Observations From Penn State Practice Ahead of Michigan State Game

Penn State’s postseason hopes are dangling by a thread, as the Nittany Lions need to win all three remaining games to reach bowl eligibility, beginning with a matchup at Michigan State on Saturday.

Before Penn State hits the road to battle for the Land Grant Trophy, the team took to the practice field on Wednesday evening. Members of the media were granted a brief viewing period into the action.

Who’s in, who’s out

During his Monday press conference, interim head coach Terry Smith provided updates on a couple players who didn’t see action last weekend against Indiana.

Freshman defensive end Chaz Coleman, who saw at least four snaps in every other game this season, was listed as out on the team’s pregame availability report. Smith said he’s “day-to-day,” but Penn State was “hoping to have him this week” against the Spartans.

However, Coleman wasn’t seen during the media viewing window, raising concerns about his potential availability on Saturday.

Additionally, guard TJ Shanahan Jr. didn’t see any action against Indiana, which was also his first game with fewer than four snaps. It came as a bit of a surprise, as Shanahan wasn’t designated as “out” or “questionable” on the availability report.

Smith said he’s “a little banged up” and was available if needed. Instead, Anthony Donkoh played the entire game at right guard while Nolan Rucci manned right tackle.

On Wednesday, Shanahan appeared to be an active participant and was working with other offensive linemen on the two-deep.

Freshman quarterback Bekkem Kritza was also an active participant after being absent from last week’s practice and listed as out against the Hoosiers. If available Saturday, he’ll give the Nittany Lions another option in a room desperate for depth.

Package en route

Unfortunately for Penn State fans who’ve voiced their displeasure about the package, wide receiver Liam Clifford continued to take reps behind center.

Clifford exclusively performed handoffs during the viewing window, which he did in game action after lining up in the backfield against Ohio State two weeks ago. He also set season highs with two receptions for 14 yards against the Buckeyes.

It appears the Nittany Lions still plan to utilize Clifford in unique ways moving forward despite going away from it last week, when he saw no snaps against Indiana.

Pass-catching

Penn State’s wide receivers, tight ends and running backs were all involved in pass-catching drills, with receivers working on getting out of breaks.

Assistant Mark Dupuis continued to work closely with the group, going over to freshman Tyseer Denmark after a rep to give more pointers.

The running backs worked on screens with quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, before breaking off to work on blocking drills against tackle dummies. Smith has said getting both the running backs and tight ends involved in the passing game has been a priority, and play action will be the key to unlocking them.