Penn State could see two key receivers return to the rotation this weekend, as the duo of Omari Evans and Trey Wallace look to work their way back into action. Both missed the Nittany Lions’ clash against Illinois last weekend, but according to coach James Franklin, Evans in particular could have played.
Franklin, who spoke to reporters following practice on Wednesday, indicated that both players were within the realm of “could have played” but that Penn State opted to allow each to rest for an extra week to get them that much closer to their usual capabilities. The new Big Ten Conference player availability reports are due no later than two hours prior to kickoff each Saturday.
In his time on the field, Wallace has operated effectively as Penn State’s No. 2 receiver alongside KeAndre Lambert-Smith and has proven to be plenty reliable in that role. So far this season, Wallace has pulled down 10 catches for 98 yards, with seven of those receptions coming West Virginia in Penn State’s season opener. For his part, Evans has caught just one pass so far in 2023 but is seen as a potential key contributor to Penn State’s offense after showing flashes in the passing game at points during Penn State’s 2022 campaign.
Penn State looks to improve to 4-0 this weekend with a 7:30 p.m. clash on Saturday against Iowa. The Hawkeyes bring in the nation’s No. 33 pass defense while Penn State boasts the No. 50 passing offense, far and away the best passing attack Iowa has faced this year. Sophomore quarterback Drew Allar has passed for 737 yards and four touchdowns so far this season, completing 67% of his passes in 2023.
