Debate: Can Penn State duplicate its success from 2016?

After a breakthrough 2016 campaign, Penn State will be looking to build on the momentum they created toward the end of last season. With all signs pointing to head coach James Franklin receiving a contract extension in the near future, the pressure will be on to replicate the magic the team produced last year.

Can Penn State duplicate its success from 2016?

Alex Chippin: Beating Ohio State was the season-defining moment for Penn State last year, yet that result had more to do with luck than anything else. The Nittany Lions would've lost that game if not for a miraculous performance from their special teams unit, and instead of a Big Ten championship, the 2016 season would've been remembered as another mediocre one under Franklin - who fans were ready to run out of town after a 2-2 start to the season, which included a complete demolition at the hands of Michigan.

Michael Amato: Granted, the victory over the Buckeyes was fortuitous thanks to a late field-goal block for a touchdown, but special teams are part of the game and the Nittany Lions shouldn't be looked down on for a win. Penn State also used that victory as a building block last year, winning their next six games, including a victory over Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game. They also nearly capped off the year with a win against USC in Rose Bowl, so Franklin and company have proven they can hang with the country's elite programs.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Chippin: The Wisconsin comeback was nice, but relying on second-half turnarounds isn't sustainable over the long term - just look at what happened versus USC. Penn State either trailed or went into halftime tied in six of its final eight games, most of which came against subpar Big Ten teams, and that's a troubling sign. It's also concerning that Penn State lost leading receiver Chris Godwin to the NFL draft, while its second-leading receiver was a tight end - which doesn't necessarily bode well for quarterback Trace McSorley, who makes his living off downfield heaves.

Amato: Losing Godwin isn't ideal, but Penn State will still have several key players returning, most notably of which is Saquon Barkley, arguably the nation's best running back. While McSorley relied on the deep ball with Godwin, Barkley ran the ball nearly 300 times, and that figures to be the base of Penn State's attack once again in 2017. Pounding the ball with Barkley will undoubtedly create an opportunity for a new deep threat to emerge in play-action situations.

Chippin: That's all well and good, but let's not forget that Michigan promises to take another step forward this season, while Ohio State - which the CFP committee determined was better than Penn State last year despite the head-to-head result - is always a national powerhouse. The Big Ten looks to boast more depth this year as well, and teams like Iowa, Indiana, and Northwestern present Penn State with more landmines around which to navigate early on. In a sport where one bad week can ruin your season, there are simply too many forces working against the Nittany Lions for them to experience the same type of success it enjoyed a year ago.

Amato: Michigan and Ohio State will always be obstacles, but the Nittany Lions are still more talented than everyone else on their schedule. Last year's success should help Franklin's veteran team, given the big-game experience they gained playing in the Rose Bowl and for the Big Ten title. Don't be surprised if it happens again.