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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 Football
Offensive coordinator and quarterback coach Kirk Ciarrocca. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Kirk Ciarrocca (2020)

With Rahne gone, Franklin went and got one of the two offensive coordinators to beat him in 2019, Minnesota’s Kirk Ciarrocca.

Ciarrocca was a change from Moorhead and Rahne, as his offense was more methodical and not as much about the explosive play. It seemed like a good change after Penn State struggled with big leads in the four years prior because the offense couldn’t run the four minute drill.

The Covid-19 pandemic hurt Ciarrocca as he was unable to meet in person with Penn State’s players for most of the offseason.

The team, and Clifford struggled. Going 4-5, Penn State had an ugly season and Clifford regressed, throwing for only 1,883 yards and just 16 touchdowns with nine interceptions.

The team averaged just 29.8 points per game and it wasn’t pretty. The play book was bland and Penn State fell in love with the quarterback draw, using both Clifford and back up Will Levis.

Ciarrocca also had the deal with injuries to tight end Pat Freiermuth and running back Noah Cain, after Brown retired due to a medical condition. Meaning he didn’t have three of his best weapons.

Receiver Jahan Dotson did have a break out season though, catching 52 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns.

Despite all the variables that played into the rough season for Ciarrocca, Franklin still decided to move on after one season.

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