Penn State is looking to build off of last season’s success. They have 14 total returning starters and are poised to push Michigan and Ohio State for the Big Ten title in 2023. This Nittany Lions team has the potential to be super talented in 2023. Can James Franklin get this team in the Big Ten Title game for the first time since 2016? Here is the preview for the 2023 Penn State Nittany Lions.
Offense
Last season, the Nittany Lions had two true freshmen lead their team in rushing yards. Nicolas Singleton and Kaytron Allen were a good duo in the ground game as they combined for 1,928 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. Penn State hasn’t been successful in the ground game since Saquon Barkley attended the school. These two are poised for a big season in 2023 in their sophomore campaign. Good news for the duo is that they are behind a veteran offensive line that returns left tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu that will likely be a first round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
With the veteran leadership on the offensive line, it should led to a great season for the sophomore starting quarterback Drew Allar. He replaces Sean Clifford as the starter and in his 10 games he appeared in last year he threw for 344 passing yards to go with 4 touchdowns and zero interceptions. Allar is a former five star prospect, but he should be big time for the Nittany Lions in 2023.
For his wide receiver options, KeAndre Lambert-Smith showed potential in the Rose Bowl game last year. However, I think their two transfers Dante Cephas (Kent State) and Malik McClain (Florida State) are going to be two major factors in 2023. Cephas had 1,984 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns in his last two seasons at Kent State. With prior success, I think Cephas will be the number one target for this offense. Look for Allar to put together a great first season as a starter for Penn State.
Defense
This defense adapted to the high-pressure defensive approach that Manny Diaz brought to University Park in 2022. However, they need to figure out their defensive line for this upcoming season. They have two solid defensive ends in Adisa Isaac and Chop Robinson who combined for 9.5 sacks and 21 tackles for a loss last season. However, the lack of a defensive tackle with size is an issue they have to address. With a lack of size and power at the defensive tackle position, their defensive line could be the struggle of this Nittany Lions defense.
At the linebacker group, the Nittany Lions saw a breakout season from freshman outside linebacker Abdul Carter. Carter had 10.5 tackles for a loss and his 6.5 sacks led the team in 2022. They also bring back another playmaker in Curtis Jacobs. Those two are going to be the big playmakers for the linebacker core. This secondary group is headlined by the Big Ten leader in passes deflected in 2022 in Kalen King. Then on the other side, Penn State has the senior Johnny Dixon that won’t want to be tested either. If this secondary can be as successful as last year, they will be a tough team to throw against in 2023.
Win Total Bet
The Penn State win total is set at 9.5 on the FanDuel Sportsbook, with the odds on the over set at -138 and the under set at +112. The Penn State Nittany Lions are in contention for the Big Ten title. I think they get to double digit wins in the regular season. Drew Allar is going to have a big year for the offense and the defense is going to be great in 2023. Stay away from the total at the odds -138, but they can beat one of Michigan/Ohio State in 2023. Keep an eye on the Nittany Lions in 2023.
Schedule Predictions
Win vs West Virginia (1-0)
Blowout Win vs Delaware (2-0)
Win at Illinois (3-0)
Convincing Win vs Iowa (4-0)
Win at Northwestern (5-0)
Win vs UMASS (6-0)
Loss at Ohio State (6-1)
Win vs Indiana (7-1)
Loss at Maryland (7-2)
Huge Win vs Michigan (8-2)
Win vs Rutgers (9-2)
Win at Michigan State (10-2)