Whether you believe it or not, this is the halfway mark for the 2023 Penn State football season. There were some highs and some lows, but either way, the Nittany Lions are 6-0. Their next six games are going to have some true tests, especially when they face Michigan and Ohio State. Here is a look back at their season, and key takeaways before the remainder of the 2023 Penn State football season.
2023 Penn State Dominant Defense
One of the most fun watches of the 2023 Penn State season has been this Nittany Lions defense. With it being year two under defensive coordinator, Manny Diaz, expectations were high. There were some complaints when the season began, such as needing to finish tackles, but they have cleaned it up big time. They have had plenty of players stand out already, and have had 15 different players total at least one sack this season, which is the most in FBS.
So far this season, the defense has had 302 total tackles. According to ESPN, the team’s leading tackler is linebacker Curtis Jacobs. He has had 23 total tackles, 17 solo. The defense also has had 27 sacks, which have ended up for 164 yards. The team’s sack leader is defensive end Adisa Isaac with five. Isaac is a senior, and for those who follow the NFL draft, definitely watch for Isaac’s name to continue to be brought up.
As for turnovers, the defense has been dominant there as well. They have forced seven interceptions and six fumbles, of which they have also recovered six. Only one player has had a defensive touchdown, and that was linebacker Dominic Deluca, who scored a pick-six against Delaware. The defense continues to get better each week for this 2023 Penn State team and will be a big factor in the next six games.
Penn State DE Adisa Isaac (20) and DT (58) – Dan Rainville/USA TODAY NETWORK
Adjustments Must Be Made For 11 a.m. Games
The two away games that Penn State had this season both started at 11 a.m. local time. This has been a big weakness for the Nittany Lions this season, and even in years past. It has affected the first half in both their game against Illinois and Northwestern. Even when they faced Northwestern, head coach James Franklin said he was coming up with ways to wake these guys up, but it was an extremely slow start anyway.
Looking back at the game against the Fighting Illini, quarterback Drew Allar had a tough game. He completed just 16 passes, and no passing touchdowns, according to ESPN. The team was up just 16-7 at halftime when they should have been up by more. Things got better in the second half, but the slow start hurt them.
This was worse in their game against the Northwestern Wildcats. Yes, the Nittany Lions did win 41-13, and on paper that seems great. But the first half was messy. Penn State was the team that trailed in the game. Northwestern scored a field goal first, followed by a Nittany Lions field goal. Next, Northwestern got a touchdown, and Penn State was able to tie the score at half.
This is something that a top team should not be doing. They are lucky to not have another 11 a.m. start, given where the remainder of the away games are. This is something that has stood out in the 2023 Penn State season so far though.
Penn State QB Drew Allar (15) – Paul Burdick/StateCollege.com
Limited Explosive Plays but Still Get Wins
The 2023 Penn State Nittany Lions are currently 6-0. Many fans and even reporters have been asking Fankling where the explosive plays are. He has been annoyed by these questions but has pointed out that even without these flashy plays, the team is winning, and by a decent amount. This is something that is important. There is enough pressure on Allar as it is his first year starting. While of course if there is a shot downfield he should take it, but getting downfield with simpler plays is still important.
That is not to say there have been no explosive plays in the first half of the season. In the first game, Allar made a great pass downfield for the touchdown. Last weekend against UMass, there were a couple of plays that went for over 20 yards. Of course, football fans want flashy, it’s fun to watch, and makes the quarterback look better when it works, but at least they are winning. For the 2023 Penn State season so far, Allar has completed 118 passes for 1,254 yards and passing 12 touchdowns. According to ESPN, his longest passing play of the season was for 71 yards.
What the team is still missing are those explosive plays in the run game. Three players have rushed for at least 20 yards in one play. Those players are quarterback Beau Pribula, and running backs Trey Potts and Tank Smith. Two names not mentioned? Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. That is what the team has been missing so far, and hopefully, in the second half of the season, these two running backs can get those big plays downfield.
Penn State TE Tyler Warren (44) – Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Special Teams Figuring it Out
Field position to start the drive is everything. If the punt returners can get a good run in, the momentum builds up, and the offense does not need to do much to get on the opposing team’s side of the field. Well, it seems this 2023 Penn State team is figuring out what they need to do for great field positioning. This was a slow start, but based on the game against UMass, the Nittany Lions may be getting something going with the returns. Two punt returns in one game from the same player is a big deal.
In week one of the season, the Nittany Lions struggled with field goals. This has been much less stressful since that game against West Virginia. Since Alex Felkins began taking the kicks, he has missed just two, making all of them within the 40. Fixing these special teams’ issues was important, and the second half of the 2023 Penn State season should be fine in that aspect.
2023 Penn State’s Next 6 Games
The final six scheduled games are when the real test comes in. Next up for the Nittany Lions will be against the Ohio State Buckeyes. It will be an away game for Penn State and will be a challenge. While Franklin has been head coach, the team has only beaten Ohio State one time. Following that game are Indiana and Maryland.
Maryland could be an underrated challenge for the Nittany Lions, but on paper, this 2023 Penn State is the better team. Following Maryland, the team will head home to face Michigan. It is a home game which is a bonus, but it will be the toughest opponent they face this year. They then end the season with Rutgers and Michigan State.
Michigan and Ohio State will be the big tests for Penn State. If they can beat one of these Big Ten teams, it will be a big accomplishment and set the tone for the next couple of years. It comes down to play calling, time management, and making sure everyone comes to play. Of course, who has the home-field advantage will also be key in these competitions. With it being halfway through the 2023 Penn State season, 6-0 is a good place to be, but it’s the next six games that matter now.
