Penn State’s innovative offense and standout players drive success on the road to the College Football Playoff.

A System Rooted in Innovation

First-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki has transformed Penn State’s offense into a powerhouse through experimentation and creativity. Determined not to fall into predictable patterns, Kotelnicki constantly incorporates fresh ideas into the playbook, drawing inspiration from game film and football’s rich tactical landscape.

“As a staff, between access to film and watching other games, you steal a lot of things that you think will complement what you’re doing,” Kotelnicki explained.

This adaptive approach has helped the Nittany Lions (12-2) secure a spot in the Fiesta Bowl, which doubles as a College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Boise State (12-1).

Balance as the Key to Success

Under Kotelnicki’s leadership, Penn State has become one of the nation’s most balanced teams, averaging over 200 yards both rushing and passing per game. This versatility has kept opponents guessing and allowed standout players to shine.

Quarterback Drew Allar, while not a flashy gunslinger, has thrived in this system with his efficiency and football IQ. He’s thrown for 3,021 yards, 21 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions this season.

“We don’t have a lot of what I call ‘my bads’ out on the football field,” Kotelnicki said of Allar’s growth. “He knows what’s happening. He knows his reads. He knows what the defense is capable of doing.”

Star Power: Tyler Warren and the Running Back Duo

Tight end Tyler Warren has been an indispensable part of the offense, finishing seventh in Heisman voting and winning the Mackey Award. The 6-foot-6 senior has 92 receptions for 1,095 yards this season, alongside his contributions as a runner and passer in Wildcat formations.

Running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen also form a formidable duo, combining power and speed to dominate on the ground. Together, they’ve consistently delivered in critical moments, ensuring Penn State’s offense remains multifaceted.

Open Communication and Preparation

Kotelnicki fosters a collaborative environment where players like Allar are encouraged to provide feedback on the game plan. This approach ensures that by game day, the quarterback and his teammates are fully prepared.

“When the game comes, it’s second nature for me at that point,” Allar shared. “I just made that throw over and over and I know what to expect.”

Lessons from Adversity

Penn State’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. A tough loss to Ohio State highlighted the importance of keeping key players like Warren involved in crunch time. Head coach James Franklin acknowledged this oversight, and since then, Kotelnicki has ensured such mistakes are avoided.

In their first-round win over SMU, Penn State relied on its running backs, demonstrating the offense’s ability to adapt to different game scenarios.

The Road Ahead

The Fiesta Bowl presents a significant challenge, but the Nittany Lions are confident in their ability to succeed. The offense, once unfamiliar and experimental, now operates like a well-oiled machine.

“Now we’re all comfortable in it,” Warren said. “And to see how many things we can do just by making one little tweak here, that’s been really fun for us.”

As Penn State prepares for Boise State, the combination of Allar’s efficiency, Warren’s versatility, and Kotelnicki’s innovative system puts them in a strong position to compete for a national title.