‘A ton of excitement’: James Franklin grades Andy Kotelnicki’s first game with Penn State football

After struggling mightily in 2023, James Franklin hired Andy Kotelnicki to fix the Penn State offense this winter. Kotelnicki faced a tough first test to make his debut, battling a hostile road environment, new headset communication rules, and a barrage of severe weather. But the Nittany Lions passed with flying colors in a 34-12 victory over West Virginia.

Penn State football racked up 457 total yards on the Mountaineers Saturday afternoon. The balance James Franklin emphasized throughout the offseason returned, with almost an equal split between passing (235) and rushing (222) yards.

Known for lacking explosivity a season ago, Kotelnicki made a point to prove that last year’s issue has been resolved. The Nittany Lions broke off four plays of 40 yards or more, two of which went for scores. Drew Allar went 5-7 on passes thrown over 15 yards. Kotelnicki’s Lions averaged 7.6 yards per play, up two full yards from last fall.

James Franklin evaluates performance of Andy Kotelnicki, Penn State offense against West Virginia

At his weekly press conference on Monday, James Franklin offered his assessment of Andy Kotelnicki and his first game as Penn State offensive coordinator.

“Yeah, I think it was good. I think he did a really good job,” said Franklin. “Obviously, when you’re able to do the things that we were able to do in this game on offense, in terms of running the ball, in terms of throwing the ball, in terms of explosive plays, it’s definitely something to build on.

“And then also, the fact that we were able to create touchdowns and not turn the ball over. Touchdown-to-interception ratio, that continues to be a strength of ours. Drew has done a really good job of that last year and started out this year the right way.

“I think there is a ton of excitement. I think you guys have heard me say before, it’s been more balanced during all training camp. It was more balanced in the West Virginia game as well. So, yeah, a lot of excitement and a ton to build on. It’s been fun working with all three of those guys [coordinators].

Full steam ahead for the Nittany Lions?

Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

With the Mountaineers now behind them, the Nittany Lions now begin what should be a sweet spot in their schedule.

Penn State will play the next four games in Beaver Stadium, with a bye on September 14. The next two opponents, Bowling Green (Saturday) and Kent State (September 21), both hail from the MAC. The Nittany Lions then welcome in Illinois on September 28 and UCLA on October 5.

All of that’s to say that Penn State football should be heavily favored in every one of its games until, at minimum, it travels to play USC on October 12. The Trojans are fresh off a thrilling win over No. 13 LSU Sunday night and travel to Michigan in two weeks.

While it wasn’t a perfect game from the Nittany Lions in Week 1, Andy Kotelnicki had the offense ready to go out of the gates. That side of the ball will have the opportunity to continue to improve over the next month before its next significant road test.

If Kotelnicki can get his offense to kick it into another gear by month’s end, then Penn State football could enter the thick of its schedule as a team ready to make some noise down the stretch.

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