In a candid assessment of his team”s struggles, Penn State offensive line coach Phil Trautwein acknowledged that inconsistency has significantly impacted the performance of the offensive linemen this season. Despite entering the year with high expectations, having returned four starters and being touted as one of the best lines in the nation, the results have not met those hopes.
“We all thought that,” Trautwein stated on Thursday. “As coaches, we assured ourselves that we were doing everything possible. I still believe there is considerable talent in our offensive room. We just need to perform with more consistency as an offensive line. It”s essential that we execute our responsibilities on every single play, and we have not done that adequately to win games.”
With a six-game losing streak, Penn State (0-6 Big Ten, 3-6) is set to face Michigan State (0-6, 3-6) at Spartan Stadium this Saturday at 3:30 PM. The offensive unit has encountered considerable challenges this season, ranking among the lowest in the country in several statistical categories.
Currently, the Nittany Lions rank 108th in total offense, averaging 335.7 yards per game, and are likewise 108th in passing yards and 78th in rushing yards. This is a stark contrast to last season”s performance, where they finished 26th in total offense.
The offensive line is under scrutiny, particularly due to the team”s inability to reach 400 total yards in any Big Ten matchup this season, with only two games surpassing 300 yards against UCLA and Indiana. Trautwein emphasized that when a team struggles to win, it is crucial for the players and coaches to reflect on their performance.
“It always comes down to winning football games,” he remarked. “When you”re not winning, you need to evaluate your own play and accept that you are not performing well enough to secure victories. We must improve continuously. There have been some excellent plays, but there are also many plays I wish we could redo.”
Among the players on the line, Vega Ioane has stood out as a bright spot. Trautwein referred to him as one of the top guards in the country and noted that he is projected to be a first-round draft pick next spring. “I think he”s one of the best guards in the country,” Trautwein said. “He excels in pass protection and run blocking. He”s an intelligent player, and scouts appreciate both skill and intelligence in prospects.”
In other team news, former five-star recruit J”ven Williams has not seen action since the season”s second game due to a hand or wrist injury sustained in preseason. Trautwein expressed hope that Williams will recover and return to play soon.
Additionally, freshman defensive end Chaz Coleman was absent from practice, missing last week”s game against Indiana. Interim head coach Terry Smith indicated that Coleman remains day-to-day but is hopeful for his return.
Looking ahead, Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith mentioned the possibility of using two quarterbacks in their upcoming game. Aidan Chiles has started the first eight games, while redshirt freshman Alessio Milivojevic made his debut recently, and both bring different strengths to the field.
“You have to fully prepare for both,” Smith noted. “We have packages for our athletic and pocket quarterbacks, and we”ll be ready for either.”
