Penn State football's Top 25 ranking remains unchanged. The Nittany Lions are now 3-0 after beating three non-conference teams, Nevada, Florida International, and Villanova, and kept their No. 2 placement on the AP Poll after Week 3.
Their offense is the biggest question.
Drew Allar holds a 64.8 completion percentage after the first three weeks going into the team's first bye week. A third-year starting quarterback should have a better percentage against that kind of non-conference slate, but it's not something that can't get cleaned up. He's certainly not a lost cause, he just needs to be better.
Running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen already eclipsed 3,000 collegiate career yards, the first pair of teammates to do so in Penn State history. They haven't been "wow factors," but it's clear they're just warming up. The wide receiver core is upgraded and getting reps in, but the chemistry and connection between the three transfers and Allar needs strengthening.
"Andy Kotelnicki is one of the top OC’s in the nation. Penn State has arguably the best RB duo in the country. Drew Allar is solid. Penn State is one of the most talented teams in the country.
It’s hard to get a good read on the offense.
By opening with three tomato cans, James Franklin is not going to open up the entire playbook. I’m sure he’s saving a lot for Oregon in two weeks. I’d give Penn State an incomplete right now.
We won’t really now if this is 'the year' or not until the Oregon game."
Defensively, there are no concerns. It posted a shutout in Week 2 against FIU and almost did it again against the Wildcats in Week 3. In total, the Nittany Lions only allowed two touchdowns over three games, tied for third in the country. They also allowed 3.59 yards per play on average so far, which is good for fifth in the country.
When the Ducks come to Happy Valley, it'll be a real test to see how well Jim Knowles' defense can ward off an explosive team. It'll also be a test to see what the offense is capable of.
A Week 4 bye after the last two games Penn State played seems like even more of a blessing than it did at the start of the season. Head coach James Franklin said from Week 1 that there are improvements to be made, as expected, but there isn't much leeway for mistakes in a top 5 matchup.