Can one practice moment tell us a lot about the Penn State offense outlook in 2024? ‘This is different’

Penn State receiver Kaden Saunders took a long pause before answering the latest question that was thrown his way during the Lions’ post-practice media session on Thursday. And, as it turns out, there was a good reason that he needed time to put together his thoughts. A redshirt junior, the Ohio native is well-rehearsed when it comes to answering the familiar queries about receiver room struggles, losses in the biggest games, and so on. This inquiry was different, though. It was new, something he would not have had the chance to discuss at any other point in his career. And, assuming all involved are telling the truth, it says a lot about the outlook for the Nittany Lions’ offense in 2024.

Before we get to the answer in question, let’s set the stage. Moments earlier, Saunders had been waiting around midfield inside of Holuba Hall as head coach James Franklin held his own media session. One of the questions he fielded focused on where the offense is compared to the defense in competition periods and vice versa.

“It’s more even than it’s been in the past,” Franklin said. “It’s more competitive than it’s been in terms in terms of the score. And we keep score. Every single day we put it up there. We track explosive plays, we track turnovers, and then we track competitive periods, and who won the periods? And I want to say it’s been tied more than it hasn’t been.”

For the Lions’ offense, that’s a new feeling

Saunders overheard Franklin’s comment and said he couldn’t agree with it more. Unlike previous preseason camps, the Nittany Lions offense is able to push back, and in some cases around, a defense that many believe will be one of the nation’s best. And, the receiver said that realization came during the first drill, which are red zone one-on-ones, of practice No. 1.

“Normally, it wouldn’t be close,” Saunders said. “But it came down to, I think, one or two reps. So that’s when I knew like, ‘Oh yeah, this is different.’”

The difference starts with first-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, of course. He brings a unique passion and creative mindset to Penn State, and is empowering leadership across the attack while designing ways to get the best players the ball while maximizing each player’s strengths. Early feedback has been positive. And, considering what Saunders and Franklin had to say on the matter, it will continue to be.

More: Penn State has competitive juice, freshman WR buzzes, more: Camp notebook

Words don’t win games, of course. But, after knowing the defense was always ahead of the offense over the last few seasons, that’s no longer the case. Does it mean the defense is taking a step back? Perhaps. Or, the Penn State offense could finally be rising to the level of its counterpart on the other side of the ball. If so, the Lions’ path to their first College Football Playoff appearance becomes even clearer.

“A couple years ago, last year, it wouldn’t even be close in the competition period,” Saunders said. “But now, the defense is real good, but we’re right there with them. So I think just how much stress we put on them with our offense and everything that we do, it just creates opportunities for us to make plays and win periods like that.

“Our defense is one of if not the best in the country. If we can win against them, then there should be nobody that can stop our offense when a season comes.”

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