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Penn State Football: Things We Learned from the 2017 Blue-White Game

By Shane Lunnen

Apr 22, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions players sing the alma mater following the Blue-White game at Beaver Stadium. The Blue team won 26-0. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY
Apr 22, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions players sing the alma mater following the Blue-White game at Beaver Stadium. The Blue team won 26-0. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY /
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This year’s Blue-White game was not much of a game with the Blue squad stacked with mostly starters.  It’s difficult to draw many conclusions from a scrimmage, however there were a few observations to point out.

Tommy Stevens could start at many FBS schools, and Penn State is lucky to have him

Quarterback Tommy Stevens had nothing but mop-up duties last year behind starter Trace McSorley, who will also remain the starter in 2017.  However, Stevens is a solid backup quarterback that could start at many programs in the country.

Stevens showed off his arm on Saturday, throwing for 216 yards and three touchdowns in the second half.  Sure it was just a scrimmage, but the kid has a lot of skills.  With his running ability that he showed last year and an improved arm, Stevens could definitely lead this offense and there probably would not be much of a drop off from McSorley.

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Juwan Johnson could be the answer for the departed Chris Godwin

The Lions need to replace a ton of production from Chris Godwin.  While Godwin is a tough player to just replace, receiver Juwan Johnson could be the player to step up.  While I think McSorley will spread the ball around a lot this fall, the six-foot-four Johnson will be tough to contain by opposing secondaries.

On Saturday, Johnson was as good as all the hype.  He caught seven balls for 81 yards and a touchdown.  Many of the Penn State coaches are saying he had a great spring and I lost count of how many times the Big Ten Network announcers were praising him.  He will be a big part of the receiving corps this fall.

The defensive line should be just fine

This was a headline observation last year too.  This year the Lions are replacing both defensive ends, but that should not much of a problem.  Shareef Miller was really good on Saturday, with three tackles for loss and two sacks.  He will be a force to contain for opposing lines this fall along with Torrence Brown on the other end.

There is a lot of depth behind them too.  Shaka Toney, Shane Simmons and Ryan Buchholz will all see playing time this fall.  I have a good feeling that the line is not going to have a huge drop off from last year.

The secondary will have position battles in fall camp

There are a slew of names here that could fill the roles left open by the injury to John Reid and Malik Golden’s graduation.  Christian Campbell should be the starter at Reid’s spot, but Amani Oruwariye is also back and should see the field.  And don’t forget about Lamont Wade who has the talent to play as a true freshman.

At the safety position, it’s a little bit of a wild card right now.  Troy Apke has the most experience, but Ayron Monroe could push him for playing time.  On Saturday Monroe had one interception and nearly had another.  He’s got a lot of talent and this battle will be fun to watch heading into August.

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