“Obviously, (that) was a was a big part of the conversation. You know, based on how last year played out, it was the ability to run or pass, and balance.”
After six games, Penn State’s offense is ranked in the top 30 in FBS in several key categories.
The Lions are ranked No. 5 in passing efficiency with a rating of 179.9. They are also No. 10 in total offense (471.2 yards per game), No. 17 in third-down conversion percentage (48.5), No. 25 in rushing offense (201.2 yards per game) and No. 29 in passing offense (270.0).
Penn State’s 2023 offense ranked No. 53 in total offense (399.8 yards) No. 28 in rushing offense (184.8), No. 56 in passing efficiency (139.4), No. 54 in third-down conversion percentage (40.8) and No. 77 in passing offense (215.0).
Additionally, Penn State’s 2024 offense has created 30 explosive plays of 20 or more yards. The 2023 offense produced 47 in 14 games.
The Lions’ offense passed a huge test in the second half of the team’s 33-30 overtime win over USC in Los Angeles. PSU, held to six first-half points and trailing by two touchdowns, finished with 518 yards on offense.
“Probably the biggest difference from what we’ve done in the past is probably a little bit more option, true option,” Franklin said.
“Not off of read option, but true option. That was probably the one thing that was a was a little bit different in the conversations (with Kotelnicki).”
Franklin also said he spoke with Kotelnicki about the need to stay with some things that worked in 2023.
“It was also about coming in here and only changing what we had to change,” Franklin said.
“Because again, it wasn’t necessarily broke. It was that we needed to take the next step from a production standpoint, and specifically, from an explosive play perspective.”
As the college football season progresses, several key matchups are on the horizon, with Week 10 featuring a highly anticipated clash between the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes and the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions. On Monday, the Big Ten officially announced details for this showdown and the rest of the Week 10 schedule.
The game, taking place at Beaver Stadium, is scheduled to kick off at 12 PM EST. Given the start time, it’s expected that the “Big Noon Kickoff” crew will be in attendance, making this a day game rather than a night contest.
This matchup is anticipated to be a significant top-five showdown, provided both teams navigate Week 9 successfully.
This could be a defining moment for both teams’ seasons, as it represents the toughest remaining game on their schedules. The winner may well face the No. 1 Oregon Ducks in the Big Ten Championship, assuming everything aligns for Oregon, Penn State, and Ohio State.
Just two weeks ago, the Buckeyes suffered a narrow 32-31 loss to the Ducks, while Penn State pulled off a dramatic overtime victory against USC.
Beaver Stadium is renowned as one of the toughest venues in the nation, and the Buckeyes will certainly be battle-tested by season’s end, having played in both Eugene at Autzen Stadium and on the road against the Nittany Lions.
