One year really has changed everything for Penn State.

Until the 2016 B1G title run, the Nittany Lions were a middle-of-the-road squad, competing for average bowl bids and falling short in the big games. James Franklin was on the hot season as the program had become a shell of its former self.

But that championship changed a lot of things in Happy Valley. Penn State has now reestablished itself as a powerhouse in the B1G. Expectations have elevated again, and that’s what ESPN wanted to chat about.

ESPN’s Chris Low went behind the scenes with Penn State, talking with Franklin and two stars, Trace McSorley and Saquon Barkley to discuss last season’s success and the expectation level heading into 2017.

“I would say Penn State is back.,” McSorley said in the interview. Franklin, essentially said the same.

“Last year, to be able to win the B1G championship in our third year, I think is significant,” he said.

It was significant. It’s already made a difference on the recruiting front and the Nittany Lions are firmly planted in the national spotlight, despite missing the College Football Playoff last year.

Which, by the way, is still something that tugs at Franklin a little bit.

“I think you can make a great argument. When you win your conference championship and you beat the team that went (to the CFP) head-to-head, it’s hard to argue that we shouldn’t have been there,” the PSU head coach said. “But it’s our job to make sure that we make a better case for ourselves in the future.”

That outlook isn’t just Franklin’s mindset, it’s team-wide. With much higher expectations moving forward, players understand the emphasis on improving every day.

“I think the challenge changes a little bit because the target is now on us,” McSorley said. “That’s the thing you’ve got to understand as a player. Now, everyone’s gunning for you having been in the top spot last year.”

Barkley isn’t messing around, either.

“Every year, I gain and that’s the goal. I come to the offseason I want to get stronger, faster. I really think the work I put in this year is really going to translate,” he said.

Can you imagine a bigger, stronger, faster Saquon Barkley? Watch out, B1G defenses.

It was interesting to get an inside look at Penn State and how the mentality has shifted in just one season. It’ll be interesting to see how they handle the pressure of being the top dog in 2017.

You can watch the full video on ESPN.com.