Penn State Media Day: What They Said and What has Happened Part 2 – Offense

View coverage of Media Day filmed by Emmet Mahon.

There were high hopes for the Penn State Nittany Lion football team in 2023. Particularly the offense that would finally be led by Drew Allar, a quarterback who enjoyed near universal praise for his enormous potential. He would have an experienced offensive line protecting him and two exciting running backs that each ran for over 1,000 yards in their freshman year behind him. There were intriguing wide receivers that were supposed to spread the field and open up lanes for a deep tight end roster to exploit defenses. But a funny thing happened on the way to offensive immortality. Virtually none of the players lived up to expectations. Yes, there were 30 point games throughout the year. Those occurred against inferior teams and in the second half of games when the overmatched defenses wilted. Scores from their teammates on the defensive side of the ball padded the scoring stats.

It began with Allar. He flashed signs of his potential brilliance. However, he was tentative. He rarely put the ball in tight windows in fear of turnovers. His hesitancy limited Penn State’s big play ability. RPOs rarely employed the “P” or the “O.” Defenses keyed on the run heavily, knowing it was probably the decision Allar would make. Running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen were able to break the occasional long runs, but they did not have the same game breaking impact. Even projected top five NFL draft pick, tackle Olu Fashanu, surrender sacks and committed penalties at an unforeseen rate. The wide receivers struggled to get open and even when they did, Allar would miss them, or they would drop the ball. Only the tight ends lived up to expectations.

All of these factors, along with Offensive Coordinator Mike Yurcich’s often mystifying play calling, resulted in his dismissal before the end of the season. With Yurich gone, Head Coach James Franklin looked for a coordinator that would maximize the players’ talent. Enter Andy Kotelnicki from Kansas. Under Kotelnicki’s tutelage, the Jayhawks would regularly make the college highlight shows with an offense that was part track meet, part three ring circus. Opposing defenses would be constantly guessing where the ball was headed because you never knew who would run, pass, or catch it.

It was evident in conversations with coaches and players that Kotelnicki’s unique offense and infectious personality were a hit. Running Backs Coach Ja’Juan Seider knew the revamped offense would provide plays that would reinvigorate Singleton and Allen, in addition to his other young backs. Tight Ends Coach Ty Howle continues to make the tight end room one of the best in college at production and developing NFL talent. His players would thrive under Kotelnicki, especially senior Tyler Warren, who was named to the pre-season John Mackey Award (Nation’s Best Tight End) watch list. Healthy wide receiver Harrison Wallace, III, Ohio State transfer

Julian Fleming, and maturing Omari Evans all promised significant upgrades to the receiving corps.

The big concern was rebuilding an offensive line that lost three starters to the NFL. Experienced players would be counted on to go from back up to starters. True freshman, 6’6”, 316 pound Cooper Cousin would be thrown in the deep end. Nolan Rucci was brought in from Wisconsin for veteran leadership and to provide competition. These new starters all earned praise from the coaching staff but none more than senior center Nick Dawkins. Teammates raved at Dawkins ability to establish himself as the unquestioned leader of the offensive line.

Plans might be perfect, but execution is the true test. With Big Ten play set to begin this week with Illinois visiting Beaver Stadium, a quick evaluation of Kotelnicki’s plan demonstrates obvious improvement. Despite early jitters in the season opener against West Virginia, Allar looks like a different player. He is decisive with his throws. He is throwing the ball downfield with regularity and success. Despite not being considered an elite runner, he is unafraid to tuck the ball away and run. He has thrown eight TDs to one interception. He is completing 70.7% of his passes and his passer rating is a staggering 218.3. The prospect of turnovers no longer weigh on him. He is spreading the ball around to multiple receivers. In interviews, he exudes a greater confidence and understanding of his responsibilities.

Singleton and Allan are back to gashing defenses. Singleton has gained 316 yards and scored two touchdowns, including a 41 yard burst. Allen has returned to the bruising style of his freshman year by accumulating 189 yards and two touchdowns, the longest of which was 26 yards. Both rushers have been contributors to the passing game with Singleton scoring twice on his four receptions and Allan made the most of his one reception, good for 20 yards and a touchdown. 

The passing game has seen a diversity of targets. Six receivers have been caught balls in the first three games. Omari Evans is the current receiving leader with 205 yards, averaging 25.6 YPC and having a 59 yard touchdown. Wallace has 146 yards receiving for an 18.3 YPC and added a 50 yard touchdown to his resume. Youngsters Anthony Allen and Tyseer Denmark have also found the box score

Unsurprisingly, the tight ends have been a consistent component of the passing attack. Warren has established himself as one of the nation’s top tight ends by leading the Nittany Lions with 226 yards receiving. He established career highs in receptions and yardage in Penn State’s game against Bowling Green. The former high school quarterback even threw a touchdown this year. Khalil Dinkins patiently waited for his turn and is now a fixture in Kotelnicki’s frequent two tight end sets. True freshman Luke Reynolds has lessened the temporary loss of talented redshirt freshman Andrew Rappleyea. The two figure to be Penn State’s next great tight ends.

Most importantly, the offensive line has gelled in time for the important part of the schedule. They have kept Allar upright and healthy. They have opened holes for the running backs to make it to the next level where they can defeat overmatched linebackers and safeties. The Nittany Lion offense is operating at a high level due in part to the revamped line eliminating penalties and other self-inflicted wounds.

All of the progress Kotelnicki has made must be tempered by the caliber of the open. However, the team is noticeably more efficient when employing the eye test. The defense was always expected to be the unit most responsible for victory, but this new offense takes pressure off the defense, allowing that unit to play more aggressively. If the offense holds up their end of the bargain, a College Football Playoff berth is not out of the question.