Penn State’s wide receivers began this season with many questions surrounding them, especially after the position’s lack of production last season.
With the Nittany Lions’ three non-conference games behind them, the wide receivers have been the most improved position on the team.
“I’ve been pleased with what they’ve been able to do,” coach James Franklin said. “We have to continue to build on it, build their confidence and build their production.”
Penn State wide receivers have caught 24 passes in the first three games as they prepare to meet Illinois Saturday night at 7:30 (TV-NBC) at Beaver Stadium.
Harrison Wallace III and Omari Evans have combined for 16 receptions for 351 yards and four touchdowns. Liam Clifford and former Southern Columbia star Julian Fleming became more involved in the offense last week, Clifford with three catches and Fleming with two.
Last year, Lions wideouts made just 20 catches in the final four games.
Franklin complained Monday about the media criticism directed toward the wide receivers throughout last season and before this season.
“I’m not saying that some of the things that were written and said in the past weren’t fair,” he said. “But if we’re going to be critical, then they should be praised when they’re doing really good things.”
The Lions will be tested by the Illinois defense, which has forced seven interceptions and three fumbles. Cornerback Xavier Scott and safety Myles Scott are the top players in the secondary.
“Their secondary is really going to be a challenge for us,” Franklin said. “Those guys do a really good job. They play a decent amount of man coverage and are extremely competitive.”
Allen in the box: Much has been made of Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen moving from the field to the press box for last Saturday’s 56-0 win over Kent State.
Allen had not coached from a press box for 15 years, according to Franklin.
“I think he wasn’t sure after not being up there for so long,” Franklin said. “Then I think after going up and doing it, it became a viable option for him and for us. We’ll take it on a week-to-week basis and see what’s best ultimately for our team and ultimately for our defense. I think he liked it.”
Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki calls plays from the press box. It’s clear where Franklin believes is the best vantage point for him and Allen.
“I’m a big believer that the best place to call the game is from the booth,” Franklin said. “You can lay out all your call sheets. It makes it easy to write down and take notes, makes it easy to be focused on the game and not dealing with the fans, with the emotions of the players on the sideline and with the weather.”
UCLA game set: Penn State’s home game Oct. 5 against UCLA will have a noon kickoff and will be televised by FOX, it was announced Monday.
One of four former Pac-12 teams now in the Big Ten, the Bruins are traveling more than 11,000 miles this season, more than any other college football team in the country. They opened the season at Hawaii and played at LSU last weekend. They also have road games at Penn State, Rutgers, Nebraska and Washington.
