Penn State returns to former glory after Big Ten Championship

Back in September, the Penn State Nittany Lions probably weren’t even thinking about a Big Ten Championship. They had just lost 49-10 to Michigan to start the season with a 2-2 record, and some of the more impatient fans were starting to call for James Franklin’s job.

Fast forward to Saturday night. Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley ran out the final few seconds of the Big Ten Championship before sliding and immediately jumping up to celebrate Penn State’s first conference title since 2008.

Penn State won its last nine games to finish the year with an 11-2 record and a Big Ten title. They may not be heading to the College Football Playoff, but there’s no denying that the program has quickly returned to its former glory.

After two seasons of bowl ineligibility under Bill O’Brien, Franklin took over as the head coach for the program in 2014, posting back-to-back 7-6 seasons in his first two years. Things changed this year and the wins started adding up for a number of reasons, but the biggest being Penn State’s ability to dominate in the second half.

Since giving up a touchdown to Indiana in the fourth quarter on November 12th, the Nittany Lions have outscored opponents 106-3 in the second half. That was the key against Wisconsin after trailing 28-7 in the first half.

Dec 3, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Chris Godwin (12) reacts as he holds the Big Ten Championship trophy after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers in the Big Ten Championship college football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Penn State won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

“With the coaches that we have in this program, they have taught us never to put your head down, never to give up, trust in what we’re doing,” Penn State tight end Mike Gesicki said after the game. “I don’t know if it’s great for us, but we honestly do believe we’re a second-half team.”

“We’ve been a second half team,” Saquon Barkley said. “I don’t know why, I don’t know what it is, but in the second half we’ve been able to come through and pull out wins.”

Things started to look hopeless for Penn State in the first half. Wisconsin linebackers T.J. Watt and Vince Biegel got multiple hits on McSorley, and the defense was even able to return a fumble for a touchdown. Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley was seen visibly limping on the opening drive, and many fans were starting to worry early on.

Despite getting knocked around, McSorley kept getting back up and showed tremendous poise for a first-year starter. He started to air it out and rely on his talented receivers to start making plays, and it paid off to the tune of 384 passing yards, four touchdowns and the Grange-Griffin MVP award.

Dec 3, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) throws a pass against the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half during the Big Ten Championship college football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

While McSorley had a fantastic game, it was his receivers in DaeSean Hamilton and Saeed Blacknall who were able to make some big plays to keep the offense rolling.

“We have a lot of weapons on our team,” Barkley said. “You know if you throw it up there, and you don’t throw a bad ball, they’re going to make a play for you.”

Blacknall’s clutch catches, including two for touchdowns, helped the receiver break a B1G Championship record with 155 receiving yards. Meanwhile, Hamilton was able to pick up a pair of crucial catches to end the third quarter and start the fourth.

However, the play of the game came from McSorley on the go-ahead touchdown. With pressure in his face, the redshirt sophomore was able to hit Barkley in stride in the back of the end zone for an 18-yard score.

Hello, lead! @McSorley_IX hits @saquonb21 for the go-ahead @PennStateFball TD. #B1GFCG https://t.co/Biv0AyPxR0

— Penn State On BTN (@PennStateOnBTN) December 4, 2016

McSorley started the season throwing three interceptions in the first four games. During the nine-game win streak, he turned into one of the most efficient QBs in college football, scoring 25 total touchdowns with just two interceptions, both of which came against Indiana.

“These last nine weeks we have just been getting better and better,” McSorley said. “There’s been a lot of noise about rankings and stuff, but we’ve just stayed focused.”

Now, the Nittany Lions will be heading to the Rose Bowl, but this is just the beginning for the program. Players like McSorley, Barkley, Blacknall and Hamilton will all likely be returning next season, making them early favorites to make another run at the College Football Playoff next year.

Dec 3, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin celebrates after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers during the Big Ten Championship college football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State is finally starting to heal from the past few seasons of controversy, and a Big Ten title means just as much for the fans as it does for the players.

“It’s brought hope back,” Barkley said.

Despite teams like Michigan and Ohio State playing in their division of the Big Ten, the future is as bright as ever for Penn State, and Franklin has brought the program back to the top of the college football world.