Penn State Football: 7 reasons for historically disapponting seaosn

Penn State Football: 7 Reasons for the Ugly Season

Nov 7, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin stands with quarterback Sean Clifford (14) during the playing of the alma mater following the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 19, 2019; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Micah Parsons (11) reacts to a defensive play against the Michigan Wolverines during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Micah Parsons Opting Out

Penn State’s best player, linebacker Micah Parsons, decided not to play this season.

Parsons cited the risks involved in playing this season as his reason for the opt out. Considering he is a projected top 10 pick in the draft, it’s hard to blame him.

After watching Penn State tight end Pat Freiermuth suffer a season-ending shoulder injury amid the Nittany Lions’ disastrous start, Parsons’ decision looks even wiser.

Not having Parsons has left a talent void in the middle of Penn State’s defense that they have not been able to fill. The Nittany Lions are giving up 36 points per game and 138 rushing yards per game.

Not only is Parsons talent missing, but it seems his personality is too. Parsons is close with many of the players on defense, and it looks as if not having him there has demoralized them a bit. When you’re used to playing with a friend, and then he’s gone, it can play a role.

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