Typically things are never as clear cut as we imagine them and I don't know if the PSU game is as meaningful to the long-term health of the program as it feels to me right now, but I do believe your #2 and #4 will be big.

As Wesley (Princess Bride) might ask, "what are our assets?"
1. I think we have several athletic capital projects that will see fruition in the next couple of years (e.g. new athletic dorms in 2021).
2. Favorable schedule - I personally think 10+ wins is achievable. winning can cure a lot of ill will
3. Some savvy coaching maneuvers this off-season. I believe we can see some early impact with the NFL pedigree and more approachable personalities. We had some ineffective recruiters the past few years and a think we are feeling that now.

If things do go south though... we might be in for a(nother) painful off-season.