W
ith the departure of coordinator Joe
Moorhead, once-in-a-generation
running back Saquon Barkley and
record-setting pass-catchers DaeSean
Hamilton and Mike Gesicki, it would be
only natural to conclude that Penn State
will have to take a very di;erent approach
with its o;ense in 2018. But to hear head
coach James Franklin and new o;ensive
coordinator Ricky Rahne tell it, the Nit-
tany Lions will not be looking to make big
schematic changes, even with an in:ux of
new skill position players.
Under Moorhead, the Lions looked to
9eld a balanced attack that was capable
of making big plays through the air and
on the ground. That will continue to be
the case in 2018, and Penn State appears
to have the personnel it will need in
order to accomplish that goal.
There are players with extensive start-
ing experience returning to the o;ensive
line in tackles Ryan Bates, Will Fries and
Chasz Wright, guard Steven Gonzalez
and guard/center Connor McGovern. In
the back9eld, the Lions have a Heisman
Trophy candidate in 9
