2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 10-3, Loss vs. Ole Miss in Peach Bowl (38-25)

Penn State entered the 2023 season with high expectations with a new quarterback under center and what was supposed to be an elite defense. The defense performed well but the same problems plagued James Franklin and the Nittany Lions — Ohio State and Michigan. Penn State began the season 6-0 before suffering its first loss to the Buckeyes. Later in the season, a loss to Michigan erased any hopes of a Big Ten title or berth in the CFB Playoff. There might not be a team that will benefit from the expanded, 12-team playoff more than Penn State.

Offense: Allar set to run it back

The good news for Penn State is that Michigan is not on the schedule this season. That means Ohio State is the only major hurdle on the expanded Big Ten schedule. Franklin brought in Andy Kotelnicki to be the new offensive coordinator and he is set to bring a new, creative offense to Penn State.

Allar might get the chance to use his mobility and strong arm in the offense. Pair that with an ability to take care of the football and Allar is set for a big year. Last season, the first-year starter tossed 25 touchdowns and just two interceptions. The group of wide receivers is not as strong as year’s past. Ohio State transfer Julian Fleming will be leaned on in big spots. The former five-star recruit has polished his hame in Columbus and will remain in the Big Ten.

Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen return to make up one of the best running back duos in the conference. Last season, they were separated by just one carry. Allen led the way with 172 and Singleton was right behind him with 171. That is a true split. They combined for 14 touchdowns on the ground. This season, the duo has a chance to be used more as pass catchers.

The major issue will be the offensive line. First-round pick Olu Fashanu headlines three starters that are lost from last year’s team.

If Allar gets the protection he needs, the offense has a chance to be explosive and creative. The fast-paced style benefits Allar and the duo of backs that will be major factors.

Defense: Nittany Lions among Big Ten’s best

Penn State was one of the nation’s best defenses last season. Tom Allen was brought in to be the new offensive coordinator and there are high hopes for the unit once again.

The Nittany Lions bolster some of the nation’s best depth along the defensive line and in the secondary. Dvon Ellies and Hakeem Beamon are back in the center and will make it difficult for teams to run the ball. Penn State has built some incredible linebackers and Tony Rojas might be next on the list.

In the secondary, transfers Jalen Kimber from Florida and Georgia’s A.J. Harris come in to add depth on the outside. Safeties Kenvin Winston Jr. and Jaylen Reed are known for taking the football away and are strong in coverage, when needed. Zakee Wheatley will also play a major role as a hard-hitting safety.

The defense is going to keep Penn State in a lot of games. If the Nittany Lions score some points, this could be a team to watch.

2024 Penn State Football Schedule

• Saturday, Aug. 31: at West Virginia
• Saturday, Sept. 7: vs. Bowling Green
• Saturday, Sept. 21: vs. Kent State
• Saturday, Sept. 28: vs. Illinois
• Saturday, Oct. 5: vs. UCLA
• Saturday, Oct. 12: at USC
• Saturday, Oct. 26: at Wisconsin
• Saturday, Nov. 2: vs. Ohio State
• Saturday, Nov. 9: vs. Washington
• Saturday, Nov. 16: at Purdue
• Saturday, Nov. 23: at Minnesota
• Saturday, Nov. 30: vs. Maryland