Penn State came out of Week 1 with more than just a win to study. It also got a first look at a few players who seemed to leave with their stock headed in the right direction, and Saturday’s matchup with Temple offers the next chance to see whether that opening act was real or just a one-week flash.
Koby Howard was one of the names that stood out against Marshall. He has been one of the most discussed receivers in the Penn State system, and that buzz finally met actual game action.
The staff clearly believes in what he brings, and he backed that up with a strong showing. The challenge now is simple: do it again.
Temple may not be his toughest assignment, but stacking one good game on top of another would mean plenty for a receiver room that has lacked consistency in recent years.
Howard wasn’t the only pass catcher who left a positive impression. Sowell did not get the same attention, but both of his catches were tough, physical plays.
Howard has the look of a big-play threat, while Sowell profiles more like a dependable possession receiver. There’s a style there that calls to mind Jahan Dotson or Parker Washington, while Howard brings more of a KJ Hamler feel.
At running back, Quinton Martin Jr. is another player worth watching. He is not at the top of the depth chart, and Penn State has plenty of options in the backfield this season, but his speed and quickness could earn him more chances as the year goes on.
Carson Hansen and James Peoples may handle most of the workload, yet Martin is making it easier for the offense to keep coming back to him. As a redshirt sophomore, he still has time to carve out a bigger role.
On defense, Bacon made a loud first impression. His stat line against Marshall - six tackles, three for loss, and a sack - jumped off the page, and so did his size.
At 6-4 and 242 pounds, he looked every bit the part of a player ready to make an impact. He does not seem like someone who will fade after one strong outing.
Then there’s Granville, whose box score was modest but whose upside was clear. He finished with a pass breakup, and that was enough to hint at what he can bring once he settles in.
Injuries kept him off the field for almost two years, so a little patience makes sense here. Still, the talent is obvious, and it would not be a surprise if he starts making his presence felt soon.
Week 1 gave Penn State a few names to track. Week 2 is the first chance to see which of them are truly building momentum.
In Other News...
Matt Campbell Sees Penn States Next Test Through One Painful Memory
Before Penn States next matchup, Matt Campbell found himself back in a different playoff setting altogether, one that still carries a sting more than two decades later. He was a defensive end for Mt. Union in a 1999 NCAA Division III semifinal against Rowan, a game coached by K.C. Keeler that went to overtime and snapped Mt. Unions long winning streak while ending its run at another title.
Campbell said he has nothing but respect for Keeler, and the memory matters because it shapes how he sees what is coming next. He remembers that semifinal as a physical game, the kind decided by leverage, toughness and a few plays at the margins, and that is the same lens he is using to frame the challenge ahead for his current team. [Read more 🡒]
Penn State May Have Found A Backup Fans Need To Watch
Alex Manskes first Penn State appearance carried far more weight than a typical late-game quarterback cameo. The redshirt freshman returned from open-heart surgery to make his debut in the win over Marshall, and he looked steady right away, completing six of eight passes and adding a run while giving the offense a composed presence behind the starters.
The bigger takeaway for Penn State is what his brief showing suggested about the depth chart and the kind of player he can become. Coaches and teammates have already pointed to his athletic ability and leadership, and Manske brings an unusual side note too: elite golf skills that hint at the competitiveness that seems to follow him around. For a team that always keeps an eye on quarterback development, hes suddenly a name worth watching. [Read more 🡒]
Penn State Roster Battle Just Put Early Season Pressure On Everyone
Penn States roster decisions are already carrying some early-season weight, with head coach Matt Campbell making it clear that no spot on the travel list is guaranteed. He said players have to earn the right to dress and make the trip, and that the point of the approach is to keep competition sharp by making depth matter every day in practice.
Campbell stressed that neither a place on the depth chart nor a players class standing provides any automatic protection when game week decisions are made. For Penn State, the message is straightforward: practice habits and performance will determine who is available on Saturdays, and that kind of accountability is meant to keep urgency high throughout the roster. [Read more 🡒]