Penn State football spring game 2024: Schedule, What to Watch For
Penn State returns to the football field this weekend in the 2024 spring game. Here's what you should be watching for.
The first phase of the preseason wraps up this weekend as Penn State puts a bow on spring practice and takes to the football field in the annual Blue-White Game on Saturday.
Head coach James Franklin has several questions to answer before this fall's kickoff, especially after swapping out both his coordinators.
Here's how, and what, you should be watching when the Nittany Lions return to Beaver Stadium this weekend.
Penn State football spring game 2024 schedule
When: Sat., April 13
Time: 2 p.m. Eastern
TV: Big Ten Network
Wide receiver
Already something of a concern heading into this season, the position got considerably more intriguing after reports that suggest wideout KeAndre Lambert-Smith is considering a transfer. His loss would hurt the rotation after he had a career-best 573 yards and 4 TDs a year ago. The addition of Ohio State transfer Julian Fleming is important, but otherwise Penn State still needs more options.
The offense was 109th nationally in 20-yard pass plays, 90th in passing production, and 73rd in explosive play rate in part because the unit lacked a definitive game-breaking wide receiver. Harrison Wallace was injured much of last season, while Malik mcClain, Liam Clifford, and Omari Evans are looking to move up the depth chart.
Edge blocking
Drew Shelton has been out this spring after having surgery for an undisclosed injury, but he's likely the favorite to succeed Olu Fashanu at left tackle. Anthony Donkoh featured at right tackle a year ago, but 6-foot-8, 315-pound Wisconsin transfer Nolan Rucci is a contender for the position. With no Shelton on the field, Penn State will have a chance to scout depth at LT, including J'Ven Williams.
Linebacker
The decision to move Abdul Carter to edge rusher could have some interesting consequences for Linebacker U heading into the season as new defensive coordinator Tom Allen looks to re-write the team's script on that side of the ball.
Carter's move could open things up to get more creative behind the line. Tony Rojas and Kobe King appear to be set as starters, but there's good competition for the third role: Keon Wylie and Dominic DeLuca are battling for snaps there. Ta'Mere Robinson and Kaveion Keys are also in play.
Getting aggressive on offense
Drew Allar returns at quarterback, but he failed to live up to the five-star billing in his debut season as starter. In comes new coordinator Andy Kotelnicki from Kansas looking to give the unit a jolt: his KU offense could score quickly or on longer drives, and he'll look to change up the scheme to create more explosive plays and introduce some pace to this attack, especially on third down.
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