Welcome to the Post-Gazette's Penn State football mailbag. The Nittany Lions prepare to open the 2021 season on Saturday with a challenging road game against Wisconsin.
Our Penn State insider Nubyjas Wilborn is here to answer fan questions about a Nittany Lion team seeking redemption after an injury-riddled 2020 that led to an 0-5 start. If you want to ask mailbag questions, either tweet @nwilborn19 or email nwilborn@post-gazette.com. Let's get to the questions from our wonderful readers.
Mike Robinson: Was last season a fluke or a sign of impending doom?
Wilborn: It's hard to win football games when your team loses its two running backs within the first week of the season, as Penn State did. Journey Brown had to retire from football with a heart condition, and Noah Cain got injured early in the loss against Indiana. If that's not enough, the Nittany Lions lost their best player on offense, Pat Freiermuth, to injury, and star defensive end Micah Parsons opted out. Now both men have been mentioned as possible NFL rookie of the year candidates.
Unless you're Alabama, Clemson or maybe Ohio State, it's nearly impossible to lose that much talent at once and be successful. There were so many mishaps last season that don't match the previous records under James Franklin. Therefore, it's fair to assume the previous year was a fluke until proven otherwise.
Dana James: Can the Nittany Lions win big with Sean Clifford at quarterback?
Wilborn: Depends on what you consider as “winning big.” If it's getting to the playoff, there's not enough evidence to prove that he can make the plays necessary to get Penn State past Ohio State. But he doesn't have to do it alone. Jahan Dotson and Parker Washington form one of the best pass-catching duos in America. If another receiver steps up, the Nittany Lions could have a top-ranked offense.
Franklin said this week he believes his tight end room, led by Brenton Strange and Theo Johnson, are the best he's had in more than 20 years of coaching, and that's saying a lot with guys like Freiermuth and Mike Gesicki in the NFL. There's a lot of depth at running back, so if the offensive line can keep Clifford upright under new coordinator Mike Yurcich's offense, the Nittany Lions can win a lot of football games. If the line struggles and Clifford reverts to turning the ball over, though, Happy Valley will have some sad nights.
Rhonda Jones: Which transfers will have an impact this season?
Wilborn: Penn State made some solid pickups in the portal before the season, and perhaps the best will be Arnold Ebiketie. The Nittany Lions needed help at defensive end badly after losing Odafe Oweh and Shaka Toney to the NFL.
Ebiketie was second-team all-AAC last year and could be a pivotal player this year. He has already impressed his teammates during camp.
John Lovett knew the Nittany Lions had four returning running backs that all saw playing time last year, and he came anyway — which isn't easy. The New Jersey native was a primary ball-carrier for Baylor and will get a lot of opportunities with the Nittany Lions. Don't be shocked if he's alongside Cain in the starting lineup.
Tasha Jenkins: Proud Penn State alum here; tell me, what are you looking forward to most about this year?
Wilborn: Watching games inside empty stadiums felt bizarre. The towns were eerily quiet the night before games. The games weren't the same without the bands, mascots, tailgating and atmosphere. It'll be fun to safely watch games with fans. I want to feel the press box shake at Camp Randall during “Jump Around.” I want to see everyone wave to those kids in the hospital across from Kinnick in Iowa. I want to see the Blue Band play at halftime. In summary, I'll continue to test for COVID before and after games. I’ll wear my mask on flights and continue to sanitize. I’m ready to document a hopefully safe return to college football.
Nubyjas Wilborn: nwilborn@post-gazette.com or Twitter: @nwilborn19.
First Published: September 1, 2021, 3:15 p.m.
Updated: September 1, 2021, 4:27 p.m.
