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Advanced Stats: Projecting the 2016 Penn State Team Using S&P+ Rankings

Penn State's defense has been the rock-solid foundation for the program for many years. If that defense is finally in for some regression, will a step forward in offensive efficiency be enough to mask that regression?

The two biggest on-field complaints that Penn State fans have raised concerning the James Franklin-led Nittany Lions have been the head coach's clock management and lack of offensive success. The defensive side of the ball, however, has been a delight to watch.

The upcoming 2016 season is starting to look like things are going to be a little different, though. While Joe Moorhead and his fast-paced, high-scoring offense are getting settled in Happy Valley, the 2016 version of the defense is missing some major pieces from the 2015 product.