Penn State football: 5 questions the Nittany Lions must answer in 2020

4. How good can the Penn State front seven be on defense?

While the offense had some pop a season ago, Penn State banked on their defense more often than not. And while the offense should improve in the 2020 season, the Nittany Lions have such immense potential as a team because the defense should again be one of the more dangerous groups in the country.

The strength of the defense will come from the front seven, a group that will be anchored by linebacker Micah Parsons. An All-American performer a season ago, Parsons is one of the best college linebackers that we’ve seen in quite some time with his ability to cover the entire field in both run defense and pass coverage. Subsequently, he’ll be the anchor in the middle of the field and don’t sleep on him being a Heisman candidate.

While Parsons is the only returning starter at linebacker, the good news is that the defensive line is comprised of experienced players who have the possibility to break out this year. No player is a better example of that than Shaka Toney, the defensive end on the weakside. He’s an absolute physical freak and, if he can rein in his athletic potential, he could be dominant in that regard.

With Parsons and plenty of experience, the Nittany Lions are going to be able to bank on their front seven performing. Having said that, this team would be well-served by that group if they can be overwhelming on a consistent basis, giving them a bonafide trump card on that side of the ball.