Andy K in the news…

GreggK

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May 25, 2022
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I know I will be in the minority here, but I honestly haven't been very impressed with his offense.
I think we can do better. Obviously he is better than MY, but, we hardly get a flow going very often before he decides to throw in random trick plays. Again, he was an upgrade, and maybe he would be better with a QB like Pribula, but, not Allar.
 

1995PSUGrad

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Oct 30, 2021
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I know I will be in the minority here, but I honestly haven't been very impressed with his offense.
I think we can do better. Obviously he is better than MY, but, we hardly get a flow going very often before he decides to throw in random trick plays. Again, he was an upgrade, and maybe he would be better with a QB like Pribula, but, not Allar.
Are you serious? This was the best offense we have had in years.
 

GreggK

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May 25, 2022
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Are you serious? This was the best offense we have had in years.
I said I knew I would be in the minority, just stating my opinion. I am not a fan of how our running game is designed. I think often we trip up our own momentum trying to be cute. I don't like the short yardage pass game. Not being a standard negative PSU fan here, I am thrilled with JF this year, and I also like AK, I just feel like we should be getting more out of the talent we have.

(no point in calling my opinion dumb or resorting to name calling etc, just stating my opinon)
 

LB99

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Oct 27, 2021
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I know I will be in the minority here, but I honestly haven't been very impressed with his offense.
I think we can do better. Obviously he is better than MY, but, we hardly get a flow going very often before he decides to throw in random trick plays. Again, he was an upgrade, and maybe he would be better with a QB like Pribula, but, not Allar.
Yes, you are in the minority. With that said, I believe I read in a recruiting article that he has generally built his offense around a mobile QB. That is contrary to what MY was recruiting, so the offense could look much different under Pribula if Allar opts to go to the draft and I would expect them to bring in another more mobile QB if Coach K stays.
 
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LB99

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After all the years of following Leopold around, I assumed Coach K was content being an OC.
 

Calabrin

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Oct 16, 2022
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I know I will be in the minority here, but I honestly haven't been very impressed with his offense.
I think we can do better. Obviously he is better than MY, but, we hardly get a flow going very often before he decides to throw in random trick plays. Again, he was an upgrade, and maybe he would be better with a QB like Pribula, but, not Allar.
This is a fair assessment.

You could argue that AK is aware of the lack of offensive weapons and is trying to compensate, but the non-stop shifting does not appear to yield results sufficient to say that it's better than just running standard plays.

I don't mind some of the tricky plays, but I agree he seems to go to that well too easily, and too often. Struggling against Minnesota, the two best drives were the one where they threw a simple deep route to Wallace, and the drive where they just methodically moved down the field, sans the flag football gimmicks.

DEFINITELY an upgrade over Yurcich who did nothing, but I think they can get someone in there that can do an equally good job. I will still be sad to see AK go because I think he is a good assistant, but we knew this was coming in the event of a successful PSU season. Wish him nothing but the best.
 

LB99

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This offense is light years better than the last few years, even without a legitimate stud WR. Also, Allar has made big improvements under Coach K. I don’t think that is a coincidence. He’s playing confident and is improving. As for the constant shifting, I could be wrong but I think that is more to see how the defense aligns rather than what play PSU is actually running. I will agree though that there are times where instead of the trick play, I wish they would just line up and run the offense. I still like Coach K, a lot, though. Best game planner and play caller since Moorhead.
 

Blair10

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Nov 14, 2021
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It’s way too early to overrate or underestimate Kotelnicki.

On one hand, the offense has definitely improved from the Yurcich disaster. Kotelnicki has done a very good job of utilizing Nick Singleton in space and edge runs. The use of the TE and specifically Warren has been outstanding. The play calling has been more imaginative compared to the Yurcich years.

On the other hand, the offense is no where near being explosive against teams with better than average defenses (ex: Minnesota and Ohio State). Also, the offense tends to be a bit too gimmicky which is not sustainable over the long term. The better teams don’t fall for the gimmick plays.

Lastly, in all fairness, we can’t fairly evaluate Kotelnicki until he gets a legitimate WR room that can vertically threaten defenses by stretching the field. In addition, a legitimate dual threat QB will be better suited for Kotelnicki’s offense.
 

PSUFTG

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Nov 1, 2021
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I said I knew I would be in the minority, just stating my opinion. I am not a fan of how our running game is designed. I think often we trip up our own momentum trying to be cute. I don't like the short yardage pass game. Not being a standard negative PSU fan here, I am thrilled with JF this year, and I also like AK, I just feel like we should be getting more out of the talent we have.

(no point in calling my opinion dumb or resorting to name calling etc, just stating my opinon)
The data back you up.
As fun as it has been to watch Warren playing Superman every week:

Believe it or not, last year, under Yurcich, PSU led the Big Ten in scoring (12th in the nation)
This year, PSU is 4th in the Big Ten in scoring (30th in the nation)

Last year, PSU played perhaps the toughest schedule in the nation with regard to defenses faced - PSU faced the top 3 scoring defenses in the nation (not counting PSU's own defense), and 6 of the top 40.

This year - PSU faced just 3 of the top 40 defenses (and due to favorable scheduling, did not play 3 nationally top 10 defenses in the Big Ten)

Factoring out the emotions, and looking at the data, compared to 2023:
In addition to scoring being down (despite playing far less imposing defenses)
Warren's productivity has been fun.
The Tailback run game has dropped further.
The WRs have been even less impactful.
Colorful nicknames aside, it would be impossible to argue that the offense has been objectively better in 2024.

Fortunately, as Blair alluded to, they will have at least two more games to show their capabilities before the final chapter is written on 2024.
 
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Nittany1865Farmer

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Oct 12, 2021
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The data back you up.
As fun as it has been to watch Warren playing Superman every week:

Believe it or not, last year, under Yurcich, PSU led the Big Ten in scoring (12th in the nation)
This year, PSU is 4th in the Big Ten in scoring (30th in the nation)

Last year, PSU played perhaps the toughest schedule in the nation with regard to defenses faced - PSU faced the top 3 scoring defenses in the nation (not counting PSU's own defense), and 6 of the top 40.

This year - PSU faced just 3 of the top 40 defenses (and due to favorable scheduling, did not play 3 nationally top 10 defenses in the Big Ten)

Factoring out the emotions, and looking at the data, compared to 2023:
In addition to scoring being down (despite playing far less imposing defenses)
Warren's productivity has been fun.
The Tailback run game has dropped further.
The WRs have been even less impactful.
Colorful nicknames aside, it would be impossible to argue that the offense has been objectively better in 2024.

Fortunately, as Blair alluded to, they will have at least two more games to show their capabilities before the final chapter is written on 2024.
It is interesting that Joel Klatt on his latest podcast did reference the fact that PSU has been relying too much on Tyler Warren to make up for the serious lack of production from the WR's and RB's. It works he said against teams with mediocre defenses, but now with the playoffs, it won't be easy trying to use Warren all the time because defensive coordinators will scheme coverages to confuse Allar into thinking that Warren is an option, but in reality, is going to get blanket coverage all the time.
 

PSUFTG

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It is interesting that Joel Klatt on his latest podcast did reference the fact that PSU has been relying too much on Tyler Warren to make up for the serious lack of production from the WR's and RB's. It works he said against teams with mediocre defenses, but now with the playoffs, it won't be easy trying to use Warren all the time because defensive coordinators will scheme coverages to confuse Allar into thinking that Warren is an option, but in reality, is going to get blanket coverage all the time.
As always, time will tell.
 

LB99

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Oct 27, 2021
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The data back you up.
As fun as it has been to watch Warren playing Superman every week:

Believe it or not, last year, under Yurcich, PSU led the Big Ten in scoring (12th in the nation)
This year, PSU is 4th in the Big Ten in scoring (30th in the nation)

Last year, PSU played perhaps the toughest schedule in the nation with regard to defenses faced - PSU faced the top 3 scoring defenses in the nation (not counting PSU's own defense), and 6 of the top 40.

This year - PSU faced just 3 of the top 40 defenses (and due to favorable scheduling, did not play 3 nationally top 10 defenses in the Big Ten)

Factoring out the emotions, and looking at the data, compared to 2023:
In addition to scoring being down (despite playing far less imposing defenses)
Warren's productivity has been fun.
The Tailback run game has dropped further.
The WRs have been even less impactful.
Colorful nicknames aside, it would be impossible to argue that the offense has been objectively better in 2024.

Fortunately, as Blair alluded to, they will have at least two more games to show their capabilities before the final chapter is written on 2024.
Comparing 2024 to 2023, many of the offensive categories are improved in 2024. Yards/gm, rushing yards per game, passing yards/game. Passing yards/attempt, rushing yards/attempt.

 

bdgan

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Oct 12, 2021
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  1. PSU should have tied him to a 2yr deal.
  2. I think it would be poor taste for AK to be interviewing before the playoffs.
  3. Moorehead might be a better fit for Pribula.
 

Bvillebaron

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Oct 12, 2021
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I said I knew I would be in the minority, just stating my opinion. I am not a fan of how our running game is designed. I think often we trip up our own momentum trying to be cute. I don't like the short yardage pass game. Not being a standard negative PSU fan here, I am thrilled with JF this year, and I also like AK, I just feel like we should be getting more out of the talent we have.

(no point in calling my opinion dumb or resorting to name calling etc, just stating my opinon)
I missed the part where the poster called your opinion dumb or called you any names. Can you point it out for me?
 

Nits1989

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Oct 29, 2021
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In the Big 10, we’re 4th in points scored and number 2 in points allowed. That’s pretty good.
 
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GreggK

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May 25, 2022
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I missed the part where the poster called your opinion dumb or called you any names. Can you point it out for me?

He didn’t, I didn’t say he did, I just knew it’s a controversial opinion, so I was preempting a pile on.
 

olelion

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Oct 31, 2021
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I’d expect him to give James at least 2 years…


The obsession with hiring coordinators continues. They are all "play callers" and their body of work is seldom on display. It's the rest of that body of work that often leads to failure as a head coach. Careful vetting has to be done with coordinators
 

LB99

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A few things: Nobody is taking into account that the B1G welcomed four new teams this year, including Oregon who has a reputation as a very good offensive program. PSU is second in yards per game by just 5.7 yards/game to Oregon. You can look at the stats I attached and make a lot of deductions from it. Overall, PSU ranks in the top 4 of the 18 team conference in nearly every category

 

LionJim

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Oct 12, 2021
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A few things: Nobody is taking into account that the B1G welcomed four new teams this year, including Oregon who has a reputation as a very good offensive program. PSU is second in yards per game by just 5.7 yards/game to Oregon. You can look at the stats I attached and make a lot of deductions from it. Overall, PSU ranks in the top 4 of the 18 team conference in nearly every category

Ah.
 

Ram20

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Oct 25, 2021
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We've been good enough on offense to beat 10 of 11 teams on our schedule, AK deserves credit for that. I think we'll all concede our defense, while strong again, isn't as dominate as it was last year. So, even more credit to AK. That said, like all the OC's before him, he called a bad game against OSU. Our O-line doesn't appear much better to me at run blocking, again, don't know if that's development or play design. If we have a similar performance, IF, against Oregon and our 1st round playoff opponent as we did against OSU, would we really be able to say that AK was appreciably better than any of our OCs under Franklin?
 

razpsu

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Oct 19, 2021
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It is interesting that Joel Klatt on his latest podcast did reference the fact that PSU has been relying too much on Tyler Warren to make up for the serious lack of production from the WR's and RB's. It works he said against teams with mediocre defenses, but now with the playoffs, it won't be easy trying to use Warren all the time because defensive coordinators will scheme coverages to confuse Allar into thinking that Warren is an option, but in reality, is going to get blanket coverage all the time.
I was thinking about this. What if his name was Harrison. Would they try to scheme him out as well. Yes. But can they? No.
Warren is that good of a player. He is a generational utility type of player. He didn’t get enough looks against osu and use him like we do every other game.
so I don’t think you can shut him down if he is used In the bigger games like he is used in the past 3 games.
 
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CyphaPSU

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What some other coordinators give lip service to, Andy actually puts into practice for real in tangible ways. You often hear OC's state how they want to have a system that is tailored to their roster's best strengths, and yet on the field you still see pigeon-holing of various players to match what the coordinator really wants to do. I don't think tight end was a huge part of his offense at KU, but look what Andy has done with Warren. Look what he has done with our athletic big men in pre-snap motion. When he wants a more traditional mobile QB, he has packages for Pribula—he does not force Allar into that mold even with Drew utilizing additional mobility on his own this year. Not every OC out there is nearly as creative with finding new ways for the best attributes of your players to be maximized. All that window dressing is designed for one simple idea: getting the most out of your players while giving the defense a lot to think about. Andy is very talented.
 

psuro

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Are you serious? This was the best offense we have had in years.
Between 2014 (Franklin's first year) and 2023, PSU averaged 32 points per game.
in 2024, PSU averaged 33.4 points per game.

Interestingly enough, PSU averaged 36.7 ppg in 2022/2023 (entire year, including after when MY was terminated).

It's an offense that does different things, but in terms of points on the scoreboard, it is not appreciably better than what CJF has done during his tenure here. That said, I would hope Coack K sticks around.
 
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NittanySteel

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Was the offense fun to watch at times? Of course. But there are plenty of coordinators who can score zero TDs against OSU.

I’d like him to stay because I think he’d be better with a more mobile QB. And for continuity. But if he leaves, it won’t be the end of the world.
 

psuro

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Conversely, from 2014-2023, PSU Defense gave up an average of 19 ppg.
In 2024, PSU gave up 14 ppg.
 

LB99

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Between 2014 (Franklin's first year) and 2023, PSU averaged 32 points per game.
in 2024, PSU averaged 33.4 points per game.

Interestingly enough, PSU averaged 36.7 ppg in 2022/2023 (entire year, including after when MY was terminated).

It's an offense that does different things, but in terms of points on the scoreboard, it is not appreciably better than what CJF has done during his tenure here. That said, I would hope Coack K sticks around.
To play devil’s advocate, nobody cared what the points per game average was last year when Yurcich was fired. They only cared that the offense was inept in crucial areas.
 

psuro

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To play devil’s advocate, nobody cared what the points per game average was last year when Yurcich was fired. They only cared that the offense was inept in crucial areas.
Oh I know. I just found it interesting what the numbers are. I think there are perceptions of Coach K's offense, but there is no marked diffence in output between any OC since CJF has been here and Coach K.
 
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LB99

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Oh I know. I just found it interesting what the numbers are. I think there are perceptions of Coach K's offense, but there is no marked diffence in output between any OC since CJF has been here and Coach K.
Good points. I understand what you are saying. I look at it this way. Do we think the 2023 offense with MY calling the plays was capable of inflicting its will on an opponent to wear them down and salt away a game (Illinois)? Would the 2023 offense have been able to put together a game winning drive on the road with down field passing and picking up 4th downs at crucial times to win the game (USC). Would last year’s offense had the capability to lead multiple come from behind victories on the road? Does Allar look better at reading a defense and getting the ball down field? I don’t think it is all in the stats even though the stats are still very good.
 
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psuro

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Good points. I understand what you are saying. I look at it this way. Do we think the 2023 offense with MY calling the plays was capable of inflicting its will on an opponent to wear them down and salt away a game (Illinois)? Would the 2023 offense have been able to put together a game winning drive on the road with down field passing and picking up 4th downs at crucial times to win the game (USC). Would last year’s offense had the capability to lead multiple come from behind victories on the road? Does Allar look better at reading a defense and getting the ball down field? I don’t think it is all in the stats even though the stats are still very good.
Oh I get it. I just like the objectivity of numbers on their own.
 
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LB99

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The only stat that matters at this point is 11-1. They are 11-1 and playing for a B1G title and will have a spot in the playoff. Coach K is a big part of that. I know that annoys some on here who have been uncoincidently absent from the board for the last few weeks with all the Penn State positivity. 11-1.
 
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