Andy Kotelnicki has a penchant for experimentation; it’s ingrained in his approach.
As the first-year offensive coordinator for Penn State, he actively avoids complacency. Regardless of how late in the season it is, Kotelnicki believes there’s always room for new strategies, plays, and tactics to challenge upcoming rivals.
His creativity plays a critical role, but his enthusiasm for football technology and culture significantly enhances his knowledge.
“As a coaching staff, we have access to extensive video footage, and by analyzing other games, we often borrow ideas that could enhance our own strategy,” Kotelnicki noted.
As the sixth-seeded Nittany Lions (12-2) gear up for their clash with the third-seeded Boise State (12-1) at the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Eve, which also serves as a quarterfinal for the College Football Playoff, Kotelnicki’s diverse tactics have come into full play.
Transitioning from his previous coaching role at Kansas to the Big Ten was a gradual process, but Kotelnicki feels a sense of increasing readiness as he dives deeper into the season.
Standout players like tight end Tyler Warren, who won the prestigious Mackey Award and was a candidate in the Heisman voting, coupled with a dynamic running back tandem in Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, create a formidable lineup.
The Nittany Lions also boast quarterback Drew Allar, who compensates for any statistical shortcomings with impressive efficiency.
This season, Penn State joins a select group of teams, including Boise State, that achieved a remarkable average of over 200 yards in both passing and rushing.
Such balance provides Kotelnicki with ample tactical options. This versatility is bolstered by Allar’s understanding of the game; he passed for 3,021 yards — a personal best — achieving 21 touchdowns against just seven interceptions.
“We don’t have many ‘my bads’ on the field,” Kotelnicki said. “He’s aware of what’s going on. He understands his responsibilities and the defense’s capabilities.”
Allar is equally cognizant of his teammates’ abilities. One week, they could easily score four rushing touchdowns through Warren, Singleton, and Allen in an impressive victory over Washington, followed by Allar’s pinpoint performance against Purdue, completing 17 of 19 passes for three touchdowns.
This collaboration is possible due to Kotelnicki’s open communication with his quarterback, promoting an environment of shared ideas.
They regularly meet, allowing Allar significant input into the strategy, leading him to find games more instinctive than practice sessions.
“In-game scenarios have become second nature for me,” Allar remarked. “I’ve practiced those throws repeatedly, and I understand what to expect.”
However, rival defenses may struggle to prepare for a talent like Warren. At 6 feet 6 inches tall, he excels at multiple positions on the field, creating challenges for opponents.
With aspirations of joining the NFL next year, Warren has recorded 92 receptions for 1,095 yards this season.
In addition to his receiving prowess, he has proven valuable as a Wildcat quarterback, accumulating 197 rushing yards and four touchdowns with three completions for 35 yards and a passing touchdown.
His noteworthy contributions are so significant that his absence in plays draws notable attention. For example, during a narrow loss to Ohio State, which is one of Penn State’s two losses this season, Warren didn’t touch the ball on the last offensive drive. Coach James Franklin later recognized failing to leverage Warren was a miscalculation.
Since that moment, Kotelnicki has strategically decided to utilize Warren more effectively, although he experienced a quieter game against SMU in the first round—by his standards.
However, the Nittany Lions triumphed, relying on Allen and Singleton, who together amassed 160 rushing yards and three scores.
This reliance on the running game was crucial for their advancement, but the coaching staff has confidence in their ability to employ a varied game plan against Boise State if called for.
This flexibility mirrors Kotelnicki’s approach to coaching.
Evidence of their evolution can be seen in the recent Big Ten title game against Oregon. Previously, the Nittany Lions struggled to thrive in high-scoring contests, yet this time they pushed the undefeated Ducks to a competitive finish, scoring 37 points before losing 45-37 in a close fourth-quarter battle.
Allar, Warren, and the entire roster have adapted well to an offense that once felt unfamiliar to them, but now seems second nature.
“We’ve become comfortable within this system,” Warren mentioned. “Discovering the various things we can achieve with just a minor adjustment has been incredibly exciting for the team.”
