3 major Penn State football storylines heading into the Blue-White game

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — After many weeks of spring practice, we are finally approaching the spring game. At the end of this week, the Penn State football team will take the field for the first time since its Rose Bowl win on January 2nd for the annual Blue-White spring game at Beaver Stadium. The expectations for James Franklin’s Nittany Lions are high this year, though there are still a few major storylines heading into this weekend’s game. Here are a few things to follow during the game.

Penn State football quarterback battle

One of the biggest storylines of spring ball has been the ongoing Penn State football quarterback battle between rising sophomores Drew Allar and Beau Pribula. Allar — a former five-star recruit — is thought to be the Lions starter already, though according to James Franklin, there is no decision made yet. Beau Pribula — a former four-star — brings many desirable traits to the table for Penn State as well; he is the Nittany Lions’ dual-threat quarterback.

While both will likely see a good amount of reps this fall due to their varying skillsets, seeing who shines the brightest during the Blue-White spring game could indicate Penn State’s Week 1 starter.

Addressing the defensive line during the Blue-White game

A season ago, Penn State’s defensive line was impressive; however, the loss of PJ Mustipher at the defensive tackle spot raises a few questions heading into the Blue-White game. The entire defensive line doesn’t appear to be an issue — Penn State boasts some elite pass-rushers such as Chop Robinson off the edge — though stopping the run will be essential in the Big Ten, and you need good defensive tackles to do so.

Keep an eye on the interior of the Penn State football defensive line this spring.

Offensive line improvements?

For the first time in a long time, the fans and media have high hopes for the 2023 Penn State football offensive line. In 2022, the Nittany Lions’ O-Line outperformed expectations in front of the team’s two elite true freshman running backs: Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen.

Heading into a new season this fall, returning starters such as Olu Fashanu will look to stand out once more in front of one of the best running back trios in the country (Singleton, Allen, and Potts); additionally, the line will need to adjust to a new quarterback (including the center-quarterback exchange), which will be a challenge in itself.

This weekend, keep a close eye on the Nittany Lions’ offensive line during the Blue-White game.

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