STATE COLLEGE — Sean Clifford has spent the better part of five preseasons learning new offenses.

Although Penn State’s quarterback is taking cues from his third offensive coordinator in as many years, and fourth since he arrived on campus, Clifford has plenty of reasons to be hopeful.

“I expect a lot of points,” Clifford said. “A lot of skilled football players and a lot of points.”

Coach James Franklin believes new play-caller Mike Yurcich will help the 19th-ranked Nittany Lions return to their 2016-2019 form, when they scored 30 points or more in 35 of 53 games and never averaged less than 34 per game.

Yurcich was hired in January and has ingratiated himself with Penn State’s skill position players with his version of the spread. He used it at Oklahoma State from 2013-18 where the Cowboys were frequently in the top 10 nationally in scoring (38), passing yards per game (315.9) and total offense (478.6).

“What his offenses do, how they get receivers the ball, the production that they have in the offense, it’s really exciting,” receiver Jahan Dotson said.

It’s been easier to learn with fewer COVID-19-related precautions.

Last summer, rather than working in small groups with receivers or getting extra time in the film room as he usually would have, Clifford played chess to stay focused between shortened practice sessions.

During its 0-5 start, Penn State averaged just 24 points per game.