Penn State Players to Watch in Home Opener Against Bowling Green

Penn State should be able to handle business quickly against Bowling Green on Saturday. And if that’s the case, then a number of players who maybe didn’t significantly contribute in the season opener at West Virginia could see extended time.

From under-used starters to bench players to freshmen, there are a handful of faces who could make the case for good playing time and a consistent role this weekend.

Here are a list of names to watch who could fall in that category against the Falcons.

Kaytron Allen

He found the end zone against the Mountaineers, but running back Kaytron Allen had far from his best showing in the Nittany Lions’ season opener. It was rushing counterpart Nick Singleton who did instead. To keep both players happy, James Franklin may give Allen an uptick in carries, which, should in turn, help boost his confidence as the year unfolds.

Beau Pribula

Andy Kotelnicki got all his top offensive weapons involved at West Virginia, and backup quarterback Beau Pribula was one of them. He threw for a 19-yard touchdown and rushed three times for 25 yards. If all goes well against Bowling Green, starter Drew Allar should be pulled early for Pribula. And if he is, Pribula could have more opportunities to throw than previously showcased.

“He’s not just a running quarterback. He’s really taken a step forward in the pass game, and it’s been really cool to see that,” Allar said. “I don’t think he gets enough credit for how good he is as a passer, and he’s going to cause a lot of stress throughout the year for defenses.”

Sander Sahaydak

The opportunity was once again there for Sander Sahaydak to solidify his role as Penn State’s starting place kicker at West Virginia. But on his lone field-goal attempt, from 47 yards out, Sahaydak missed. Expect Franklin to give Sahaydak another chance on Saturday, but if he squanders that, it could be time for Tulsa transfer Chase Meyer or walk-on Ryan Barker to step in.

“We got a ton of confidence in him based on what he did all training camp and what he did all spring ball, and I know he’ll make the next one,” Franklin said of Sahaydak.

Julian Fleming

Ohio State transfer Julian Fleming saw the field more than any wide receiver other than Harrison Wallace III this past weekend, but finished the game without a single target. In his second game as a Nittany Lion, expect Kotelnicki to create some schemes around Fleming — one of the team’s most experienced offensive weapons.

“There’s a couple times where we tried to get the ball to him, but again, based on coverage, it just didn’t play out that way,” Franklin said. “We definitely want to get him more involved in the game, early in the game. But I think the most important thing is the things that he could control, he controlled. … Obviously, you’d love stats to go with it. Those who will come, we’re confident in that.”

Nolan Rucci

Anthony Donkoh has evidently won the Nittany Lions’ right tackle battle over Wisconsin transfer Nolan Rucci after playing 51 snaps to Rucci’s 12 against the Mountaineers. Donkoh is likely to earn a second consecutive start this weekend, but Franklin said he would like to play Rucci “more.” 

Elliot Washington II

Franklin said Penn State will continue a rotation at cornerback. That means no starters are set in stone, despite A.J. Harris and Jalen Kimber getting the nods in the season opener. Both corners were solid against the Mountaineers, but it was sophomore Elliot Washington II who made the defensive play of the game when he caught his first career interception.

“Not only did Elliott, you know, have that big time interception, but he also started on all four special teams units. So, he is making a huge impact in a lot of different ways.”

Dejaun Lane

Kevin Winston Jr., Jaylen Reed and Zakee Wheatley — three starting safeties — have emerged as major strength of the Nittany Lions’ defense. But after them, there’s not much in the way of depth at the position. That could create some increased opportunities for true freshman Dejuan Lane, who appeared briefly in his first collegiate game last weekend.

“We got to get somebody to step up into that fifth safety role, especially with us playing so much three safeties on the field. … We need his reps to increase this week and we need his reps to increase the next game, so that his role can continue to grow on special teams, then on defense, and that he earns the trust of his teammates and the coaches,” Franklin said.