FOOTBALL

Best, worst case scenarios outlined for 2023 Penn State football season

How high – or low – could Penn State go in 2023?

Published

6 days ago

May 24, 2023

Jan 2, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin celebrates with the trophy on the podium after the Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

It feels as if the hype train for the 2023 Penn State football team left the station the moment the 2022 team returned home from a Rose Bowl victory in Pasadena. For the first time since before the COVID pandemic, it seems realistic to say the Nittany Lions have a chance to make the College Football Playoff. But can it actually happen? Conversely, what would happen if the train rolls off the tracks for James Franklin’s squad? Recently, 247Sports tried to answer those questions, outlining the best and worst-case scenarios for Penn State in 2023.

Best case: Nittany Lions finally reach the mountaintop

This week, 247Sports’ Brad Crawford wrote an article outlining the best and worst-case scenarios for each Big Ten team this season. For the Nittany Lions, the ceiling is about as high as possible. Penn State was listed as one of only four teams whose best-case scenario would be a 12-0 finish. Obviously, the Nittany Lions join Ohio State and Michigan in this regard, along with the new-look Wisconsin Badgers.

“James Franklin finished with 11 wins on four different occasions at Penn State, but 2023 will be the year he gets his opportunity at win No. 12,” wrote Crawford of Penn State’s path. “For this to happen, the Nittany Lions must — at worst — split their top-five showdowns against Ohio State and Michigan.”

Of course, this path is pretty straightforward. We’ve noted several times already this offseason that the 2023 Penn State football season will likely be defined by these two games. Personally, I think this Penn State roster stacks up better against both Ohio State and Michigan than it has in quite some time. I think it can happen this year. I really want to say that I believe it will happen. But sometimes, seeing is believing.

Worst case: 2023 Penn State football underperforms despite hype

On the other end of the spectrum, the worst-case scenario for the Nittany Lions in 2023 was listed as 8-4. Crawford writes, “Four losses with this schedule don’t seem possible, but worst case, the Nittany Lions fall against Iowa, Ohio State, Michigan, and Maryland.”

From a talent perspective, Penn State’s 2023 roster is among the best in college football. But something would have to go seriously wrong for this scenario to happen. In this case, some of the missteps could be predictable, like first-year starting quarterback Drew Allar performing not quite as advertised or a wide receiver corps that just can’t take the next step. But for 8-4 to really come into play, I think there would need to be a decent amount of the unexpected as well, including key injuries or significant regression from some of the Nittany Lions’ rising stars.

Depending on who you ask, Penn State’s schedule is either relatively easy or filled with trap games. But much like Crawford, I also struggle to find four losses for the Nittany Lions in 2023. Obviously, losses to Ohio State or Michigan wouldn’t be shocking. Iowa should be a difficult defense to face early in the season, but I think playing this game in the White Out is a significant advantage for Penn State. Maryland seems to be pulling itself out of the bottom of the Big Ten, but the Nittany Lions have played well in College Park in recent years.

To me, the most likely third loss could be Illinois. Penn State travels to Champaign in the third week of the season. This will be Drew Allar’s first road test as a starter. You’d like Penn State to lean on the run, but Illinois will likely stack the box and force Allar to win the game through the air. On the opposite side of the ball, I would expect the Fightining Illini to try and win the game on the ground. That’s what they did to Penn State in 2021, and that’s what Michigan did to the Nittany Lions last year.

Somewhere in between?

In all reality, Penn State’s 2023 record will likely fall somewhere in between these best and worst-case scenarios. The Nittany Lions have a talented team, but they will have to prove if they can get over the hump. And if James Franklin’s team does fall somewhere between a playoff contender and a complete flop, I’m sure there will be plenty of debate over the “success” or “failure” of the 2023 campaign.

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FOOTBALL

Penn State football: CFB analyst claims Nittany Lions are ready to beat Ohio State, Michigan

According to a major analyst, this could be the year for Penn State football.

Published

7 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Chris Mangum

Penn State football, JD Pickell, Michigan, Ohio State

Nov 5, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) runs the ball past Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Dasan McCullough (0) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

Rarely in the history of Penn State football under James Franklin has there been such an overwhelming sense of anticipation as there is now heading into the 2023 season. Just a year ago, fans held a wide range of expectations, but not a single soul could have predicted that the Nittany Lions would conclude the season with an impressive 11-2 record, securing a top 10 ranking and clinching a victory in the Rose Bowl against the PAC-12 Champions. A prominent college football analyst, JD Pickell of ON3, recently stated that Penn State is poised to finally surpass both Ohio State and Michigan in the Big Ten.

Hype is building for Penn State football

It is no secret that Penn State football is widely regarded as one of the premier teams in college football at present. The Nittany Lions boast an abundance of talent from last year’s roster, which was among the nation’s finest, despite losses to Michigan and Ohio State.

In order to elevate themselves to the next level and establish their position as contenders for the Big Ten title and the College Football Playoff, it is imperative for Penn State to conquer both the Buckeyes and Wolverines.

According to Pickell, the upcoming 2023 season presents a perfect opportunity for Penn State football to achieve all of these objectives.

JD Pickell says Penn State might be ready to beat Michigan, Ohio State in 2023

Here is what ON3 analyst JD Pickell had to say on his show, The Hard Count, about Penn State football and their hopes of climbing back to the top of the Big Ten in 2023.

“They’re getting a lot of hype now and for good reason,” Pickell said. “What would Penn State fans typically say going into last season? ‘Really good roster. Nick Singleton, we’re excited about him, but we just don’t know with Sean Clifford. How far can Sean Clifford take us?’”

“There was a feeling around Penn State that Sean Clifford was a really good quarterback, but was he a really great quarterback? Was he gonna be enough for you to beat Michigan and Ohio State? The eventual answer to that question was not necessarily was Penn State good enough collectively — Sean Clifford included — to beat Michigan or Ohio State in 2022.”

Pickell further highlighted key players in the Penn State football lineup, including Drew Allar, Olu Fashanu, Kalen King, Nick Singleton, and others, as compelling reasons to be optimistic about the Nittany Lions’ prospects this upcoming season.

He concluded his analysis by affirming that the necessary components for success are already in place for James Franklin and his coaching staff as they prepare for the 2023 season: all the pieces of the puzzle have come together for the Nittany Lions.

“All these things on paper are aligning for Penn State to go and slay the dragon,” he said. “To go and beat Ohio State. To go beat Michigan. That’s the mission now for Penn State.”

FOOTBALL

2023 Penn State football coaching staff adds NFL experience to its ranks

This week, the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff added more NFL experience to its ranks.

Published

14 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Chris Mangum

2023 Penn State football coaching staff, Ola Adams

Nov 20, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks on from the sideline during the third quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Rutgers 28-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier this week, the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff made a notable addition with the inclusion of Ola Adams. Adams, previously an assistant with the Denver Broncos and a seasoned defensive play-caller for the Villanova Wildcats, brings valuable experience and expertise to the Nittany Lions as they prepare for their upcoming campaign.

Excited to join the coaching staff at @PennStateFball. Huge thanks to Coach Franklin & staff for the opportunity. Also want to give thanks to the Denver @Broncos organization for the opportunity to work for a first class program last season. Looking forward to this new chapter! pic.twitter.com/aTX23NHvwr

— Coach Ola Adams (@CoachOlaAdams) May 24, 2023

2023 Penn State football coaching staff adds NFL experience with new hire

Under the leadership of James Franklin, the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff has undergone several minor changes, but the recent addition of Ola Adams stands out. Adams, who previously served on the coaching staff of the Denver Broncos, has joined the Penn State Nittany Lions as a defensive analyst in preparation for the 2023 season.

Adams’s background in the NFL proves to be an invaluable asset for James Franklin, especially considering the talent and potential carried by the Nittany Lions in their upcoming schedule. Before his tenure with the Broncos, Adams served as the defensive coordinator for the Villanova Wildcats at the Division 1 FCS level, which adds to his credibility as he joins James Franklin’s staff.

As an analyst, Adams’s role will not involve direct involvement in play-calling or player development. Instead, his extensive knowledge and experience will be utilized in analyzing film, scouting players, and evaluating opponents. The addition of Adams strengthens the Penn State football program with another NFL-minded individual, further enhancing their prospects.

The Nittany Lions face high expectations this season, and Adams’s presence on the coaching staff alleviates some of the pressure on the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff as they approach summer training and the opening game against West Virginia on September 2nd.

FOOTBALL

Penn State football updates roster with new enrollees

Penn State gave us our first look at the newest additions to the Nittany Lions football team.

Published

22 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Matt Thomas

April 15, 2023. Tyler Warren (44) and Theo Johnson (84) join the Penn State team in singing the alma mater following the 2023 Blue-White Game. Credit: Grace Carella // Basic Blues Nation.

Nearly halfway through the first summer session of classes, Penn State football has welcomed a slow trickle of new enrollees over the last month. Last week, the football program updated its roster with the numbers and measurables for the newest additions to the Nittany Lions football team. While the roster will likely be updated again before the start of the 2023 season, this update provides us our first glimpse at the progress made by these players since we last saw them on the field with a previous school or on the recruiting circuit.

Penn State football unveils numbers, lists heights and weights for new enrollees

Last week, Penn State updated its official roster for the 2023 season with the new enrollees who have arrived on campus recently. In addition to the four transfers who joined the team in May, Penn State also listed the eight freshmen from the class of 2023 who arrived in the last several days. The roster includes updated heights and weights for the new enrollees, as well as the number each will wear this fall for the Nittany Lions:

Tyriq Blanding (DT), freshman – No. 39; 6-1, 265 pounds.
Dante Cephas (WR), transfer – No. 3; 6-0, 180 pounds.
Audavion Collins (CB), transfer – No. 29; 5-11, 175 pounds.
Alonzo Ford (DT), transfer – No. 50; 6-2, 280 pounds.
Kaveion Keys (LB), freshman – No. 48; 6-2 195 pounds.
King Mack (S), freshman – No. 9; 5-10; 175 pounds.
London Montgomery (RB), freshman – No. 24; 5-10; 180 pounds.
Joseph Mupoyi (DE), freshman – No. 56; 6-5; 240 pounds.
DaKaari Nelson (S), freshman – No. 8; 6-3; 200 pounds.
Trey Potts (RB), transfer – No. 23; 5-9; 215 pounds.
Andrew Rappleyea (TE), freshman – No. 87; 6-4; 235 pounds.
Cam Wallace (RB), freshman – No. 26; 5-9; 175 pounds.

Some highlights of the roster update include transfer Alonzo Ford, who Penn State has listed as shorter and nearly 10 pounds lighter than Old Dominion had him last season. Incoming freshmen London Montgomery and Cam Wallace will need to bulk up to catch the rest of the running back room, with both weighing in at 180 pounds or less. Finally, Andrew Rappleyea comes in with a solid frame for an incoming freshman at 6-4, 235 pounds.

More on the way

The final pieces from Penn State’s class of 2023 will arrive on campus this summer before the start of fall camp. There are four more signees who will join the team before the 2023 season, including Jameial Lyons (DE), Chimdy Onoh (OL), Mason Robinson (DE), and Carmelo Taylor (WR).