Penn State is about to embark on a season with perhaps the highest expectations in the program’s history. A time-honored Spring tradition, the annual Blue-White Game on April 26th, will have quite a different feel. Penn State Spring game changes and storylines abound. Head coach James Franklin is changing some aspects of the game. Additionally, the stadium will look very different. For fans looking to catch the game on TV, that won’t happen. Compounding these dynamic changes, Franklin is also managing through key storylines on both sides of the ball.
Penn State Spring Game Changes and Storylines
To Spring Game or Not to Spring Game?
While the Blue-White Game will look different this season, Penn State remains a program committed to still having a Spring game. When asked about the game, Franklin repeatedly said that he sees the importance of the scrimmage. From the connection with fans and alumni to the boost it gives local businesses in State College, it has become part of the fabric of the Nittany Lions football experience. As Franklin said during his pre-Spring practice press conference, “A successful Penn State football program helps everybody out: the bars, the restaurants, the hotels. So for me at any point to sit here and say that we’re not going to have a Spring game, I don’t think that would make sense for a ton of reasons.”
Other programs have gone away from Spring games. It is understandable because of the free agency dynamics that the transfer portal and NIL economics have brought to college football. These games allow other programs to scout players and get extra film on them. Franklin is making changes to the way the game will be run, in an effort to alleviate some of those concerns.
The Blue-White Game will not be on TV this year. That gets rid of some of the risk of Penn State players ending up on film for other programs to evaluate for the Spring transfer window. However, fans are going to be allowed in the stadium for the game. So, there could be recordings taken, but those will obviously not be of the same quality as a TV production. For fans not able to attend in person, there is still the potential to listen on the radio. However, this is still to be determined.
Storyline on Offense: Timing is Everything
Timing between the quarterback and receivers comes with repetition. Quarterback Drew Allar is not expected to take that many snaps in the Spring, given his familiarity with coordinator Andy Kotelnicki’s offense. However, Penn State is onboarding two new receivers that are expected to play vital roles in the offense.
Devonte Ross, who came to Happy Valley from Troy via the transfer portal, should contribute as a long-ball threat in the passing games. Additionally, Kyron Hudson is new to the program coming from USC. They will both be relied upon to replace the production of tight-end Tyler Warren. It will be important to get Allar and his new receivers on the same page.
In addition to the receivers, running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen contributed to the passing game last season. However, that was more out of necessity given the lack of receiver production. At tight end, sophomore Luke Reynolds continues to develop and is expected to evolve into a strong starting Big Ten tight end. He will work in tandem with redshirt senior Khalil Dinkins as the position group tries to uphold Penn State’s new tradition of Tight End U.
Storyline on Defense: Fitting the Knowles Mold
Penn State’s most impactful acquisition this offseason could have been off the field. Franklin hired Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles for the same position. Knowles brings a championship pedigree to the position. He is also the third defensive coordinator in three years for Penn State, following Manny Diaz and Tom Allen.
It will be very important for Knowles to implement his offense very quickly. In addition to the new coordinator, Penn State will be dealing with changes at each level of the defense. On the line, it will be difficult to replace the talent and production of Abdul Carter. A key component to this year’s team, Dani Dennis-Sutton, is already dealing with an injury. He is currently unavailable to practice. At linebacker, Kobe King is gone. It will be up to the likes of Dom DeLuca and Tony Rojas to carry the linebackers.
Knowles runs a 4-2-5 defense, similar to the one that Allen looked to use last season. In that scheme, there are only two linebackers (compared to three normally), and five defensive backs (usually four). In the defensive backfield, KJ Winston and Jaylen Reed depart to follow their NFL dreams. Zakee Wheatley and Zion Tracy are the veteran holdovers and will be joined by transfer portal returnee King Mack. This position group’s quick uptake of the defense will be a huge unlock for Knowles.
Main Photo: Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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