What are the 4 'ifs' Penn State needs to break its way to make the CFP?: Newsstand
Penn State news, notes, and updates for July 29 include a look at questions the Lions must answer to contend for a title, headlines of the day, and more. It’s time to dive into Monday’s top tweets and headlines about the Nittany Lions and college athletics.
Penn State tweets of the day
We start with ESPN college football analyst Bill Connelly’s ‘ifs’ list. He broke College Football Playoff contenders into five tiers based on the number of things that must break their way to win a title this year. Penn State falls into the fourth category. Unsurprisingly, three of the four questions focus on quarterback Drew Allar. The fourth asks if the Lions’ new cornerbacks can do their jobs.
“A big-armed former five-star prospect, Allar was strangely conservative, almost to a fault, in his first season as PSU’s starter,” Connelly writes. “He threw only two interceptions all season and took only 15 sacks, but he also averaged 10.6 or fewer yards per completion in eight of 13 games and averaged only 11.3 for the season. He threw only 8% of his passes 20 yards downfield or farther. (The national average: 14.3%. And most guys don’t have his arm strength.) Kotelnicki designed a crafty and explosive offense at Kansas, and if that translates with Allar and the Nittany Lions, they immediately have top-five upside.”
Connelly goes on to write about the need for receivers to step up for Allar and also has concerns about protection for the junior and second-year starter.
“PSU was sixth in havoc rate allowed last season, and while some of that had to do with Allar’s aforementioned conservatism, it also stemmed from good line play,” Connelly writes. “Will that continue with three starters, including consensus All-American left tackle Olu Fashanu, gone?”
Headlines of the day
Has Drew Allar grown as a leader? One teammate says ‘I can tell he’s willing to speak up’: Flounders, PennLive
What are the top 7 storylines that shaped the Penn State football offseason?: Pickel, BWI
When and Where to Watch Penn State’s Olympians: Tuman, Statecollege.com
Penn State Lasch Bash leaves a strong impression on Jaziel Hart: Snyder, BWI
Penn State seasoned DT Dvon J-Thomas talks journey, expectations for 2024: Hill, Daily Collegian
PSU training camp questions: Could six Offensive lineman packages make a comeback?: Carr, BWI
Big Ten coaches preparing for potential 17-game season with expanded CFP: Schultz, On3
Quote of the day
“The coaches make the place feel like you are literally at home. They show so much love every time. Another thing we noticed is that the coaches also want to build a relationship off the field so that the relationship on the field is even better. And lastly, I noticed how the players go at it in workouts like they’re opponents on different teams. That way, when they’re on the same side of the ball, they can trust each other.”
–Virginia Class of 2026 defensive back Jaziel Hart on PSU following his visit to campus.
