Penn State football, Abdul Carter, receive more preseason recognition: Newsstand
Penn State news, notes, and updates for Aug. 20 include more preseason recognition for the Nittany Lions, headlines of the day, and more. It’s time to dive into Tuesday’s top stories and headlines about head coach James Franklin’s program and college athletics.
Penn State tweets of the day
We start with ESPN’s power rankings ahead of the 2024 season. As it did in the AP top 25, Penn State checks in at No. 8.
“The Nittany Lions boast the top returning quarterback in the Big Ten who actually played in the Big Ten last season. Drew Allar quietly had a promising first season, throwing for 25 touchdowns with only two interceptions,” Jake Trotter writes. “He also finished 26th nationally and fourth in the Big Ten in Total QBR (73.7). Penn State, however, is hoping that new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki can help unlock Allar as a downfield passing threat; Allar ranked just 92nd in yards per passing attempt (6.76) and 109th in air yards per attempt (7.05). With Kotelnicki calling plays, Kansas ranked third in yards per attempt (10.04) and 10th in air yards per attempt (11.20) last year. The Nittany Lions have the talent on both sides of the ball to make a run to the playoff — if the passing attack takes another step forward.”
In other news, Lions defender Abdul Carter is one of the top 25 most influential players in college football, according to On3 national columnist Jesse Simonton. He is also an Associated Press second-team preseason All-American.
“Last season, Carter was the guy for the Nittany Lions’ Top-5 unit, playing the most snaps on the team and finishing with 48 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, five pass breakups and a pick,” Simonton writes. “And yet, it was a bit of a letdown from a terrific freshman year. He outgrew his inside linebacker role (he’s now 250 pounds), so he transitioned to end this offseason. Good call. Carter is a devil as a rusher, recording 28 pressures in 2023 — despite rushing the passer on only 33% of PSU’s defensive snaps. Now that’s his full-time role. Look out.”
Headlines of the day
Former Heisman Trophy finalist, legendary college QB joins NBC Sports’ Big Ten football coverage: McGonigal, PennLive
Which Penn State prospects made On3’s Top 100 for the Class of 2027?: Snyder, BWI
James Franklin Has a History of Harrowing Road Openers at Penn State: Wogenrich, SI
Penn State defense blending new with old in Tom Allen’s first season: Carr, BWI
Penn State Football Gearing for 8-Man Offensive Line Rotation: Engle, Statecollege.com
PSU defender DaKaari Nelson makes a position change in preseason camp: Fitz, BWI
2027 Recruiting Intel: QBs will soon take center stage while others already enjoy blue-chip status: Wiltfong, On3
Quote of the day
“They have to be better on offense. They have to throw the ball down the field. I’m going to look at this stat so I make sure that I get it right with Allar last year in the big games. Against Michigan – 70 yards passing. 191 against Ohio State and it didn’t feel like 191 from watching on the sideline. Can he produce in big games? Will he throw it downfield? Will Penn State make big plays?”
“You mentioned Andy Kotelnicki from Kansas now going over in his first year as the offensive coordinator…Offensively, they’ve got Nicholas Singleton, they’ve got Kaytron Allen. It’s sort of a theme with some of these teams – they’re looking for playmakers on the outside,” Davis continued. “They also have to get Allar to be less risk-aversive. He threw 25 touchdowns and only two interceptions. That’s great but not if you’re so risk-aversive that you’re also not giving yourself enough chances to make big plays. I think the new offensive system will alleviate most of that.”
–ESPN analyst Rece Davis on PSU in 2024.
