Jul 243 min read

Penn State Displays Confidence About New Look Offense

Penn State made a change at offensive coordinator bringing in Andy Kotelnicki from Kansas for the 2024 season. During Kotelnicki’s time with the Jayhawks, Kansas was No. 17 last season in offensive players of more than 20 yards, and over the last two seasons the Jayhawks averaged more than 35 points per game.

When head coach James Franklin looked to bring in Kotelnicki, outlined in his opening statement at the 2024 Big Ten Media Days on July 24 in Indianapolis, how the Nittany Lions were going to approach the situation.

“I think the big thing was was this going to make sense for him and us? We're not starting from scratch, so are you able to come in, study what we do, what can stay the same and what needs to change," Franklin said. "I think the big thing obviously, we did a ton of good things on offense last year, but we were not explosive enough.”

The lack of explosion is demonstrated by Penn State finishing 97th nationally in plays of 20 or more yards.

Executing Vertically

Penn State was also vertically challenged at times. While many point to junior quarterback Drew Allar’s impeccable touchdown to interception ratio, 25-2, it was in the biggest moments where Penn State couldn’t execute vertically.

The litany of reasons include receivers unable to win the one-on-one battles with defenders to create separation. With Penn State receivers inability to get open, it was compounded when opposing defenders were able to key on Penn State’s dynamic tight ends and running backs, leaving Allar with few open options.

In games against Ohio State, Michigan and Ole Miss—games Penn State lost last season—Allar completed less than 50 percent of his passes in each game, and was unable to maximize the running back duo of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton all season. Allen and Singleton’s production dropped with eight fewer rushing touchdowns and 14.7 percent fewer rushing yards in 2023 from their 2022 breakout season.

The additions were more than just Kotelnicki, as Penn State added Ohio State transfer wide receiver Julian Fleming.

“He’s a veteran guy that's played in this conference," Franklin said of Fleming. "He knows what it's all about. Obviously you know we got a ton of history with him and his family, recruited him very heavily out of high school, but he's thriving.”

Similar sentiments were expressed by tight end Tyler Warren in the Big Ten Media Days individual sessions.

“Julian bring the same energy every day, he is wanting to be a great player and bringing leadership in the wide receiver room,” Warren said.

Warren also talked about the growth in Allar he has seen this spring

"He has gotten more confident, he got a year under his belt, he has more experience with him now and has been a more vocal leader for us as an offense," he said. "We are riding that into camp and we got his back. He has all the talent in the world from a physical standpoint. His mental is really good. He is really mature kid as a one year starter and I was impressed with his maturity when he was a first-year starter.”

Warren also discussed his new offensive coordinator.

"I think 'Coach K' came in and did a great job," Warren said. "He gelled with us really well. We look forward to playing for him. We are motivated to play for him and he has brought us closer as an offense.”

Penn State Exuding Confidence

The confidence exuded today at Big Ten Media Days is something noteworthy.

Typically the Nittany Lions and Franklin haven’t been this bullish about their offense, usually only using hackneyed football cliches. On Wednesday, Franklin and Warren were more direct about the offense, giving long answers.

If Allar has made the progress and is more confident, if Fleming has created the culture desperately needed in the wide receiver room, and the Nittany Lions can get their dynamic rushing attack of Singleton and Allen back on track, the expectations should be great for the offense.

This season's success will depend be how much meddling Franklin will have with this offense.

Keep in mind in Franklin’s opening statement when he said the offense wasn’t built from scratch, but the question becomes will Kotelnicki have the autonomy he enjoyed with Lance Leipold in Kansas to have a potent offense?

If it is the same song and dance, Penn State fans should curb their enthusiasm for this new offensive approach.