Penn State's Blue-White Game Is Approaching. Here's What to Watch

The Nittany Lions will debut a new offense and defense during their annual spring game at Beaver Stadium.

Penn State receiver Liam Clifford runs a route during Nittany Lions spring football practice at Holuba Hall in State College. / Max Ralph/AllPennState

Penn State concludes spring drills this weekend with the annual Blue-White Game, which will offer fans their first look at the 2024 Nittany Lions and their three new coordinators. Penn State seldom reveals too much schematically (by design under coach James Franklin), but this game at least will provide glimpses at a few new and refreshed elements.

The Blue-White Game kicks off at 2 p.m. Saturday at Beaver Stadium. Here are a few sightlines we'll considering during the game.

Have Penn State's receivers taken a step forward this spring?

Last year was a trial for the Nittany Lions' receivers, which led to occasional strain for quarterback Drew Allar. The Lions ranked 109th nationall in pass plays of 20+ yards in 2023, which Franklin underplayed by praising the offense for checking down and not getting bored with what worked. Then Franklin fired offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich after the Lions lost to Michigan, so clearly the explosive pass game was a factor.

Franklin, offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki and Allar all have given the receivers their thumbs-up due this spring. Fifth-year senior Julian Fleming seems to be having a positive impact after transferring from Ohio State. And the Nittany Lions are looking for more production across the board, especially from returning receivers Harrison Wallace III (who was injured much of last year), Malik McClain, Omari Evans and Liam Clifford. As for KeAndre Lambert-Smith, whom reporters did not see during Tuesday's open portion of practice, we'll likely learn more about his status Saturday.

The Blue-White Game hardly offers true insight into the quarterback-receiver dynamic, since the coverages usually are simple and the quarterbacks can't get sacked. However, the wideouts need to make a strong impression Saturday.

What's the initial rotation at offensive tackle?

With Drew Shelton out this spring, Penn State offensive line coach Phil Trautwein has rotated more tackles in the mix. As long as Shelton is healthy this fall, he's the likely starter at left tackle, with J'Ven Williams behind him. Meanwhile, who gets the longest look at right tackle? Anthony Donkoh played some last season, and got significant snaps in the Peach Bowl, but Wisconsin transfer Nolan Rucci seeks to turn a fresh start into a starting job. If the 6-8 Rucci blooms, Penn State looks strong at tackle, as long as Shelton returns healthy.

Will Ethan Grunkemeyer by the Blue-White favorite?

Grunkemeyer, a true freshman who enrolled early, has taken a bunch of snaps as the No. 3 quarterback this spring with redshirt freshman Jaxon Smolik reportedly injured. Expect to see Grunkemeyer a lot Saturday. Allar and Beau Pribula certainly need live work in Kotelnicki's offense, but Grunkemeyer should get plenty of second-half snaps. The 6-2 quarterback from Ohio has a big arm that he might be able to turn loose Saturday.

How about the third running back?

Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen probably won't play much (if at all) in the Blue-White Game. That leaves a group of untested backs to take the spring game lead and audition for the No. 3 spot. It's an intriguing group, notably with true freshman Quinton Martin Jr. making a spring play for consideration as the third back. Cam Wallace and London Montgomery, who redshirted last season, have competition for that No. 3 role.

What's going on at linebacker?

This will be an interesting position under defensive coordinator Tom Allen, who has spoken quite highly of taking over at Linebacker U. However, the Lions shifted linebacker Abdul Carter to defensive end, and Franklin has discussed secondary depth (notably at safety) often this season. Could Penn State move away from a standard 4-3 base formation to play more two-linebacker sets? That would give Allen the opportunity to play linebackers Tony Rojas and Kobe King, use younger linebackers like Ta'Mere Robinson and Kaveion Keys situationally and also rely on veterans Tyler Elsdon and Dominic DeLuca.

Who is climbing in Penn State's defensive line rotation?

The Nittany Lions' starting line appears set with tackles Dvon Ellies, Zane Durant, Hakeem Beamon and Coziah Izzard back alongside ends Carter and Dani Dennis-Sutton. But Penn State rotates a huge group up front, a trait Allen is likely to continue considering the position's depth. Ends Amin Vanover, Zuriah Fisher and Jameial Lyons are potential impact players on the edge, and Dennis-Sutton might even find his way inside on occasion.

AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich.