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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, Derw Allar

Penn State Football Game Balls, MVP From Blue-White Game

In an exhibition like the Penn State Football Blue-White Game, I like to see the team walk off the field as healthy as they did when the game began.

The Nittany Lions did that yesterday in Happy Valley and I think that’s huge,  after that, I look for assets from players we don’t know too much about yet.

Penn State Football, James Franklin
Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

It’s hard to tell who can really play this game until these players are put into game-like conditions.

There were others not mentioned below that opened some eyes, but if I could give out one game ball on each side of the ball, here’s who I found most deserved of those post-game awards.

Penn State Football Game Balls From Blue-White Game

Offense Game Ball: RB Cam Wallace

Penn State Football, Cam Wallace
Penn State running back Cam Wallace during the Blue-White Game. (Image via USA TODAY Sports)

 

Despite Drew Allar tossing for 202 yards for the second consecutive year, my game ball on offense goes to redshirt running back Cam Wallace.

The dynamic duo of running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen didn’t see the field on Saturday.  That opened the door for Wallace to lead the way for the White team.

Wallace showed off his athleticism and ability to accelerate up to speed quickly from zero, which I’m sure was one of the things that attracted the Nits to his game. Wallace finished the game with seven carries for 36 yards and also hauled in pass for another six yards.

The third back on the depth chart behind Allen and Singleton was in question before the Spring game but I think after watching him yesterday, Wallace probably has a good bead on RB3 heading into next season.

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Defense Game Ball: CB AJ Harris

Penn State Football, AJ Harris
Penn State wide receiver Kaden Saunder pulls holds onto a catch during the Blue-White game at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in State College. The White team defeated the Blue team, 27-0.

 

Let’s face it the White team was loaded Saturday, making the outcome pretty much commensurate with the talent level they brought to the field in a 27-0 victory.

On the opposite side of the field one of the new guys in cornerback A.J. Harris did everything he could to keep things on the level.

The transfer from Georgia posted seven total tackles, including two tackles for loss, in a very strong defensive debut for the Blue team.

The sophomore also recorded a pass breakup and did a very nice job in making the day as unproductive as possible for any White receivers who happened to drift into his air space.

The game left me wanting to see more of the former Penn State recruit turned Georgia Bulldog. You can see why PSU had pursued the former #1 recruit in the entire state of Alabama.  He’s tough, he’s athletic, he’s prepared and he loves to play football. Period.


Penn State Football Blue-White Game MVP: Drew Allar

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)

Hey, why not?

The big fella endured a very brisk and windy day in Happy Valley to sling it for 202 yards and a touchdown in a 27-0 rout of the Blue team.

If nothing else his performance probably validated in some small way his head coach’s decision to name him next year’s starting quarterback heading into the 2024 season and alleviating any type of quarterback controversy that has seemed to have gained some momentum since last January.

MORE: 4 Overreactions to The 2024 Blue-White Game

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Joe Staszak
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