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Penn State Football: Can they go back to the Future?

By Joey Lovell

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 24: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions leads the team onto the field before the game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Beaver Stadium on September 24, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 24: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions leads the team onto the field before the game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Beaver Stadium on September 24, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Can Penn State football turn back the clock and have lighting strike twice this weekend against Ohio State?

Penn State football will face its toughest home game of the season this week, could returning to old form help the Nittany Lions pull out a win?

The indomitable Yogi Berra once said, “It’s like deja vu, all over again”.

When we look back to the last time that Penn State beat Ohio State, we begin to see that there are a number of similarities between the wonderful 2016 team and this year’s current squad.

First, we have the previous season and preseason. In both 2015 and 2021, Penn State went 7-6. Both squads ended the season with a loss in a bowl game, in ‘15 it was to Georgia and in ‘21 to Arkansas.  Penn State entered this season not being ranked in either the AP or coaches top 25. The last time that happened? 2016.

Second, we look at the statistics for the first six games between the two squads. Penn State football’s passing, led by Trace McSorley, averaged 239 yds/game through the first six games.  Taking the first 6 games from this season and not including Minnesota, Sean Clifford is averaging 235 yds/game. 2016 rushing attack, spearheaded by Saquon Barkley, averaged 152 yds/game. The 2022 campaign features a medley of backs that have combined to average 179 yd/game.  Defensively speaking, 2016’s squad averaged allowing 28.5 ppg and this year’s version is at 19.1 ppg.

Each squad was blown out by the Michigan Wolverines. In 2016, the score was 49-10 at the Big House. This year’s abysmal performance had us losing 41-17, also in Michigan. The 2016 squad also had an additional loss against Pitt, while this year’s team has only the Michigan setback marring its record.

Personnel wise, both squads featured an amazing backfield. Barkley was just beginning to become a household name with his electric performances.  Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen have become a lethal 1-2 punch in the backfield, their strengths complimenting the other very well. McSorley was in his first year as a starter and Clifford is ending his term of office as a 4-year starter.

Lastly, we take a look at the upcoming opponent. In 2016, OSU was 6-0 going into their battle with PSU. That squad had one marque against No. 14 Oklahoma in their third game. This year’s version of the Buckeyes sport their own 7-0 record, with their own win against a top 5 team with their drubbing of No. 5 Notre Dame.

When you start to make the comparison, the similarities are eerily similar. The old adage goes that those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. Could history repeat itself on Saturday afternoon?

Only time will tell. But one thing is for certain: It ain’t over until the fat lady sings.

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