Penn State Football: Reflections on the Blue-White game

The annual Penn State Blue and White game took place on April 15, 2022, and provided a glimpse of what fans can expect from the Nittany Lions in the upcoming season. The Blue team emerged victorious with a score of 10-0 over the White team in front of a packed Beaver Stadium. Here’s a look at some of the standout performers from the game.

There were a handful of players that looked quite impressive, but everyone showed that there is plenty of work to be done before West Virginia. The speedy Omari Evans was a constant threat to the White defense, showcasing his ability to get open and make tough catches. He finished the game with 5 receptions for 80 yards, including a solid 28-yard touchdown grab in the first quarter.

At the quarterback position,  Drew Allar showed flashes of brilliance but also revealed he has some work to do. The sophomore made some incredibly athletic throws, including one that looked like a Patrick Mahomes special. He completed 19 of his 30 passes for 202 yards and a touchdown. Allar’s arm talent and poise in the pocket, however, suggest he could be the future of Penn State’s offense.

Meanwhile, 2nd string QB Beau Pribula looked solid in his role as the opposing quarterback. He also showed off his mobility, scrambling for a 9-yard gain on one play. Pribula’s strong showing provides some reassurance for Penn State fans who may be concerned about the depth at the quarterback position.

My dark horse pick for a surprise breakthrough is wide receiver, Anthony Ivey. The redshirt freshman impressed in the game, displaying his speed and route-running ability. If he continues to develop, I think Ivey could become a valuable weapon for the Nittany Lions.

On the defensive side of the ball, defensive coordinator Manny Diaz looks like he could have a special bunch on his hands. Dani Dennis-Sutton and Tony Rojas were among the standouts, with Dennis-Sutton racking up 4 tackles and 2 sacks, and Rojas recording 9 tackles, 1 pass breakup, and 0.5 tackles for loss. Diaz’s attacking style of defense will undoubtedly cause problems for opposing offenses this season.

Lastly, running back Tank Smith put on a show, rumbling like a Sherman tank a few times in impressive runs. He finished the game with 9 carries for 40 yards, consistently breaking tackles and moving the chains.

In conclusion, while it’s important not to read too much into spring games, the Penn State faithful can be excited about the talent on display. The Nittany Lions have the potential to be a force on both sides of the ball this season. The Blue and White game provided a taste of what’s to come, and fans can’t wait to see the team in action this fall.