The starters weren’t supposed to play the entire game. Penn State also wasn’t supposed to inch out a narrow 34-27 win over Bowling Green on Saturday. In a perfect world, the starters would’ve exited by the third quarter, at the latest, leading the way for bench players to see significant time. Only that didn’t happen.
According to the stat broadcast, the Nittany Lions ran 66 offensive plays and played 57 defensive snaps on Saturday. Here’s a look at the snap counts, per Pro Football Focus, and what they meant for James Franklin’s team in this weekend’s action and moving forward.
Quarterback
Drew Allar – 59
Beau Pribula – 7
Drew Allar’s 59 snaps shows how much of a disappointment Saturday truly was. This was a game the backup, Beau Pribula, was expected to see more time in after playing meaningfully at West Virginia last weekend. It’s likely that offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki did not want to put too many tricks on film against a beatable non-conference opponent, so Pribula was underused in that regard. But Pribula absolutely would’ve been given more opportunity if the Nittany Lions charged ahead early.
Running back
Nick Singleton – 40
Kaytron Allen – 31
Cam Wallace – 1
As with Pribula, third-string back Cam Wallace was expected to play a more meaningful role. But he didn’t, and starters Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen led the way instead. Both running backs eclipsed 100 rushing yards, one of the bright spots in an otherwise disappointing affair for the Nittany Lions.
Wide receiver
Harrison Wallace III – 41
Liam Clifford – 35
Julian Fleming – 35
Omari Evans – 20
Tyler Johnson – 2
It appears Penn State has solidified its three starting wide receivers, but their usage continues to vary from game to game. Julian Fleming tallied just one reception while Harrison Wallace III and Liam Clifford failed to register one. All three tallied at least 15 run-block attempts as Omari Evans led the charge with two receptions for 34 yards and a touchdown. Evans continues to establish himself as a speedy, deep-play weapon for Allar.
Tight end
Tyler Warren – 52
Luke Reynolds* – 21
Khalil Dinkins – 8
With Andrew Rappleyea injured, true freshman Luke Reynolds took over his snaps. Khalil Dinkins may see more time moving forward, especially if Rappleyea is to miss more time, but played sparingly in his return from an injury that left him inactive in the season opener.
Offensive line
Nick Dawkins (center) – 57
Vega Ioane (left guard/center) – 56
Drew Shelton (left tackle) – 53
Sal Wormley (right guard) – 43
Anthony Donkoh (right tackle) – 41
Nolan Rucci (right tackle) – 26
JB Nelson (left guard) – 14
Cooper Cousins* (right guard) – 7
It appeared Anthony Donkoh had locked up the primary right tackle spot at West Virginia, but Wisconsin transfer Nolan Rucci saw an uptick in playing time there on Saturday, as Franklin said he would. Vega Ioane took snaps at center while true freshman Cooper Cousins, typically a center, showcased his position flexibility by moving to right guard.
Cornerback
Cam Miller – 49
Jalen Kimber – 49
A.J. Harris – 48
Elliot Washington II – 29
Audavion Collins – 7
Zion Tracy – 7
Cam Miller and A.J. Harris earned the starting nods, but Miller moved to nickel corner after Kevin Winston Jr.’s early exit, paving the way for more time for veteran Jalen Kimber. With the need for more depth, Elliot Washington II played more significantly after catching an interception against the Mountaineers and almost caught another on Saturday.
Safety
Jaylen Reed – 67
Zakee Wheatley – 64
Kevin Winston Jr. – 15
Winston exited in the second quarter, which moved primary nickel corner Jaylen Reed back to safety. There’s already a lack of depth at safety, so Winston’s injury hurt Penn State over the course of action. Zakee Wheatley came away with a late interception, providing stability to a defense that did not play its best this weekend.
Linebacker
Kobe King – 52
Tony Rojas – 46
Dominic DeLuca – 28
Tyler Elsdon – 13
The struggles at linebacker were evident in the first half, but things turned around in the latter portion of the game. Dominic DeLuca played sparingly after getting injured on special teams, and the inconsistent Tyler Elsdon played in his place. Tony Rojas appears to be a star in the making, and caught a game-saving interception that stalled Bowling Green in the fourth quarter.
Defensive end
Abdul Carter – 44
Dani Dennis-Sutton – 43
Amin Vanover – 28
Smith Vilbert – 24
There seem to still be growing pains for Abdul Carter in his move from linebacker to defensive end, and first-time starter Dani Dennis-Sutton has yet to impress in his new role. Expect Smith Vilbert, who has maybe been the most solid player at the position, to see an increase in playing time as the season unfolds.
Defensive tackle
Zane Durant – 40
Dvon J-Thomas – 37
Coziah Izzard – 25
Alonzo Ford Jr. – 17
Hakeem Beamon – 14
As with the defensive ends, the tackles struggled to create pressure on Falcons’ quarterback Conner Bezalak. However, the starting duo of Zane Durant and Dvon J-Thomas appears to be set in stone with a consistent rotation of playmakers behind them.
