I think we've been a little disappointed in our QB play so far

[GregInPitt]

I watched the Villanova game yesterday that I recorded. Like FIU, what I saw didn't support the uproar. First, PSU forced a lot of long balls when the WR was well covered. And while we didn't have a lot of yards in penalties, we got behind the sticks with bad offensive penalties that we didn't have in games 1 and 2. To me, it looked like a practice. You don't practice what is working; you practice what is not working. I also note that CJF stated in his post-game presser that Vill played defense to take away our WRs. The TEs were wide open. As a result, our TEs had six receptions for 103 yards while our WRs had nine for 114 yards. You would expect WRs to have more receptions and yards. I noted four long throws where the WR was well covered. Three were incomplete, and one was for a TD.

So I came away thinking that PSU pressed the long passes to see if Allar could hit them and if the WR would battle back to catch the ball. I still think that the WRs and Allar are not in synch especially given that the defenses have been playing to stop the WR attack knowing that is what we wanted to practice.

Having said all of that, PSU will now play defenses that are a different animal than what we've faced so far.

I didn't get the impression that the long throws were the only options for Alllar on those plays. To me he seems to take some looks and then just chuck it long into double coverage which is usually not a good thing. He could have throw it OOB and avoided the chance for INT's but he doesn't seem to have the instincts to to that. So I don't see anythng positive at all about those long plays into double coverage, or where the WR wasn't even behind the DB's on any part of the play. Just bad plays that will be worse when PSU plays against better players.

I doubt that Singleton would agree with summarizing the OOC defenses as mainly playing to take away the WR's as for the most part those defenses were able to take away the WR and a good bit of the PSU rushing attack as well. So although every defense PSU faces has different strengths and weaknesses, it seems like the talent level on defense of Nevada, FIU and Nova is not up to the level of even a mid level B10 team which says to me that PSU would have looked even worse on offense if it had played B10 teams, and likely must make considerable progress with the passing game during the bye week, in addition to opening up the playbook vs Oregon, as Oregon has a lineup of 4 and 5 star talent.

 

[Sheriff Coffee]

I didn't get the impression that the long throws were the only options for Alllar on those plays. To me he seems to take some looks and then just chuck it long into double coverage which is usually not a good thing. He could have throw it OOB and avoided the chance for INT's but he doesn't seem to have the instincts to to that. So I don't see anythng positive at all about those long plays into double coverage, or where the WR wasn't even behind the DB's on any part of the play. Just bad plays that will be worse when PSU plays against better players.

I doubt that Singleton would agree with summarizing the OOC defenses as mainly playing to take away the WR's as for the most part those defenses were able to take away the WR and a good bit of the PSU rushing attack as well. So although every defense PSU faces has different strengths and weaknesses, it seems like the talent level on defense of Nevada, FIU and Nova is not up to the level of even a mid level B10 team which says to me that PSU would have looked even worse on offense if it had played B10 teams, and likely must make considerable progress with the passing game during the bye week, in addition to opening up the playbook vs Oregon.

Fair enough...but..

CJF complimented V for making the decision to take away our WRs. Secondly, there has been a lot of discussion that we should be able to throw 50/50 balls and have our WRs out-fight the defender for the ball. This was brought up in light of Allar's low INT rate (he isn't taking enough chances) and complaints that our WR's don't fight for the ball. So when Allar threw into tight coverages on our WRs, I felt like he was told to do so to see how we, as a team, handle that. (CJF made a joke that this was Cory Geiger's bit) But the normal situation would be to continue to hit our TEs, who are great receivers and are single-covered under the 3 deep Safeties, until it forces the D to change. Then you go to your WRs.

 

[ryoder1]

Howard is a true freshman who just arrived on campus 8 months ago as a 3* 99th rated WR. Denmark just enrolled last June as a 3* 85th ranked WR in the country. I certainly hope that these guys eventually emerge and play beyond their ratings but it might not be realistic for them to replace experienced players like Hudson & Pena.

FWIW Outten & Exinor were higher rated than Howard or Denmark.

Both Denmark and Howard were getting positive reviews through training camp. The high school stars are old history. Howard was viewed as a guy that we could green light. Franklin mentioned this week that Denmark is a guy that should be ready now for the call to get on the field. I think these guys are well beyond young WRs who may see playing time next year if they make significant improvements.

 

[GregInPitt]

Fair enough...but..

CJF complimented V for making the decision to take away our WRs. Secondly, there has been a lot of discussion that we should be able to throw 50/50 balls and have our WRs out-fight the defender for the ball. This was brought up in light of Allar's low INT rate (he isn't taking enough chances) and complaints that our WR's don't fight for the ball. So when Allar threw into tight coverages on our WRs, I felt like he was told to do so to see how we, as a team, handle that. (CJF made a joke that this was Cory Geiger's bit) But the normal situation would be to continue to hit our TEs, who are great receivers and are single-covered under the 3 deep Safeties, until it forces the D to change. Then you go to your WRs.

It wasn't just Nova that made our WR's look average or less. It seemed pretty constant through the 3 week OOC games.

When the DB's are clearly behind our WR's or when it's double or triple coverage, I have a hard time categorizing those throws as 50-50 balls.

I don't believe the passing game woes, not sure that is the right word, are all on Allar. I agree that there are situations where he needs to let the ball go, but not into triple coverage or to WR's that are going deep but haven't been able to get behind the coverage or in some of his throws through 3 game even getting even with the DB's in coverage.

I get your point about the TE's getting single coverage which leads to SOME WR's getting doubled. But with 3 WR sets all 3 are not getting double covered, and the WR that are in single either are not getting open or Allar isn't seeing the field eough or isn't patient enough to pick them out.

I get that Franklin gave Nova credit for their scheme, which seems to be another problem as if Nova can scheme to stop the PSU WR's with inferior athletes to Oregon, and the other top half of the B10 the PSU passing game just isn't good enough. Which is why I'm not sold that the transfer WR's are better than last year's WR based on the 3 OOC games. It's not like Nova sold out to stop the pass at the expense of the running game as the PSU running game didn't exactly dominate either.

 

[GregInPitt]

Both Denmark and Howard were getting positive reviews through training camp. The high school stars are old history. Howard was viewed as a guy that we could green light. Franklin mentioned this week that Denmark is a guy that should be ready now for the call to get on the field. I think these guys are well beyond young WRs who may see playing time next year if they make significant improvements.

Yep, talented WR at almost any school play significantly in the 2nd year AT THE LATEST. Even when Ohio St has boat load of NFL talent returning they still manage to work their top WR recruit into the rotation. And that boat load of talent at OSU is true NFL talent. Does anyone here believe that all or any of the 3 transfer WR's is a true NFL talent? Denmark and Howard should have been getting reps these past 3 games if they are talented enough to be looked at as starting PSU WR's in 2026. Stashing them on the sidelines until they are really needed (as on 9/27 vs Oregon...) just doesn't seem like a great plan to me.....

 

[Jerry]

Relevant to the discussion: Joel Klatt's ranking of the top-10 college QBs based on three weeks of game play. Link below.

Ohio State's redshirt freshman Julian Sayin comes in at #10. Oregon's Dante Moore in his first year as a starter for the Ducks is at #3.

Drew, in his 3rd year as a starter, is nowhere on the list. I think "a little disappointed" might be a fair description.

We'll find out on September 27. Chance to wipe the slate clean in a hurry.

Joel Klatt re-ranks Top 10 college football quarterbacks entering Week 4

FS1 analyst Joel Klatt overhauled his list of college football's Top 10 quarterbacks through the first four weeks of the 2025 regular season.

www.on3.com

 

[bdroc]

Yep, talented WR at almost any school play significantly in the 2nd year AT THE LATEST. Even when Ohio St has boat load of NFL talent returning they still manage to work their top WR recruit into the rotation. And that boat load of talent at OSU is true NFL talent. Does anyone here believe that all or any of the 3 transfer WR's is a true NFL talent? Denmark and Howard should have been getting reps these past 3 games if they are talented enough to be looked at as starting PSU WR's in 2026. Stashing them on the sidelines until they are really needed (as on 9/27 vs Oregon...) just doesn't seem like a great plan to me.....

OSU's recent WR recruits were 4* & 5* and they've seen very little PT so far this year except for Smith.

PSU: Denmark was a 2024 recruit. 3* 88 rating.
OSU: Smith was a 2024 recruit. 5* 101 rating. He's a starter.
OSU: Graham was a 2024 recruit. 4* 96 rating. He has 1 catch this year.

PSU: Howard was a 2025 recruit. 3* 88 rating.
OSU: Porter was a 2025 recruit. 5* 98 rating. He doesn't have a catch this year.

I usually agree with your posts but I'm confused about this one. Is it because you feel desperate about our WR situation and think we need to get young kids some PT to see if what they can do?

 

[GregInPitt]

OSU's recent WR recruits were 4* & 5* and they've seen very little PT so far this year except for Smith.

PSU: Denmark was a 2024 recruit. 3* 88 rating.
OSU: Smith was a 2024 recruit. 5* 101 rating. He's a starter.
OSU: Graham was a 2024 recruit. 4* 96 rating. He has 1 catch this year.

PSU: Howard was a 2025 recruit. 3* 88 rating.
OSU: Porter was a 2025 recruit. 5* 98 rating. He doesn't have a catch this year.

I usually agree with your posts but I'm confused about this one. Is it because you feel desperate about our WR situation and think we need to get young kids some PT to see if what they can do?

Despirate, no, not yet.

Denmark was close to breaking into playing time as a true freshman last season. No, he wasn't rated a 5 star recruit. But he has been identified as the most talented and most ready to play from among the 3 WR's brought in within the 2024 class.

Howard has been identified by the coaches as the most ready to play true freshmen from among the 3 true freshmen WR's within the 2025 class.

ARob was a 2 star recruit. If Franklin wants to develop his WR recruits to contribute this season it would seem that he needs the best of them to get on the field vs the weaker opponents on PSU's schedule.

I also believe if you look at a larger sample size regarding OSU you would find that there were a number of their top WR's that did get on the field and contribute as true freshmen. It's still pretty early in the season and for both PSU and OSU their top young WR's may still make an impact as the season goes along and those WR's learn their responsibilities more so, such as blocking assignments and route adjustments.

OSU's young WR's are competing against true NFL talent like Smith (and in past years a long list of NFL talent) to get onto the field, where as PSU young WR's still seem to be competing against a very average group of WR's that seems in need of more true playmakers. It's would seem that it has been a lot tougher for an OSU to get noticed in their practices over the last 10 years than it would be for a young WR during PSU's practices in the last few years. PSU hasn't had and doesn't now have anyone nearly as talented as Smith, Egbuka, Wilson or Harrison Jr now or in the recent past.

I guess we'll find out how well Franklin's plan to form a WR unit from among his options has worked out on 9/27 and the following B10 games.

 

[Sheriff Coffee]

OSU's recent WR recruits were 4* & 5* and they've seen very little PT so far this year except for Smith.

PSU: Denmark was a 2024 recruit. 3* 88 rating.
OSU: Smith was a 2024 recruit. 5* 101 rating. He's a starter.
OSU: Graham was a 2024 recruit. 4* 96 rating. He has 1 catch this year.

PSU: Howard was a 2025 recruit. 3* 88 rating.
OSU: Porter was a 2025 recruit. 5* 98 rating. He doesn't have a catch this year.

I usually agree with your posts but I'm confused about this one. Is it because you feel desperate about our WR situation and think we need to get young kids some PT to see if what they can do?

tOSU is posting a photo of five WRs in their WR room that are or will be first round picks. Last season alone Smith, Tate and Egbuka. The year before you swap out Smith for Marvin Harrison.

 

[GregInPitt]

tOSU is posting a photo of five WRs in their WR room that are or will be first round picks. Last season alone Smith, Tate and Egbuka. The year before you swap out Smith for Marvin Harrison.

How Ohio State became Wide Receiver U

The Buckeyes have produced four first-round picks at receiver over the past three drafts.

www.espn.com

 

[Frank Lee]

In Franklin's interviews over the past month he only spoke of the "three new guys", their development and fit. He never said much about the true recruits. With the effort, commitment, and money to bring a portal player on board, it could result in a greater dedication to this type of player, consciously or subconsciously. Anybody ever play on a K-12 team where the coach's son just happened to be the QB?

 

[Sheriff Coffee]

How Ohio State became Wide Receiver U

The Buckeyes have produced four first-round picks at receiver over the past three drafts.

www.espn.com

Yep. I forgot Olave. Amazing quality for them at WR.

They have seven WRs in the NFL right now: Harrison, McLaurin, Olave, Smith-NIjgba, Thomas, Wilson.

 

[bdroc]

Despirate, no, not yet.

Denmark was close to breaking into playing time as a true freshman last season. No, he wasn't rated a 5 star recruit. But he has been identified as the most talented and most ready to play from among the 3 WR's brought in within the 2024 class.

Howard has been identified by the coaches as the most ready to play true freshmen from among the 3 true freshmen WR's within the 2025 class.

ARob was a 2 star recruit. If Franklin wants to develop his WR recruits to contribute this season it would seem that he needs the best of them to get on the field vs the weaker opponents on PSU's schedule.

I also believe if you look at a larger sample size regarding OSU you would find that there were a number of their top WR's that did get on the field and contribute as true freshmen. It's still pretty early in the season and for both PSU and OSU their top young WR's may still make an impact as the season goes along and those WR's learn their responsibilities more so, such as blocking assignments and route adjustments.

OSU's young WR's are competing against true NFL talent like Smith (and in past years a long list of NFL talent) to get onto the field, where as PSU young WR's still seem to be competing against a very average group of WR's that seems in need of more true playmakers. It's would seem that it has been a lot tougher for an OSU to get noticed in their practices over the last 10 years than it would be for a young WR during PSU's practices in the last few years. PSU hasn't had and doesn't now have anyone nearly as talented as Smith, Egbuka, Wilson or Harrison Jr now or in the recent past.

I guess we'll find out how well Franklin's plan to form a WR unit from among his options has worked out on 9/27 and the following B10 games.

It sounds like Demark will soon ne getting some snaps. He would be the 5th WR behind Pena, Hudson, Ross, and Clifford. I dont expect others to get much PT this year unless it's on special teams.

 

[ryoder1]

It sounds like Demark will soon ne getting some snaps. He would be the 5th WR behind Pena, Hudson, Ross, and Clifford. I dont expect others to get much PT this year unless it's on special teams.

Unless Howard has regressed in the last month the coaches were super high on him. I would not be surprised to see him get on the field later this season. He may not be performing on special teams which could be holding him back He was also underrated out of high school. Denmark will also see the field this year. These guys are not far off.

 

[joejohn]

Allar must get accurate.

 

[joejohn]

Franklin has to crank it up.

 

[bdroc]

Unless Howard has regressed in the last month the coaches were super high on him. I would not be surprised to see him get on the field later this season. He may not be performing on special teams which could be holding him back He was also underrated out of high school. Denmark will also see the field this year. These guys are not far off.

I'n not taking a shot at Howard. I'm just saying only so many WRs are going to be targeted. Right now it sounds like he's no higher than 6th.

 

[GregInPitt]

Unless Howard has regressed in the last month the coaches were super high on him. I would not be surprised to see him get on the field later this season. He may not be performing on special teams which could be holding him back He was also underrated out of high school. Denmark will also see the field this year. These guys are not far off.

That's about what Franklin has said. I really don't understand what "not far off" means when a WR can make plays in practice as a WR. Yep, Franklin wants special teams praticipation. But the team has needed a true playmaker at WR for years and if they see a couple young WR's that can make plays as a WR it seems pretty lame to keep them from making those plays in games due to other factors. Are they making Coleman play special teams, or is sacking QB's a good enough talent to get on the field...... Seems like an excuse to rise or fall with the 3 transfer WR's. Could Franklin have promised the 3 of them almost exclusive playing time to get them to PSU...? No wonder Franklin can't beat Ohio St.

 

[zouavelion5]

That's about what Franklin has said. I really don't understand what "not far off" means when a WR can make plays in practice as a WR. Yep, Franklin wants special teams praticipation. But the team has needed a true playmaker at WR for years and if they see a couple young WR's that can make plays as a WR it seems pretty lame to keep them from making those plays in games due to other factors. Are they making Coleman play special teams, or is sacking QB's a good enough talent to get on the field...... No wonder Franklin can't beat Ohio St.

I completely agree.. I don't recall Parker Washington being a special teams player as a true freshman...or Jahan Dotson. Franklin makes zero sense at times.

 

[ryoder1]

I completely agree.. I don't recall Parker Washington being a special teams player as a true freshman...or Jahan Dotson. Franklin makes zero sense at times.

Yep, I thought his insistence on being a "good" special teams player to be a qualifier to get on the field at your position is/was strange, weak and short sighted. I would love to see Denmark and Howard get a shot vs Oregon. It probably does not happen but it seems ridiculous that we have like 9 WRs suited up and 3 or 4 play and the 4th being Clifford is just being rewarded for being a veteran. Like is Oregon going to be concerned when Clifford lines up at WR? No. If the guy is not ready okay but these coaches including Franklin were really talking up these guys so what is the problem. Give them a shot. Denmark is in his 2nd year in the program and has to be ready. What is he going to go out there and run the wrong route, not block, what??