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Trace McSorley’s home run mentality makes Penn State tough out

By Collin Wieder

Nov 12, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) throws a pass during the first half of the game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) throws a pass during the first half of the game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /
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Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley doesn’t seem to be fazed by much. His confidence and never-say-die attitude gave the program a shot in the arm.

Trace McSorley took over the Penn State offense and led the Nittany Lions on their greatest run since 2008. He went from an under recruited, three-star quarterback to a Penn State record holder.

It takes a great amount of willpower and hard work to start at a premier program especially as an overlooked recruit. McSorley embodied these traits over the course of the 2016 season. After a rough 2-2 start to the season, he stayed mentally tough and never questioned his ability.

During the team’s nine-game win streak, it’s those traits that made Penn State hard to beat. When they would get down by any margin, McSorley helped dig them out.

The Big Ten Championship featured a perfect example. Trailing 28-7 late in the second half, McSorley didn’t flinch. He just dropped dimes on the Badgers’ defense and performed his signature home run celebration. He led the Nittany Lions on a 31-3 run to win the Big Ten title.

A powerful bat in the lineup

Furthermore, McSorley displayed the same attitude in the Rose Bowl loss to USC. A lot of quarterbacks would fold under the pressure throwing interceptions on their first two passes. He didn’t. The sophomore showed maturity, dusted himself off and balled out. Although the Nittany Lions would ultimately come up short, McSorley proved no situation is too dire to climb out of.

The gunslinger pushed Penn State’s offense to 465 yards of total offense. He completed 18-of-27 passes for 254 yards, four touchdowns and just one interception the rest of the game.

Despite the late game pick, he gave Penn State a chance to go and win the ball game. Most of the time if a team scores 49 points, they’re going to win the game.

Entering 2017, this team will have every opportunity to win all of its games with McSorley under center. He’s got the arm strength and mobility to give the Big Ten even more headaches. He compiled nearly 4,000 total yards on offense and 36 total touchdowns.

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None of his production would’ve come if he didn’t remain mentally tough all season. In this aggressive offense, it shouldn’t surprise anybody if he continues to blow the lid off defenses and celebrate as only a powerful slugger can.

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