When it cones down the the Nittany Lions this year, this team will go as far as the offense takes it. When you return one of the best backfields in the nation with two running backs looking to be your all time leading rusher, you have a nice set up you can rely upon. What the Blue and White’s main hope for the offense is is stability at the wide receiver position for the first time in over 4 years. Bringing in three transfer receivers certainly gives fans hope of success, but they must walk the walk in order to fulfill Penn State’s ultimate goal. Add in a revamped tight end and there are still some major questions Penn State must answer. Here are the offensive keys to success for Penn State going into their season opener against the Wolf Pack.
All eyes on Allar to shine
In his two full-time starts as Penn State’s QB in season openers, Allar has thrown for 593 yards and 6 touuchdowns, showcasing his efficiency and dependence in the pocket. This year though, Penn State fans will want much more from the senior. In fact, coaches too. By bringing in Kyron Hudson, Devonte Ross, and Trebor Pena, Franklin and Co. have given Allar a solid platform to excel in his final season in Happy Valley. Now it’s up to him to develop an innate understanding with them. If he does right away, there’s no reason why Penn State can’t look dynamic right away, starting against the Wolf Pack. If he struggles to find at least one connection with his new receiver corps, questions will arise on whether he will revert to the security blankets that his tight ends represent. Nevertheless, if there was any time in Allar’s career that he was handed the most tools for national championship aspirations right from the season opener, it’s now.
Balanced rushing attack for Singleton and Allen
Nevada’s defensive line, while certainly revamped and potentially rejuvenated, will have question marks all over the front. Outside of Thomas Witte, there are very few players who played for the Wolf Pack returning. This could be a massive advantage for one of the most lethal RB tandems in the nation. Both Singleton and Allen have the requisite traits to frustrate this new-look Nevada front. Most importantly, both will be fueled by the potential to be Penn State’s No. 1 overall rushing leader. As a result, look for both to continuously push each other to greater heights. In this particular matchup, I expect Singleton’s suddenness and elite pass-catching skills to be a huge difference maker in the red zone for the Blue and White, while Allen will also get his chances on first and second downs to showcase his breakaway power and speed combo. Penn State fans know that when games come down to crunch time, Singleton and Alllen can seal the deal.
Can tight end room be the difference week in, week out?
We have already sung the praises of the three receivers looking to revitalize Penn State’s passing attack. But the main keys to Penn State’s road to glory could lie in their tight end group. Khalil Dinkins is expected to be the starter and while he brings a different profile to the table than his predecessor, his physicality will be a huge X-factor in this matchup and ones throughout the year. His ability to not only work the seam but on the outside as well will be a huge boost to what could be an iffy start for the offense this week. If Dinkins also displayed his catch radius on contested balls, Nevada could look lost at times. This year, it will not just be Warren or bust for the Blue and White. With three tight ends highly capable of making big plays, Drew Allar will look much freer in his play this year compared to last.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Offensive keys for Penn State against Nevada