From the players and coaches inside the program to the fans eager to kick off 2021, Nittany Nation is jacked up.

Regarding the offense in particular, there’s an optimistic vibe oozing out of Penn State’s practice facilities that seems a tad more sincere than typical preseason hype. Consider:

  • Players, psyched to play in front of 100,000-plus again at Beaver Stadium, talk of getting their swagger back in the wake of last year’s 4-5 finish.
  • Veteran QB Sean Clifford says he’s synced up with new OC and quarterbacks coach Mike Yurcich and brimming with confidence.
  • Head coach James Franklin, entering his 8th season with the Lions, calls the tight end group the best he’s had. (You’ll recall he’s had Mike Gesicki and Pat Freiermuth in recent seasons.)
  • The running back room, led by a healthy Noah Cain, runs 5 studs deep.
  • Jahan Dotson and Parker Washington are as solid a 1-2 receiver duo as you’ll find in the B1G outside of Columbus.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Or, more to the point, let’s not get ahead of the offensive line.

During Franklin’s rebuild in the post-sanctions period of Penn State football, catching up on the recruiting of offensive linemen has been a challenge. Most of the time, the Lions have worked around average-at-best line play, making up for it with novel schemes and dynamic athletes at the so-called skill positions.

Enter Yurcich, tabbed to recreate the wide-open, fun-to-watch offense of Joe Moorhead from 3 coordinators ago.

But maybe more importantly, if it’s really going to work, enter 2nd-year line coach Phil Trautwein.

Trautwein, “Coach Trout” to his charges, brings serious cred to the room with 2 national championship rings (Florida 2006 and 2008 seasons) and parts of 4 seasons spent on NFL rosters or practice squads. He arrived in State College after 2 highly successful years in the same role at Boston College.

He leads a group that goes 15 deep with 300-pounders who are 6-3 or taller.

Even after losing 2 linemen good enough to have their names called at the tail end of the NFL Draft, Trautwein may have the makings of the Nittany Lions’ best O-line in quite some time. Various pundits and reporters tab the starting front five, headlined by left tackle Rasheed Walker, right tackle Caedan Wallace and senior center Mike Miranda, as a major strength for the Lions.

“It starts up front, like it always does,” Franklin said of the offensive outlook heading into the huge season-opening matchup with No. 12 Wisconsin. With kickoff in Madison less than 48 hours away, let’s see how PSU’s projected starters up front match up with their Badgers’ counterparts, the B1G version of Offensive Line U.

Left tackle, Rasheed Walker

By the numbers: 6-6, 320, 22 career starts, 4-star recruit 2018
Wisconsin counterpart: Tyler Beach, 6-6, 312, 8 starts, 3-star 2017

The skinny: Many NFL scouts and pundits expect a breakout year for Walker, who has made all 22 of his starts at the left tackle position. Some think he could be the second OT off the board in next year’s draft. Beach moves to the LT position to replace standout Cole Van Lanen. Advantage: Penn State

 Left guard, Anthony Whigan

By the numbers: 6-4, 316, 0 starts, 4-star 2018
Wisconsin counterpart: Josh Seltzner, 6-4, 327, 7 starts, 2-star 2016

The skinny: Whigan, who has played mostly on special teams so far for the Lions, and Harvard transfer Eric Wilson will share the spot, Franklin announced Tuesday. Seltzner provides the classic example of why Wisconsin is known as an OL factory. Lightly recruited out of high school, he walked on to the Badgers in 2017, earned a scholarship a year later and has developed into one of the best guards in the conference. In more than 500 snaps in 32 games as part of the 2-deep, Seltzner has established himself as an outstanding pass blocker. Advantage: Wisconsin 

Center, Mike Miranda

By the numbers: 6-3, 305, 18 starts, 3-star 2016
Wisconsin counterpart: Joe Tippmann, 6-6, 320, 0 starts, 4-star 2019

The skinny: Miranda takes over at center after 9 career starts at each guard spot. He’s taken practice reps at center since his arrival, and expects to make a smooth transition. He’s “trying to get better every time I snap that ball. … Just approach it like a pro.” In a bit of a surprise, Tippmann beat out veteran Kayden Lyles for the starting spot. An injury kept him out of all but one game last year, so Tippmann certainly is unproven. But taking the job from a 15-game starter says something.  Advantage: Penn State

Right guard, Juice Scruggs

By the numbers: 6-3, 307, 0 starts, 4-star 2018
Wisconsin counterpart: Jack Nelson, 6-7, 304, 0 starts, 4-star 2020

The skinny: Part of the O-line rotation, Scruggs appeared in 7 games last year. He’d likely be further along had he not lost the 2019 season after a serious car accident. Fully healthy, he’s aiming to make up for lost time. Nelson, a major recruit — rated a 5-star by some services — brings youthful exuberance to an otherwise veteran group. Moved from tackle to inside so that line coach Joe Rudolph could get him on the field right away, Nelson promises he won’t lack for confidence. Starting on the OL for Wisconsin as a RS freshman?! Enough said. Advantage: Wisconsin

Right tackle, Caedan Wallace

By the numbers: 6-5, 323, 7 starts, 4-star 2019
Wisconsin counterpart: Logan Bruss, 6-5, 316, 25 starts, 3-star 2017

The skinny: Wallace took over the starting spot at right tackle last year as a RS freshman, making 7 starts. It’s not surprising, given his near 5-star 247Sports composite rating, which had him as the 3rd-best OG coming out of high school. Bruss had started 15 games at right tackle, and will return there after playing right guard last year. Line coach Joe Rudolph expects him to thrive in the spot. Advantage Wisconsin

Conclusion

Based on the respective right sides, Wisconsin remains a bit better, entering the season, at least. But Penn State might be closing the gap a bit. And with Trautwein having had his first full offseason with the squad, accelerated improvement is certainly possible for the Lions. Time will tell if he has the right touch to lift Penn State to Wisconsin’s level. Preliminary answers will come Saturday.