Penn State Football: Week 1 studs and duds against Appalachian State

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 01: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions drops back to pass against the Appalachian State Mountaineers on September 1, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Quarterback Trace McSorley

Penn State fans may be witnessing the best quarterback in the program’s storied history. Is there anything that Captain Quarterback can’t do for the Nittany Lions. While Saturday may not have been his best statistical game, he finished 21-for-36 for 230 passing yards including one touchdown and added 53 more yards on the ground including two rushing scores, but it was the ice water in his veins to lead the Lions down the field late in the 4th quarter to tie the game.

After a KJ Hamler kickoff return set up the Lions in plus territory, McSorley had to navigate a fourth and two. He delivered a perfect strike Brandon Polk to keep the drive alive. Three plays later, McSorley delivered a on-time strike to Hamler to tie the game.

That drive was reminiscent of the late game heroics he engineered at Iowa last season. His poise and leadership are two reasons why Trace McSorley has been mentioned for multiple national awards. No matter what the situation, the Nittany Lions and their fans can always breathe a sigh of relief when #9 is under center. All of his moxie will be needed next week as Penn State will likely face another stiff test with Pittsburgh.

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