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Penn State Football: Passing attack more methodical this year

By Collin Wieder

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: DaeSean Hamilton #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions crosses the goal line on a touchdown pass thrown by Saquon Barkley #26 (not pictured) during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers on September 30, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Penn State defeats Indiana 45-14. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: DaeSean Hamilton #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions crosses the goal line on a touchdown pass thrown by Saquon Barkley #26 (not pictured) during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers on September 30, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Penn State defeats Indiana 45-14. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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Penn State football’s passing game doesn’t wow fans like it did last year with a vertical attack. Instead, it moves down the field with quick strikes.

It’s a tough transition when an offense’s No. 1 wide receiver leaves. Chris Godwin’s departure for the NFL made bigger waves than expected, but the light can be seen at the end of the tunnel. After a slow start, this team finally began to see its passing attack hit its stride. With that said, Penn State football’s passing game operates in a different fashion right now.

Instead of a downfield attack, offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead changed things up to a more efficient, short-range strikes. The approach changed due to multiple factors. First, Godwin’s absence out wide has taken some chemistry away.

Furthermore, Trace McSorley has had to build up more rapport with those players. Receivers like Juwan Johnson, DeAndre Thompkins and Brandon Polk became bigger cogs in the offense. Add in the fact that the offensive line has struggled to protect the junior signal caller and fans are seeing a different offense (Video Courtesy of Nittany Nation).

Quicker passing approach

Although the big plays haven’t shown up yet, McSorley and company have transformed themselves. It’s a higher percentage game now. Through six games, McSorley sits at a 67 completion percentage in comparison to a 57.9 last year in 14 games. No game better illustrates this move than last week’s win over Northwestern.

McSorley was precise. He found receivers open on curls, outs and quick-hitting plays and let his playmakers do what they do. He hit 25-of-34 passes for 245 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions Although the offense doesn’t break out for 70-yard plus haymakers, it’s playing smarter.

Even with the struggles, running back Saquon Barkley continues to impress with his receiving skills, so this offense is still explosive. It’s just more focused on getting the ball to playmakers on short routes. Godwin has a special skill set but he’s not here.

Burners and shorter slot players can still get it done, but it won’t be like the home run plays from last year. As the offense expands this season, the wide outs might see more of those opportunities.

Must Read: Penn State Football: Position Grades versus Northwestern

The height of Johnson, the promising reps from Saeed Blacknall and a healthy Mike Gesicki will help diversify this offense. But right now, this offense is changing to a quicker, faster-paced passing game.

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