Yes, 7-6 is bad. But 11-11 is worse.

Penn State is a .500 program dating to the start of the 2020 season. That Lions squad started 0-5 and battled back to win four consecutive games and earn a 4-5 mark.

The 2021 season played out in opposite fashion. After a promising 5-0 start, James Franklin’s team dropped six of its final eight — the wins coming against Maryland and Rutgers.

Penn State capped its disappointing year with a 24-10 loss to Arkansas Saturday in the Outback Bowl.

It should be an interesting, and challenging, offseason for Penn State’s coaches and players.

Here are some early storylines.

Fixing the offense

Or should it be “upgrading” the offense? Coordinator Mike Yurcich’s outfit simply didn’t make enough plays. The Lions offense never scored more than 30 points in nine Big Ten games and contests with Auburn and the Razorbacks.

Why?

Penn State’s offensive line was not physical enough at scrimmage.

The run game averaged just 3.2 yards per carry.

The Lions’ most talented back, Keyvone Lee, led PSU in rushing with 530 yards and averaged 4.9 yards per attempt. But he only received 108 carries while playing in all 13 games.

Penn State quarterbacks were sacked 26 times.

The Lions’ athletic tight end group showed promise early but was not much of a factor in the passing game down the stretch. The trio of Brenton Strange, Theo Johnson and Tyler Warren combined for 44 receptions and five touchdowns.

The Lions red-zone offense generated only 20 touchdowns in 42 possessions. Penn State managed three points in three red-zone trips vs. Arkansas.

What’s the priority for Franklin and Yurcich? The running back must be revived. A more balanced offense will take some pressure off a pass game that must replace wideout Jahan Dotson.

Sorting out the quarterback situation

Veteran Sean Clifford will return for a sixth season, and he is expected to be the starter for a fourth year. He threw for 3,107 yards in 2021 with a touchdown-interception ratio of 21-8. On paper, those are solid numbers, but at what point will Penn State address the future of the position? Christian Veilleux will be a second-year player, and the Lions signed two gifted quarterbacks in the 2022 recruiting class: Drew Allar and Beau Pribula. Both are expected to enroll later this month.

How much does Penn State need to see of Clifford in spring drills? Will Franklin consider opening up the competition for the job? Who will be the backup?

Diaz’s impact on the defense

Former Miami head coach Manny Diaz replaced Brent Pry after the latter took the Virginia Tech head coaching job.

Diaz, who was the defensive coordinator with the Hurricanes before taking the head job, produced some very disruptive units at Miami.

There are some talented defenders returning, led by linebacker Curtis Jacobs, safety Ji’Ayir Brown, corners Kalen King and Joey Porter Jr. and ends Smith Vilbert, Nick Tarburton and Adisa Isaac. But Diaz and his assistants must develop replacements for end Arnold Ebiketie, linebackers Brandon Smith and Ellis Brooks, safety Jaquan Brisker and corner Tariq Castro-Fields.

How different will Penn State’s defense look and play?

Prepping for life without Dotson

The Lions have replaced some gifted receivers during Franklin’s time. Chris Godwin. DaeSean Hamilton. KJ Hamler. And now Dotson, who led the Big Ten in receiving yards in 2020 and generated 91 receptions for 1,182 yards and 13 total touchdowns in 12 games.

Penn State has two terrific wideouts returning in Parker Washington (64 catches, 820 yards, four touchdowns) and KeAndre Lambert-Smith (34 catches, 521 yards, three touchdowns) and both are entering their third year, which was also Dotson’s breakout year. Speedy Malick Meiga is another receiver to watch.

Focusing on a fantastic true freshmen class

Penn State’s 23-player class is top-10 caliber and second to Ohio State in the Big Ten. Ten Lions are expected to enroll later this month, making them eligible for spring practice.

Allar, Pribula, blue-chip runner Nick Singleton from Governor Mifflin and wideout Kaden Saunders are early enrollees.

When you go 7-6 and your offense averages just 25 points a game, all talented first-year players should be considered for playing time.

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