Imagine being on the verge of greatness, just inches from seizing the prize, only to watch it slip through your fingers. That’s the cruel reality Penn State and head coach James Franklin have faced in recent years. Despite an impressive 11-3 record last season, their championship aspirations were brutally crushed by none other than Ohio State, a program that has consistently kept them in the shadows. Now, as the 2024 season looms, Franklin finds himself at a critical crossroads. If revenge is on the agenda, he’ll need to navigate a minefield of obstacles before Penn State can dream of competing with college football’s elite.
But don’t just take our word for it—Greg McElroy, one of the sharpest minds in college football analysis, has pinpointed the glaring weaknesses that Penn State must address immediately if they hope to break through the Big Ten glass ceiling.
The Jim Knowles Factor: A Game-Changer or Just a Pricey Gamble?
In the midst of this uncertainty, Penn State made a high-stakes move—luring defensive mastermind Jim Knowles away from Ohio State. In doing so, they didn’t just acquire a coach; they invested in a defensive architect, shelling out a staggering $3 million annually to secure his expertise. Franklin and the Nittany Lions hope this blockbuster hire will be the key to transforming their defense into an impenetrable force.
But the real question isn’t just about what Knowles brings to Penn State—it’s also about what he’s walking into. On the March 17 episode of the ESPN College Football Podcast, McElroy raised the million-dollar question:
“Are they going to be as good along the front without Abdul Carter?”
His answer? “Probably not.”
And that’s a terrifying reality for Penn State fans. Losing Abdul Carter, a generational defensive talent now eyeing the 2025 NFL Draft, leaves an enormous void. Carter was a wrecking ball on defense, racking up 68 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks. His freakish athleticism and versatility made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Can Knowles find a worthy replacement? Or will Penn State’s defense take a massive step backward?
Offensive Uncertainty: Who Replaces Tyler Warren’s Clutch Factor?
Defense isn’t the only area where Penn State faces turmoil. The offense also has a major question mark—who steps up to replace All-American tight end Tyler Warren?
Warren wasn’t just a pass-catcher; he was Drew Allar’s security blanket. In moments of chaos, when the pocket collapsed and pressure mounted, Allar instinctively looked Warren’s way. His departure leaves a massive hole in Penn State’s passing game.
Yes, the Nittany Lions have a promising young talent in Luke Reynolds, whom McElroy describes as an emerging star. But let’s not kid ourselves—Penn State cannot afford to ignore the avalanche of offensive departures.
And then there’s the biggest lingering nightmare for James Franklin: the wide receiver room.
Penn State’s Never-Ending Wide Receiver Woes: The Achilles’ Heel of Franklin’s Offense
The wide receiver position has been a chronic headache for Penn State, and if anything, the problem has only worsened.
Last season, their supposed go-to weapon, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, saw his role diminished and ultimately faded out of the team’s plans before the Peach Bowl. That left a gaping void in Penn State’s passing attack, one that Franklin and offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki have scrambled to fill.
Their solution? A mix of returning players like Harrison Wallace III, Liam Clifford, and Omari Evans, along with incoming transfer Julian Fleming. But early signs aren’t promising. In Penn State’s three most crucial games last season, their wide receivers combined for just 10 catches. That’s not just bad—it’s catastrophic for a team with championship ambitions.
And McElroy isn’t the only analyst raising the alarm. Josh Pate, speaking on his podcast, initially seemed optimistic:
“Elsewhere, I’m good. If I’m Penn State, I got four or five linemen returning. I got two top-10 tailbacks returning. I’m gonna be good where I’m normally good.”
But then he hit Franklin with a brutal reality check:
“I don’t know what the post-spring portal is gonna look like, but they have got to be in there. They have to be the shark fin in there, looking for receivers.”
Translation? Penn State better hit the transfer portal HARD, or their passing game is doomed.
The Drew Allar Dilemma: A Quarterback With No Weapons?
And that brings us to the final, and perhaps most concerning, piece of the puzzle—Drew Allar.
The Ruffino & Joe Show recently broke down Allar’s potential, and the consensus is clear:
“Drew Allar has all the goods. He has every tool that you look for in a franchise quarterback—big arm, big frame, deceptively mobile.”
But even the most talented quarterback can’t operate in a barren offensive wasteland. Without reliable wide receivers, without a go-to tight end, and with mounting pressure to carry the team, will Allar become a superstar or crumble under the weight of expectations?
Final Verdict: Is Penn State Built for a Title Run or Another Letdown?
The clock is ticking for James Franklin. He has talent, a revamped coaching staff, and a fanbase starving for a championship. But talent alone won’t be enough. Without a clear plan to replace Abdul Carter, Tyler Warren, and their nonexistent wide receiver production, Penn State could be staring down another season of disappointment.
Greg McElroy’s concerns aren’t just valid—they’re a blaring warning siren for the Nittany Lions. If Franklin wants to break Ohio State and Michigan’s stranglehold on the Big Ten, he must find answers this spring. Otherwise, 2024 might be another year where Penn State is left watching from the sidelines as the real contenders battle for glory.
