Penn State”s interim head coach Terry Smith has announced plans to adopt a more aggressive passing strategy as the team prepares to face No. 2 Indiana this weekend. Smith expressed his intent to focus on developing both an intermediate and downfield passing game to improve the team”s offensive performance.
This season, the Nittany Lions have faced challenges in their ability to effectively stretch the field vertically. Following Drew Allar“s season-ending injury, the downfield passing attempts have dwindled, with the team managing only one completion over 20 yards in their last two games against Iowa and Ohio State. Backup quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer has recorded an average of just 4.25 yards per completion, indicating a heavy reliance on short passes and screens that have become predictable for opposing defenses.
During a press conference on Monday, Smith emphasized the need for a shift in offensive tactics. “We have to develop the play-action, we have to develop the intermediate game, which is that 12- to 18-yard range, and just take more shots there,” he stated. “And then obviously you got to take selective five, six, seven shots vertically down the field. I have to get it fixed. We will throw the ball down the field this week.”
Smith had made similar comments prior to the Ohio State matchup, where he advised offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki to prioritize vertical throws over horizontal ones. The criticism of Penn State”s passing offense has been a recurring theme over the past few seasons, leading to calls for more talented wide receivers through the transfer portal. The team responded by acquiring players like Kyron Hudson, Trebor Peña, and Devonte Ross. Although these players have shown potential, they have yet to provide a consistent solution.
The focus has now shifted toward play-calling and the effective use of personnel. True freshman Koby Howard has demonstrated the ability to contribute, recording the team”s longest receptions of 14 yards against Iowa and 26 yards against Ohio State. Smith noted that while Howard has earned playing time, integrating young players into the system is challenging. “The challenge with any young player, especially freshmen, is learning the system completely,” he explained. “We have tons of plays with a ton of different options off each particular play, so a lot of times with young receivers they may run routes short or they are not quite where they”re supposed to be where the quarterback wants them.”
Smith acknowledged that the coaching staff needs to do a better job of preparing players like Howard to participate in a broader range of plays. Additionally, the offensive scheme is tailored to certain players, such as Peña, who frequently runs screen passes and jet sweeps. Smith emphasized the need for Kotelnicki and the offensive staff to find effective ways to utilize Howard”s skill set within the existing framework of the offense. “It”s my job to make sure it gets changed,” Smith asserted regarding the passing game. “It will get changed this week.”
This commitment to improving the passing game will be critical as Penn State looks to challenge Indiana this weekend and enhance their offensive dynamics moving forward.
