Penn State football has three new players running the show under head coach James Franklin.
These coordinators will start by developing a more cohesive and improved offense to help the Nittany Lions make a run for a Big Ten title and ultimately advance to the College Football Playoff in 2024. , how much of a difference can it make?
Progress and change can be camouflaged by the mundane setting of an intrasquad spring scrimmage, like Saturday's Blue-White game (2 p.m., Big Ten Network).
But there are always “foreshadowings” as to where this team is going…
Here are four things to watch at Beaver Stadium on Saturday.
Penn State football receiver must prove progress
Don't expect extended playing time, if any, from key senior wideouts Ke'Andre Lambert-Smith and Julian Fleming.
Rather, the heavy lifting on Saturday should be done by others in this crowded room. At best, Penn State will need a reliable third and fourth receiver to shore up its offense this season. After all, who are we to see ourselves apart from?
The spotlight starts with juniors Tre Wallace, Omari Evans and Kayden Sanders. Each still possesses enviable speed and elusive downfield potential.
Penn State football's offense needs to 'work' differently
This offense, adjusted by new coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, will need to operate at a more fluid and explosive level. We need to make success “easier” for our employees. We have to put that talent to better use.
Notice that big plays start more often and more smoothly, even from reserve in April scrimmages.
Blue white details:New offense…new look? How to watch the Penn State football Blue-White game
Players seem adamant that change is afoot.
“Coach K is really flexible, he creates a lot of space on the offensive end, gets us into open spaces and gives us one-on-one opportunities to show what we can do as ball carriers and pass catchers. I’m going to give it to you,” quarterback Drew Aller said last week. “I think he's doing a great job of giving us opportunities to play in space and leading us to those opportunities…”
How Penn State recruits linebackers and safeties
Defensive coordinator Tom Allen could use fewer linebackers and more defensive backs this season, focusing on safety, especially in passing situations.
The Nittany Lions have a lot to work on there.
Expect a lively and productive scrimmage from veteran safeties Jalen Reed, KJ Winston, Zaky Wheatley, and redshirt freshman King Mack. They have all garnered attention this spring and should bring a physical presence in run support and pass defense.
Meanwhile, linebackers Tony Rojas and Kobe King are having breakout seasons and should be on display Saturday. But our focus here on Saturday was linebacker and team captain Dom DeLuca.
Penn State pass rushers and pass protectors
The Nittany Lions were surprisingly dynamic in both spots last year. If this team is to improve, it will have to do so again with a new anchor.
While they won't be able to attack the quarterback on Saturday, the sudden battle between the rising offensive tackle and defensive end will be interesting. Who wins on Edge most often?
Offensive tackles J.B. Nelson, Jeven Williams and Nolan Lucci (Drew Shelton is out due to offseason surgery) and potentially dominant edge rushers Dani Dennis-Sutton, Amine Vanover and Jameel Vanover. Focus on how they hold up against the Lions, Zuraia Fisher.
Who's the best of these defenders? Abdul-Carter's transition from linebacker to defensive end appears to be happening more quickly and deftly than expected, according to Franklin. Carter should also flash early Saturday if he gets the chance.
Frank Bodani covers Penn State football for the York Daily Record and USA Today Network. To contact him, fbodan@ydr.com Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @YDRPennState.
