Penn State out of playoff picture, but the finish will show off next year's promise

STATE COLLEGE — The future of Penn State's prolific offense was on display during senior day.

A favorable look ahead in a game honoring the past, in a sense.

Program legends like tight end Mike Gesicki and receiver DaeSean Hamilton, linebacker Jason Cabinda and safety Marcus Allen all played their final games in Beaver Stadium while blitzing Nebraska.

It almost surely was the final home game, too, for Saquon Barkley, the most productive tailback in Penn State history. Maybe its most talented player, ever.

That was critical, of course, for James Franklin's first full class of seniors here. They are 20-5 the past two seasons, after all.

But you've got to look ahead to 2018, as well. There is only one regular season game left at struggling Maryland. 

Then a bowl game.

More:Penn State seniors put on one final show at Beaver Stadium

More:Penn State's win over Nebraska not as close as score shows

The Nittany Lions are almost certainly out of the playoff picture, no matter where they end up playing for the holidays.

So this team is building as much as it is finishing.

And the most important parts of that showed on offense against the Cornhuskers — from those linemen to quarterback Trace McSorley to receiver Juwan Johnson. Even to backup runner Miles Sanders.

Offense led the Lions throughout the past two seasons. It figures to do that again next fall, especially with McSorley and backup Tommy Stevens returning at quarterback.

McSorley has improved throughout his junior season with his run-passing decisions, particularly using his legs. He doesn't hesitate anymore to keep the ball and exploit defenses focused on Barkley now and Sanders to come.

McSorley entered the Nebraska game leading the Big Ten in passing yards per game (272) before wrecking the Huskers for 325 more. He was second in passing efficiency, completing 65.2 percent of his passes with 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Then he hit on 24-of-36 passes with three more scores and no interceptions.

He figures to improve even more next year with more experience and an even deeper fleet of receivers. 

Tops on that list Johnson — the team's most intriguing offensive player moving forward.

He still seems to be just truly finding himself, playing into his massive body. He's 6-foot-4 and 226 pounds with probably the longest arms on the team.

After struggling with his physicality and concentration in mid-season, he's rebounded well the past two weeks with a combined 10 catches for 183 yards — with a highlight one-hander along the sideline Saturday.

"His catch radius is unbelievable," Franklin said. "He's a guy you can depend on. ... He learned a lot at home. He learned a lot from his brother being an NFL player.

"I couldn't be more excited about Juwan and his future, and that's in every way possible. We knew he had a great off-season. We were expecting him to have a big year, and I think we're going to go back and go through the (video tape) cut-ups when the season's over and realize that he probably had a better year than everybody realizes.

"The exciting part is, I still think there's a lot more left in the tank for him."

The thing is, Johnson started fast, including catching the final-play touchdown at Iowa. But he went nearly silent after that, culminating in a most noticeable letdown at Michigan State.

He's the Lions' fourth-leading receiver — barely off the lead — with 42 receptions for 572 yards (52 per game). But even more was expected, especially in big moments the past month or so.

In the last-play loss at Michigan State, for example, "I had some drops, I had a touchdown I could have made to seal the game, but you can't have should've, could've, would've," he said.

"I kind of picked up from there and flipped the switch and put my head down and kept working. Honestly, it was just focusing. I took a lot of the plays from Michigan State for granted and you can't do that."

Because these final two games of this season will really be about building to the next one.

Penn State will return five starting offensive linemen, including injured tackle Ryan Bates. Sophomore top prospect Mike Menet also will get his first true shot.

Johnson will lead the returning receivers that also feature DeAndre Thompkins, Brandon Polk and a slew of promising first-timers.

Sanders is growing into Barkley's size and strength and should be a Big Ten standout.

They will be the main reasons why this team will be expected to win just as much next fall.

Despite losing some of the best the program has known.