The Penn State Nittany Lions held their 2023 Blue-White game. The Blue Team held their expected starters, while the White Team was the expected second-teamers. The game ended 10-0 Blue Team. Here are some of the major takeaways from the 2023 Blue-White game.
2023 Blue-White Game Takeaways
Offensive Line Worries
The first-team offensive line struggled a little too much against Penn State’s second-team defense during the 2023 Blue-White game. It felt as though each quarterback was under consistent pressure. While this is great practice for all of the quarterbacks, this is also worrisome. The offensive line in 2022 had some issues to start the season but fixed them about halfway through. Now it can be questioned if the offensive line will struggle again.
This could be just an indication of how deep this Nittany Lions’ defense is. Potentially the defensive pressure is just that good, and the offensive line could have also not wanted to risk injuries. Either way, it was definitely not a confidence booster for Penn State. This is something that needs to be fixed ahead of September. Penn State is projected to start in the top ten on the AP Poll, but if the offensive line struggles at the start, it can really hurt this Nittany Lions offense.
Penn State Nittany Lions QB Drew Allar (15) – Barry Reeger/AP Photo
Quarterback Competition
With former Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford officially done with college football, it is time for a new young quarterback to take the mantle. Second-year quarterback Drew Allar is the expected starter, but Beau Pribula has stated that he will compete to be the starter. During the 2023 Blue-White game, it is clear that Pribula was not lying. One of the strongest features that Pribula has shown is that he can run out of the pocket. While going against the first-team defense with a poor offensive line, he demonstrated that.
Allar demonstrated that he can take the time to work through his progressions. A couple of his throws were sloppy to start, but the touchdown pass to Omari Evans showed what he can do mentally. Evans was the third read and the correct pass. With time in the pocket, and more on-field experience, Allar can step up and be the player the fans and University believe that he can be. Allar completed 19 out of 30 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown. Throughout the 2023 Blue-White game, there were many moments that showed how strong Allar can be for this team.
Penn State Nittany Lions Running Back Kaytron Allen (13) and Nicholas Singleton (10) – Dan Rainville/USA TODAY NETWORK
Run Game
The Penn State football run game may not be the same as last year, as now Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton are sophomores. Those two may end up being even better than the 2022 season, which will be tough on any defense the Nittany Lions face. While they were going against the second-team defense, the two young players were getting by quickly. This could be a fun duo once again in 2023, and if the offensive line cleans it up, Penn State will have a tough offense.
Omari Evans
Wide receiver Omari Evans may have been the best receiver on the field. Evans was the only receiver to catch for a touchdown, and by breaking away from the defender, he created a big opening for Allar to throw to. Evans ended the game with five receptions, 80 yards, and one touchdown. One aspect for him to work on is that his touchdown did cause him to receive an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, but Evans may have a breakout year in 2023.
Penn State Linebacker Abdul Carter (11) – Matthew OHaren/USA TODAY Sports
Penn State Defense
The Penn State defense may be losing a couple of players who are heading to the 2023 NFL Draft, but that does not mean their level is going down. Linebacker Abdul Carter is going to be a force to be reckoned with, but so will the entire Nittany Lions’ defense. While the Penn State offensive line still needs to step up, the second team alone was a challenge for the starter. Penn State fans have a lot to be excited about based on the 2023 Blue-White game.
It should be remembered that the 2023 Blue-White game was just a spring scrimmage. There is no need to panic when the season does not start for a couple more months. The transfer portal has also opened back up. The Nittany Lions will only get better from here, and there are a lot of things that Penn State fans can look forward to. The most important news coming from the 2023 Blue-White games is that head coach James Franklin believes that everyone came out healthy.
Penn State will open up the 2023 season against West Virginia on September second.
