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UNIVERSITY PARK -- Due to Covid and some personnel challenges the last couple of years, Penn State scaled back its Blue-White Game, but with the roster restored and sensing the anticipation of the upcoming season, James Franklin wanted to get back to a "traditional" spring game.
Which means more real action and less of a controlled scrimmage.
He wants to see how his young players react in front of a crowd in addition to rewarding the fans who make the trip as the game typically draws about 70,000.
Kickoff/TV: The game kicks off at 2 p.m. today, and the Big Ten Network will televise. (Matt Millen is part of the TV crew, and he's always entertaining.) And for those outside doing yard work, Steve Jones and Jack Ham have the radio call and all the spring background.
Admission/parking: Admission is free. Parking for those without a reserved pass (included with the 2022 season ticket) is $20.
Positions to watch: Obviously, quarterback. Without a returning starter or established backup, this game is the first real opportunity to solidify the pecking order of presumably Drew Allar, Beau Pribula and Jaxon Smolik.
Trying to catch on: Top target Mitchell Tinsley (51 catches) is gone, leaving that spot for KeAndre Lambert-Smith (24). Beyond KLS and Harrison Wallace (19), there are lots of candidates (Omari Evans, Kaden Saunders, Florida State transfer Malik McClain) and others arriving over the summer.
Specializing: In Jake Pinegar, Barney Amor and Chris Stoll, the Lions lost their kicker, punter and long snapper so today's opportunities for potential successors will be magnified. Lefty Sander Sahaydak and Alex Bacchetta are probably the frontrunners at kicker and punter.
The main goal: Much as Franklin wants to see his players in action, the last thing he wants is a key injury. So expect a between-the-tackles nucleus of Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen and Abdul Carter along with established players (TEs Theo Johnson and Tyler Warren) to see limited snaps.
Returning up front: Offensive linemen Olu Fashanu and Landon Tengwall missed the last few games of 2022 with injuries and are expected to get some work today.
Walk-on rewards: Though it's a "real game," it also provides the chance for walk-ons to get on the field. They'll do so early and often.
NIL presence: You'll likely see more of a presence of NIL collectives Lions Legacy and Success With Honor around the stadium. Just don't expect them to be placed side-by-side as leaders of the two organizations have unfortunately been feuding. Lions Legacy on Thursday announced a seven-figure commitment from West Shore Home and MITER Brands. Success With Honor is staging an autograph session at Medlar Field with several athletes, including Bellwood-Antis' Alli Campbell of the women's basketball team.
Spring award winners: What was once just a couple awards (Red Worrell and Jim O'Hora), recognizing the most improved offensive and defensive players of the spring, has expanded to honor special teams and leadership. Worrell was a promising fullback and former WPIAL star who was electrocuted at his home in Dembo, PA in 1957.
Faces in the crowd: The Blue-White Game is popular with former players, often turning the sidelines into a who's who.
Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com.