How do opposing Big Ten coaches view Penn State football heading into 2019?
College football is easily one of the most competitive sports in America. While the NFL is obviously the professional league that everybody keeps an eye on, college could be considered more competitive at the end of the day. As NCAA players are working on getting to the NFL level so they can get paid for a lifetime, college players tend to leave it all out on the field no matter what.
Being that it’s a highly competitive league, it’s tough to talk opponents up. As trash talk is a major part of the game between players, coaches, and even fans, it’s quite rare when you see others talking up an opposing team. So when it happens, we absolutely have to point it out and discuss.
Athlon Sports recently spoke to a handful of Big Ten coaches. Instead of asking the coaches about the team they are a part of, the Athlon Sports staff asked questions about their conference opponents. Some say nice stuff — others say bad stuff. Regardless of what they say, though, it is alway kept anonymous. Therefore, we have no idea which coach is saying what. So what’re the coaches of the Big Ten saying about Penn State football?
What was said about Penn State?
All in all, Penn State had some positive reviews from their opponents. While it doesn’t sound like any teams see the Lions as a powerhouse opponent for the upcoming season, they were credited for the youth that has been recently recruited for the team. The apparent flaw the Lions have in the eyes of their foes is the loss of their three-year quarterback, Trace McSorley.
"“They’re set to take that next big step, not this year because they’re replacing a lot of the star power from last year, but in the coming seasons they could be special. They’ve had a ton of talent cycle through, and that’s helped them in recruiting so much, to point to Saquon (Barkley) or Trace (McSorley).”“Trace was just a flat-out winner. Maybe the most respected QB in the conference, a coach’s player. It’s a huge void they have to fill on the field and in the leadership position, and James Franklin is drilling that home.”"
Sean Clifford is an unknown right now. With under ten career passes, nobody knows what to expect from him. He can come out firing better than McSorley did during his Sophomore effort. Or, he could come out and give the Lions’ offense some growing pains. Regardless of what he does, he surely doesn’t impose as much as a threat as the current Baltimore Raven did.
"“They lose some at every position on defense, but (DC) Brent Pry has done a great job with their personnel. They’re more athletic in their front seven than Penn State ever has been but have a lot of youth.”“They’ve recruited so well that the gaps in replacing guys are getting shorter and shorter. They don’t look like Ohio State right now, but they’ve got freshman and sophomores who do.”"
The obvious strength of the team this year is the defense. While the Lions have a lot of depth and experience on the roster, their youth and potential future signings are putting the conference on notice. Soon, the Lions could be up there with the likings of Ohio State — but first, they need to have their young players get a good feel for the game and earn some experience.