James Franklin has guided his Nittany Lions to two early victories in the 2024 college football season, providing a mix of highlights and challenges. Despite a tough game against Bowling Green from the Mid-American Conference last week, Penn State managed to secure a win.
The defense struggled initially, giving up a six-play, 75-yard drive to start the game, and trailed 24-20 at halftime. However, Tom Allen’s defense made crucial adjustments during the break, limiting Bowling Green to just three points in the second half and forcing two turnovers.
On the offensive side, Andy Kotelnicki’s unit had its moments in the 34-27 win in Week 2. Drew Allar threw for 204 yards and three touchdowns, but the standout performers were the Lawn Boyz. Nick Singleton had 14 touches for 133 yards and two touchdowns, while Kaytron Allen also had 14 touches for 101 yards.
With their first bye week of the season, Penn State will have time to refine their performance on both sides of the ball before facing Kent State. After that matchup, they will kick off conference play at home against Illinois. Beyond their star players, Penn State will need to rely on additional key contributors. Here are four potential X-factors on the roster as conference play approaches:
DT Zane Durant: Durant began his junior season with high expectations of being a major player in Tom Allen’s defense. Through the first two games, Durant has played nearly 60% of the snaps, the highest among the team’s interior defensive linemen. He recorded a sack in the Week 1 victory over West Virginia and has accumulated five tackles this season.
James Franklin says Zane Durant “loves ball.”
“He loves football, like, I think that's one of the things that's so important in today's day and age.”
“Day in and day out — staying consistent and punching his ticket” pic.twitter.com/L04fPLWy0f
— Lyle Alenstein (@LAlenstein) September 10, 2024
Pro Football Focus (PFF), known for evaluating game film and assigning grades out of 100, has given Zane Durant an impressive overall grade of 82.0, the highest among Penn State’s defensive players.
Durant has made a significant impact this season, and the Nittany Lions will rely on him and fellow starting defensive tackle D’Von J-Thomas to dominate opposing offensive lines. Despite his strong performance, Durant remains somewhat under the radar but deserves recognition as one of the team’s standout players.
Tyler Warren: Arriving as the starting tight end in the 2024 season, Warren has quickly become a key target for quarterback Drew Allar. Over the first two games, he has caught eleven passes for 176 yards and one touchdown. Additionally, Warren set a program record in the game against Bowling Green last Saturday.
🦁 8 rec.
🦁 146 ydsTyler Warren set the record for most receiving yards in a single game by a @PennStateFball TE today vs. Bowling Green. #B1GStats x #B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/dnGucMWqCv
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 7, 2024
With an impressive PFF player grade of 81.4, Tyler Warren is the top-rated offensive player for Penn State. Although Warren’s high profile and productivity might seem to exclude him from the X-factor list, he still has goals to accomplish this season.
Previously overshadowed by players like Pat Freiermuth, Brenton Strange, and Theo Johnson, Warren is now determined to make his mark in Penn State’s football history and help lead the Nittany Lions to the college football playoff.
Tony Rojas: As a true sophomore starting in Tom Allen’s defense, Rojas has made a significant impact in Penn State’s first two games of the 2024 season. Teaming up with Kobe King and Dominic DeLuca, he has recorded ten tackles and an interception. Rojas has been on the field for 70% of the snaps and has established himself as a key contributor.
Tony Rojas, save us. pic.twitter.com/iXaXT30JnH
— Victory Bell Rings (@VictoryBellRing) September 7, 2024
PFF has given Tony Rojas a 76.0 overall grade this season, with an impressive 81.6 grade in coverage, the highest among Penn State’s defensive players. While Rojas has shown strong performance, he needs to improve his open-field tackling, as it has occasionally allowed opposing running backs to advance past the second level. Nonetheless, Rojas has been a key player among the linebacker trio, and the trio’s continued strong performance will be crucial for Penn State’s success in the conference.
A.J. Harris: After transferring from Georgia this offseason, Harris has quickly become a significant asset as a starting outside cornerback. He has accumulated seven tackles and one pass defensed in the first two games of the season. Entering with high expectations as a five-star recruit from the 2023 class, Harris is already beginning to meet those expectations for the Nittany Lions.
Ranking as Penn State’s second-highest-graded defender with a 76.1 overall grade, Harris has thrived in Tom Allen’s system, particularly in coverage with a 78.0 grade. Both West Virginia and Bowling Green have largely avoided targeting Harris’s side of the field. As a true sophomore, Harris is still developing and has not yet reached his full potential, making him an exciting player for Nittany Lion fans to watch.
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