Videotape evidence tells the story

Coach Matt Campbell uses videotape evidence to assess his players and systems. After two games, Penn State shows an exceptional quarterback, a potential All-American linebacker, solid depth elsewhere, and some questions that will recur in Big Ten play.

Rocco Becht is special

Penn State's quarterback is off to the best start of his career. Becht has completed 75.6 percent of his passes, has a 7-to-0 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and leads the Big Ten in passer efficiency rating.

Becht making elite throws

Becht isn't just managing games. He's making elite throws that his offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser called the best he's ever seen from him, showing he can counter defenses and make difficult plays.

Becht chose Penn State

Becht's transfer to Penn State wasn't guaranteed. He had other offers but came at a comparative discount because of his history with coach Matt Campbell and offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser.

Tony Rojas is back

Rojas returned from a 2025 ACL injury and has led Penn State in tackles in both games with seven tackles each. He's reclaiming his pre-injury pursuit speed and agility.

Rojas' instinct shines through

Against Temple, Rojas intercepted quarterback Jaxon Smolik by peeling off a blitz and reading the play perfectly. His instinct and feel for the game remain intact after injury.

Rojas cleans up defense

Penn State has some blind spots on defense, but Rojas is the type of player who can clean them up. His recovery from injury has been complete.

Carson Hansen gets the bulk

The Iowa State transfer leads Penn State in yards with 132 and carries with 30. He hasn't lost yardage on any attempt, averages 4.4 yards per carry, and has never fumbled in his career.

Mouser trusts Hansen

Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser is unhappy with the run game overall but is sticking with Hansen. Hansen took 70 percent of the team's carries against Temple.

“Obviously, to say that I'm less than thrilled with where the run game's at would be an understatement.”

Hansen gets better as game goes

Coach Campbell believes Hansen improves as games progress. The coaches used a Wildcat package designed for him to get him into rhythm against Temple.

Other backs need opportunities

James Peoples ran seven times, Cam Wallace had one carry, and Quinton Martin Jr. didn't play an offensive snap. Penn State hasn't given its other running backs chances to prove themselves.

Peoples wants to make plays

Peoples attempted to hurdle a six-foot Temple cornerback during Penn State's two-minute drill, showing how badly the other running backs want to make an impact when they get on the field.

Offensive line depth is thin

Penn State played exactly five offensive linemen through most of the Temple game. Line coach Ryan Clanton said he was comfortable with eight combinations but used only one in game two.

Campbell worried about line depth

Coach Campbell called offensive line depth a major question mark. The Nittany Lions have little leeway outside their starting five.

“The depth on the O-line I think is a major question mark in my opinion.”

Defensive end injuries hurt

Max Granville's season-ending injury removes Penn State's best pure pass-rusher. LaVar Arrington II is out for at least a month, impacting the room's depth.

Pressure off edge is critical

Penn State desperately needs pressure off the edge to deliver sacks and disruptive plays. Without Granville, the team lost a major factor in its pass rush.

Big Ten play will test depth

Penn State's lack of depth at offensive line and defensive end will be exposed in Big Ten conference play. The team needs to develop backups quickly.