I was pretty down before this season started, thinking we'd go 10-2 as usual and miss the playoff. Thankfully, we didn't drop a game like we usually did outside of the Ohio State game. I liked what I saw from the team this year, but there's so much room for improvement. The defense took a step back, but we just made a HUGE statement in hiring Knowles. That has me excited.
I think the offense took a big step forward this year from 2 years ago, but not enough. The QB-WR relationship needs to get figured out if we are to take the next step. Another year in AK's system is going to benefit Allar greatly IMO, and he should take another step forward. He did get better from year 1 to year 2, but not enough to get us over the hump. That's fine, not many young QB's make that leap after year 1. Those leaps (especially in the past) would usually come after the 2nd year so fingers crossed.
Right now, I'd guess the starting WRs would be Kyron Hudson & Devonte Ross on the outside, and from what I've read Tyseer Denmark in the slot. Hudson is a bigger physical WR that we've lack in recent seasons, and Ross reads like a big upgrade from Omari Evans. A burner (10.6 40) who's also quick and shifty. Anyone who can light up Iowa for 150 yards receiving and a punt return for TD has talent. I think Denmark would have burned his redshirt this year had he not been injured, as it sounds like once he grasped the concepts and offense it was clear he could make major contributions. Franklin and others kept talking about him, and the rumors are he's gonna be a major part of the Offense next year. I hope that's the case.
As for the TE's - Obviously Warren is a loss. However, that position is well stocked and we will reload with some very good options.
RB's speak for themselves, probably the best tandem in college next year.
OL will be very, very good if not elite.
I’m trying to think of the LB’r we had back in the early 2000 dude was a stud in the NFL but wasn’t all that great at Penn St because he was a late boomer maybe and I’m hoping that’s the thing with DA because the kid is just 20. It’s like Allar is a big kid with a strong arm and you can see the potential is there but because of his age it’s just not his time yet but that could change because you football mature a lot from 20 to 21. I’m hoping he finds whatever it is missing and he kicks ass this year and I’m sure better WR’s will help. You gotta give the kid credit on one thing, he gives it a 100% while he’s on the field regardless if the play worked or didn’t work you know he tried his best. Dang I can’t remember that LB’r he was a bad ass in the NFL and I believe he played for Miami. Please let me know his name if somebody knows who I’m talking about, it’s killing me? 😂 he was ok at Penn St but a stud in the NFL. I believe he was 03 or 04?
I completely agree. Cooper Cousins will start next year, he has potential to be a future 1st round draft pick. Tyseer is already a dramatic improvement over Liam Clifford. I don’t think it’s up for debate that Hudson and Ross are better than Wallace and Evans. Joel Klatt has already stated PSU is his number 1 preseason favorite going into 2025, Joel has a B10 bias but the guy knows ball. Penn State has copied and pasted UM and OSU’s blueprint for success the last two years. The fact that Allar, Kaytron and Nick are coming back coupled with the addition of Knowles, essentially giving PSU the best coordinator tandem in CFB. I would not be shocked or surprised if Penn State is the preseason AP #1 going into next season. As a lifelong fan, I’ve always wanted to see that #1 next to our name. I hope it happens, time to earn it.
Derick wake was the dude. He changed his name to Cameron Wake. Dude was okay at Penn St but a bad ass in the NFL I believe he was one of the best LB’s in the NFL while he was playing. I’m pulling for DA to take that step Wake did but his Sr year at Penn St 😂
He was an edge player in the NFL, mainly defensive end later on. Definitely suited him more, at PSU he was used as a pure OLB a lot more, and that wasn't his skillset.Derick wake was the dude. He changed his name to Cameron Wake. Dude was okay at Penn St but a bad ass in the NFL I believe he was one of the best LB’s in the NFL while he was playing. I’m pulling for DA to take that step Wake did but his Sr year at Penn St 😂
@kularrow I hope to see #1 at the end of the season. Don't give a Niccy prediction about the preseason ranking.
@been-there-ii Oklahoma done it 3 times under Barry Switzer. Them Oklahoma teams were bad ass man in the 70’s and 80’s he had. We went up 10-0 in 85 if I remember correctly and I thought we was gonna get that win baby then Oklahoma come storming back and man that stunk when we lost that game. We took care of business in 86 season though 😁
@rip lol Way easier to figure when the numbers are in front of you. Whole lot tougher trying to remember.