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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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Penn State Nittany Lions offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Ricky Rahne (Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports) /

Ricky Rahne (2018-19)

Replacing Moorhead wouldn’t be easy, and that task was given to Ricky Rahne.

Rahne had been on Franklin’s staff since he arrived at Penn State. Rahne taught the quarterbacks and tight ends during his early years at Penn State.

Penn State returned McSorley, but Barkley, Godwin, Hamilton and Gesicki were long gone, making this no easy job for Rahne.

The offense averaged 33.8 points per game in 2018, while goin 9-4.

McSorley, who dealt with injuries, struggled. He completed only 53.2% of his passes for 2,530 yards and only 18 touchdowns.

The 2018 season is best known for the famous “4th and 5” play in which Rahne dialed up a draw on fourth down against Ohio State, while driving for a game winning score.

Penn State continued to run Moorhead’s scheme, but Rahne started to infuse much of his own stuff by the time 2019 came around.

Rahne and the Nittany Lions had to replace McSorley and running back Miles Sanders as well heading into 2019.

The offense improved somewhat, scoring 35.8 points per game.

First year quarterback Sean Clifford completed 59.2% of his passes for 2,654 yards and 23 touchdowns. Journey Brown was the lead back with 890 rushing yards while tight end Pat Freiermuth grabbed seven touchdowns and receiver KJ Hamler had 904 receiving yards.

The problem was that the offense, and Clifford, did not preform well in Penn State’s two losses. Clifford threw three interceptions in the loss to Minnesota, while the team mustered only 17 points against Ohio State.

Rahne decided to move on and take the head coaching job at Old Dominion at the end of the 2019 season.

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