Penn State football offense looking to expose key flaw in the West Virginia defense

The 2023 Penn State football offense is heading into a year full of high expectations and many unknowns. With a revamped offensive line, an elite running back duo, Drew Allar under center, and more, the Nittany Lions are looking solid on paper; that being said, proving it on the field will be an entirely different test. On September 2nd, West Virginia will come to town for Penn State’s season opener, and the Lions will be looking to expose a key flaw in the Mountaineer defense.

The 2023 Penn State football offense is looking to expose a fundamental flaw in WVU’s defense

A season ago, West Virginia ranked second-to-last in the Big 12 in passing defense en route to a depressing 5-7 season. The Mountaineers are losing a few starters from an already piss-poor secondary and are facing a dangerous Penn State football offense in Week 1.

Drew Allar — the former 5-star sensation — will be starting his first-ever game in the Blue and White and will have his new receiving corps put to the test. Still, against West Virginia, throwing the ball should not be an issue.

West Virginia’s defense ranked close to the bottom nationally in 2022

When guarding the pass, WVU has not had much luck over the past year. A season ago, West Virginia ranked No. 111 in passing defense, allowing over 3,100 yards throughout the season (over 262 yards per game) in a mere 12 games. Additionally, the Mountaineers’ most-experienced returning corner only started five games (Malachi Ruffin) — the second-most-experienced returning corner only started one (Andrew Wilson-Lamp).

If that was not enough, West Virginia was also tied for 61st place nationally in team sacks, only generating 26 throughout the 12-game season (around two sacks per game). For comparison, the Penn State Nittany Lions ranked 6th in the nation, compiling 43 (over three per game) throughout the 2022 season.

Penn State football air raid in Week 1?

Week 1 may be Drew Allar’s first game as a starter, but the Penn State football offense is undoubtedly going to be throwing the ball a lot against a struggling Mountaineer secondary. With Ohio State and Michigan looming later on Penn State’s 2023 schedule, Allar’s first sophomore game will likely be trial by fire against a Power 5 opponent in Week 1.

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