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A look at the history of Penn State Football’s offense under James Franklin

By Alec Whitaker

Nov 18, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Nebraska 56-44. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Nebraska 56-44. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mississippi State head football coach Joe Moorhead. Photo by Keith Warren
Mississippi State head football coach Joe Moorhead. Photo by Keith Warren /

Joe Moorhead (2016-17)

With back to back 7-5 seasons, Franklin needed a home run hire, and he got one here.

Franklin hired Fordham head coach Joe Moorhead to be the offensive coordinator before the 2016 season.

Moorhead brought an up-tempo, spread offense that Penn State fans had never seen before. The offense was built around big plays, which became known as homeruns and tuddies around Happy Valley.

Moorhead had weapons, too.

Quarterback Trace McSorley was a star in the making, while Heisman contender Saquon Barkley was in the backfield. Add in Hamilton and Godwin at receiver, and Mike Gesicki at tight end.

In 2016, Penn State averaged 37.6 points per game which led to a 11-3 season and a Big Ten championship.

McSorley threw for 3,614 yards while Barkley ran for 1,496 yards and had 22 combined touchdowns. Chris Godwin led the receivers with 59 catches for 982 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Penn State’s dynamic backfield duo returned in 2017 and put up even bigger numbers.

The team averaged 41.1 points per game and again won 11 games.

McSorley had similar numbers to 2016 with 3,570 passing yards. Barkley’s rushing numbers fell a bit, with 1,271 yards, but he added 632 receiving yards with 22 scores, including a passing touchdown.

With Penn State’s high powered offense gaining nationally attention, it was going to be hard to keep Moorhead in Happy Valley.

Moorhead accepted the head coaching position at Mississippi State in December of 2017. He was let go after just two seasons there, despite a winning record. He is now the offensive coordinator at Oregon.

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