As Penn State is in contention for the national championship in 2025, figuring out how to distribute touches will be an important task.
Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki mentioned he’s studied the offenses of recent championship game participants. While watching these squads, he gives himself a few questions to figure out, and if the Nittany Lions replicate one that best fits their projected strengths, they could see similar success.
“Who’s touching the ball? How many times are running backs touching the ball? How many times are receivers? How many times are tight ends?” Kotelnicki said on April 23. “The reality is there’s a lot of people that have won a lot of games with a total spectrum of who’s been touching the ball.”
The past three champions provide unique blueprints for Penn State, giving it options if it chooses to mimic a recent title winner.
2024 Ohio State
Behind a strong passing attack, 2024 Ohio State mostly used 11 personnel sets where three wide receivers saw the majority of air touches. Jeremiah Smith caught 76 passes for 1,315 yards, Emeka Egbuka hauled in 81 passes for 1,011 yards and Carnell Tate received 52 passes for 733 yards.
Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka, left, runs after catching a pass against Iowa during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Jay LaPrete
In recent seasons, Penn State hasn’t had receivers who matched the Buckeyes’ production, but it added transfers Kyron Hudson, Devonte Ross and Trebor Pena, so a resurgence could be possible.
With efficient receivers, Ohio State’s tight ends were quieter as Gee Scott Jr. led the room with 27 catches for 253 yards. This would be a stark contrast for the Nittany Lions if they attempt a similar offense, but not an impossible outcome if no one steps up into the hole left by Tyler Warren.
As for the running game, the Buckeyes used Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, who both tallied over 1,000 rushing yards. With Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen both returning for their senior seasons, Penn State is well positioned to continue a similar approach.
2023 Michigan
With a ground-oriented attack, the Wolverines’ offensive line dominated opposing defensive lines, paving the way for running back Black Corum’s 1,245-yard season.
Penn State’s offensive line is projected to be a strength in 2025, returning multiple starters and depth. Singleton and Allen are both proven to produce at a high level with the Nittany Lions, so replicating the Wolverines’ run game could be possible.
As a complement to the dangerous run game, Michigan utilized play action that often saw quarterback J.J. McCarthy get out of the pocket to find wide receiver Roman Wilson or tight end Colston Loveland.
Penn State linebacker Dominic DeLuca (0) dives for Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) during the game between Penn State and Michigan on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023 in University Park, Pa. The Wolverines beat the Nittany Lions 24-15.
Jackson Ranger
If Penn State wants to use a similar gameplan, one of Hudson, Ross, Pena or someone else in the receiver room may have to match Wilson’s 48 catches for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns. Tight end Luke Reynolds could have to see the breakout season some project him having.
2022 Georgia
2022 Georgia’s running game featured carries spread across running backs Kenny McIntosh, Daijun Edwards, Kendall Minton and Branson Robinson. Each back had at least 65 carries, the most being McIntosh’ 150.
It likely isn’t in Penn State’s best interest to replicate this sort of rushing attack as it would limit the touches Singleton and Allen receive, but it would get young running backs — such as Corey Smith and Quinton Martin Jr. — more involved.
Tight end Brock Bowers led Georgia’s receiving efforts by turning in 63 catches for 942 yards. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey tallied 762 yards and seven touchdowns while the team also got McIntosh out in space for 43 catches for 504 yards.
Reynolds leading Penn State’s receiving could be a tough task in Year 2. Otherwise, the team has Singleton, who caught 41 passes for 375 yards last season, involved in space through the passing game before.
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