Penn State football is doing fine without “star power”

Does Penn State football need more “star power” in the program?

While most of the talking heads argue over whether Penn State or Clemson should be ranked No. 4 in the CFP rankings, some argue against the Nittany Lions because of their “lack of star power,” overlooking the fact that they are undefeated because of complementary football.

Alabama has a Heisman candidate in Tua Tagovailoa. LSU has a Heisman candidate in Joe Burrow. Ohio State has Justin Fields and Chase Young. Clemson, they have Trevor Lawrence. For someone who does not follow Penn State football closely, it is hard to quickly think of a star player on the team.

However, as Coach James Franklin has stated many times, they are playing good complementary football. There may not be a Heisman candidate on the roster (for now), but the defense has been elite. The offense has scored enough to win each game, and the special teams have set the Lions up in favorable situations.

Complementary football is this Penn State team’s identity. And even with Penn State’s alleged “lack of star power,” they have done enough to impress the CFP committee.

If you are unfamiliar with complementary football, let me illustrate it this way. . .

The past few years, Penn State fans would yell, “Just give the ball to Saquon!” or “Win this game, Trace!” During 2016-2018, Penn State had those stars who did their part winning games. But the team would lose games in crucial moments because there was too much pressure on the defense, the special teams made mistakes, or the offense couldn’t ice a game.

That was not complementary football.

This year during the Iowa game, the Penn State defense forced a fumble in Iowa territory in the third quarter, which resulted in the special teams scoring a field goal. In the fourth quarter, the offense took a Nate Stanley interception and turned it into four minutes burned and a touchdown. In the closing minutes, the offense converted on a crucial third-down, which iced the game.

The Nittany Lions offense, defense, and special teams were successful in critical moments that helped the others out.

That was complimentary football.

Pulling through in key moments was a struggle for the 2016-2018 teams, even with Saquon Barkley and Trace McSorley on the field.

This year the Nittany Lions, as a team, have come through in key moments which has led to an undefeated record thus far. If Penn State can keep up with this success, don’t be surprised if KJ Hamler, Sean Clifford, Micah Parsons or another one of Penn State’s many notable players emerge in national conversations.

For now, the other teams vying for a top-four spot might have Heisman candidates, but CJF and Penn State have been perfectly fine with playing complementary football.