Blue-White Game scouting report: 4 things to look for from Penn State football

Penn State football has three new men running the show under head coach James Franklin.

How much of a difference can these coordinators make − starting with fostering a more cohesive and improved offense − to help the Nittany Lions make a run at a Big Ten title and finally break into the College Football Playoffs in 2024?

Progress and change can be camouflaged by the vanilla set-up of an intrasquad spring scrimmage, like Saturday’s Blue-White Game (2 p.m., Big Ten Network).

But, always, there are “tells” as to where this team may be headed …

Here are four things to look for Saturday in Beaver Stadium:

Penn State football receivers must prove progress

Penn State wide receiver Omari Evans (5) catches a pass over the middle of the field during an NCAA football game against Rutgers Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in State College, Pa. The Nittany Lions won, 27-6.

Don’t count on extended playing time, if any, for key senior wideouts KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Julian Fleming.

Rather, Saturday’s heavy lifting should come from the others in this crowded room. Penn State, at best, will need reliable third and fourth receivers this season to elevate its offense. Who can, finally, look like they are separating themselves?

The focus begins with juniors Tre Wallace, Omari Evans and Kaden Saunders. Each still owns enviable speed and elusive downfield possibilities.

Penn State football offense must ‘work’ differently

Sophomore quarterback Drew Allar warms up in Holuba Hall before helping out with Penn State’s Pro Day on March 15, 2024, in State College.

This offense, tweaked by new coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, must operate on a more fluid and explosive level. It must make success “easier” for its workers. It must make better use of its talents.

Watch for big plays opening more frequently, and more smoothly, even from backups in an April…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/blue-white-game-scouting-report-091110136.html

Author : York Daily Record

Publish date : 2024-04-11 09:11:10

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