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NittanyCentral delivers expert analysis from veteran reporters and timely updates on Penn State sports, with in-depth coverage of Nittany Lions Football, Wrestling, Basketball, and more.

NittanyCentral

NittanyCentral delivers expert analysis from veteran reporters and timely updates on Penn State sports, with in-depth coverage of Nittany Lions Football, Wrestling, Basketball, and more.

Penn State Football

Penn State Football: What We Hope to See During Blue-White Game

Penn State Football will turn the page from spring practices to preparation for the upcoming 2024 season during the annual Blue-White spring game.

Following an offseason of changes for head coach James Franklin‘s program, the Nittany Lions will be breaking in two new coordinators; Andy Kotelnicki calling the offense and Tom Allen taking the reins of the defense, along with newcomers Julian Fleming, A.J. Harris, and Nolan Rucci among a star-studded group of transfer portal additions.

Penn State Football
Penn State freshman linebacker Tony Rojas (13) tackles sophomore wide receiver Omari Evans (Image via USA TODAY Sports)

 

While it’s likely to be a bit of a limited playbook, and the spring game typically is a proving ground for the young players on the roster, here’s a look at what we hope to see during the Blue-White Game.

What We Hope Penn State Football Accomplishes During Blue-White Game

Robert Casturo – Lead Sports Editor

Penn State Football
Penn State Nittany Lions Tight End Khalil Dinkins (16) is congratulated by Penn State Nittany Lions Wide Receiver Omari Evans  (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire)

 

What I hope to see during Blue-White Game

I hope to see a competent and confident offensive attack.
We’ve heard all spring about Drew Allar and Beau Pribula having confidence in Andy Kotelnicki’s system, but we need to see that confidence translate to game speed in a simulated game environment. I want to see Allar be confident and quick on his throws and reads and an offense that is able to consistently move the ball.

Who will be the Breakout Star?

My prediction for the biggest breakout star is Quinton Martin.
With running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen with little to gain from the Blue and White scrimmage, Penn State will likely sit them early to prevent injury. Martin, the heralded in-state freshman will have plenty of opportunity to show what he’s picked up in the last half-semester under Ja’Juan Seider and Andy Kotelnicki.

What will be biggest storyline after the game?

Until proven otherwise, I fear the biggest storyline after the game will be the lack of production at wide receiver. With KeAndre Lambert-Smith’s likely departure, Penn State will need multiple younger receivers to breakout this season. Until I see it in game action though, that remains the biggest question mark for Penn State heading into the 2024 season.

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Alec Whitaker – Senior Penn State Football Recruiting Analyst

Penn State Football
Penn State Nittany Lions Linebacker Abdul Carter  (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire)

What I hope to see during Blue-White Game

A competent offense with accurate and easy passes that give the receiver a chance to make a play in space and use their athleticism.

Who will be the Breakout Star and why?

Cam Wallace, not expecting a lot of Singleton and Allen today and they should keep it on the ground often with the windy conditions.

What will be the biggest storyline after the game?

The biggest storyline will be the defense is still the heartbeat of the team and will carry them this season.


Joe Staszak – Penn State Football Reporter

Penn State Football, Beau Pribula
Penn State quarterback Beau Pribula (image via USA TODAY Sports)

 

What I hope to see during Blue-White Game

What I’d like to see during the Blue-White game is that everyone leave the field healthy. That’s always my biggest concern in a exhibition game.  Aside from that I’d like to see how well Beau Pribula does with extended snaps playing at “live” speed.  He only threw 22 passes last season, completing 11 of them and four for touchdowns.  Not bad but it’s a ver small sample size and while I don’t take very much from Spring Training, or Pre-season or games that don’t count, I think it will be a small barometer for the sophomore to grade his progress, his throws, his command of the offense and his poise, considering there’s a bit of an anti-Allar mob out there cloaked in Blue and White Will a slight groundswell and some momentum behind it.

Who will be the Breakout Star and why?

I cannot wait to see AJ Harris line up on Saturdays and dare opposing quarterbacks to throw his way and with a newly designed offense courtesy of Penn State’s new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, you will probably see some throws designed for his side, even if just to test the designated quarterback to see if he can smell a predator in disguise over on the right side of the opposing secondary.

What will be the biggest storyline after the game?

I think the biggest storyline of the game will be one of a manufactured quarterback controversy.  I think both quarterbacks will push the other and their “healthy” competition will be on full display this afternoon and will likely stir up some noise within Nittany Nation as there is already a fan base somewhat divided on who should be QB1 for the Lions next season.

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Chris Snyder – Senior Penn State Wrestling Reporter

Penn State Football, Drew Allar
Penn State Football QB Drew Allar holds the key to the Nittany Lions’ upside in 2024. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire)

 

What I hope to see during Blue-White Game

The mission for the program on Saturday should be to get all of the players out of the game without suffering any injuries and fully healthy heading into summer training camp.

Who will be the Breakout Star?

Julian Fleming. After the debacle that was the 2023 season, we need to see someone, anyone step up as an impact wide receiver.

What will be the storyline to emerge from the Blue-White Game?

Drew Allar looks sharp and the offense looks completely revamped under Kotelnicki.

MORE: Young Players to Watch During Blue-White Game

 

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