his no-quit attitude made him a great teammate, a leader, and a fan favorite. Because of the potential of adding that swagger and attitude to Allar’s game, Trace is McSorley needed at Penn State.
The Enigma: Drew Allar
Drew Allar fits the mold of a prototypical successful pocket passer. Following last season, despite NFL Draft rumors, he stuck with his plan of returning for his senior season. That means Franklin and offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki will need to work diligently to maximize the remaining games with Allar as a Nittany Lion.
Adding to why fans of the Nittany Lions could and should appreciate Allar, he is originally from Medina, Ohio. Rather than staying in Ohio, Allar came to Pennsylvania to play at Penn State. His overall statistics have held up as well. Last season, Allar completed 66.5% of his passes for 3,327 yards with 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also ran for six touchdowns. However, in the biggest games, he has struggled. A representation of this was the semifinal game against Notre Dame. Allar threw for 195 yards while completing 12 of 23 passes. He did not throw a touchdown but was intercepted once.
For both Allar and the team, it is imperative that he performs well in the biggest spots this coming season. While McSorley had the luxury of handing the ball off to Saquon Barkley, Allar works with arguably the best running back tandem in the country, which is Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. However, Allar will be breaking in a new set of receivers, with Kyron Hudson and Devonte Ross replacing Trey Wallace and Omari Evans. These players’ ability to quickly mesh will be needed to replace the production of tight end/running back/quarterback Tyler Warren. Allar will need to lead the group and step up in the big games. He has a new mentor to help with that, and this is the main reason why Trace is McSorley needed at Penn State.
Main Photo: Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK
The post Trace is McSorley Needed at Penn State appeared first on Last Word on College Football.