Zack Gugenheim 
The Penn State defense was impressive on Saturday.
As Penn State prepares for a top 25 tilt against Luke Altmyer and the Fighting Illini, here are 5 Encouraging signs, and 2 areas of concern that I saw from their big win against the Kent State Golden Flashes.
SIGNS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
The Secondary is very Sticky
Penn State held Kent State to 18 yards passing in the first half, and a big part is due to phenomenal coverage all game long. AJ Harris, Cam Miller, and Audavion Collins all had great coverage, and those were just the corners that were thrown at. Zakee Wheatley also had some very good plays, nearly grabbing a pick and did a great job in pass defense and run support. This will be the best secondary the Illini face, and they will pose a formidable challenge for Pat Bryant, Z’Kahri Franklin and company.
The Pass Rush is for Real
Kent State’s quarterbacks were under duress all game long, with their top two leaving the game due to injury. Abdul Carter recorded a sack, Dani Dennis-Sutton forced a fumble on the second play of the game, Zane Durant was pushing the line back all day. They did what they were supposed to do, and it made it impossible for the Golden Flashes to do anything, and I think they will be able to do the same to a much better player in the Illini signal-caller.
Tyler Warren is HIM
What didn’t Tyler Warren do in this game? One handed catches, direct snaps, and even a touchdown THROW to Nicholas Singleton. Oh, he also had a routine touchdown on the seam route to open the scoring. He will be a match-up nightmare for not only the Illini, but for any team they face.
Drew Allar Continues to Mature
He routinely maneuvered the pocket to find open receivers, including finding explosive plays several times in the second quarter. He found three different pass-catchers for 35+ yard receptions in the 1st half, one of which he evaded pressure and extended the play to do so. He also scrambled for a touchdown late in the 2nd quarter. Then, in the third quarter he hit Omari Evans for a 59 yard score, which was the game’s longest play up to that point.
Emergence of Liam Clifford
Liam Clifford showed the most promise in getting separation on plays “in structure” throughout the second quarter. He recorded a 38 yard catch, and then followed it up with a TD on a slightly underthrown ball. He also got a chance to carry the rock, getting a 12 yard gain on an end-around in the third quarter. With Evans, Wallace, and Fleming all in the fold, he will be instrumental against one of the best secondaries in the Big Ten next week.
AREAS OF CONCERN
Another Slow Start
Two of the Nittany Lion’s first three drives ended either in a punt or a turnover. While they really turned it into gear in the Second Quarter, another slow start against an overmatched opponent concerns me as they face a legitimately good defense next week, and a QB in Altmyer who is really coming into his own.
Drew Allar’s Tendency to Underthrow Intermediate and Deep Throws
My one nitpick of Drew Allar in this game, and over his career, is he still tends to underthrow passes of 15+ air yards. It’s not by much, but on two of his TD passes, better talent in the secondary will be able to make plays on the ball down the road, starting with next week against Xavier and Miles Scott and company.
About The Author
[…] 5 Encouraging Signs and 2 Concerns for Penn State After Big Win Over Kent State […]