In a game that ended with Penn State triumphing 34-0 against FIU at Beaver Stadium, the mood among fans and analysts alike was mixed. Despite the win, many expectations remain unmet, signaling a call for improvement.

Head Coach James Franklin voiced concerns about the team's sluggish start. "We didn’t execute as we needed to early on," he admitted, highlighting issues like third-down inefficiencies and dropped passes. Franklin emphasized that while FIU showcased promise, his team must strive for faster starts across all phases of play.

Mixed Reviews on Offense Progression

Analysts agree: Penn State's offense is a work in progress. Mason Smith of the York Daily Record noted that while the Lions amassed 409 yards, the performance left much to be desired given the talent on the roster. "This squad has the potential to dominate," he remarked, stressing the importance of coordination among players and the need for Offensive Coordinator Andy Kotelnicki to find the right balance.

Lessons Learned from the Game

SI's Mark Wogenrich graded the Lions a B+, suggesting there were improvements since week one, but also plenty of areas needing attention before facing tough opponents like Oregon. The continued reliance on starters late in the game raised red flags about the team's dominance.

Spotlight on Coleman: A Rising Star

Freshman Chaz Coleman shined in the spotlight, earning a defensive game ball for a pivotal strip sack that led to Penn State's final touchdown. From showing off a dazzling spin move to making veteran-like tackles, Coleman is proving to be a standout player and a key asset moving forward.

Allar's Performance Raises Questions

Quarterback Drew Allar faced scrutiny after an inconsistent game where he completed 19 of 33 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns. As Bob Flounders from PennLive noted, performances like this won’t cut it against top-ranked teams like Oregon. Allar must step up in the coming weeks if Penn State hopes to maintain its winning streak.

In summary, while Penn State's latest win adds to their record, the pathway ahead is laden with challenges. Fans are eager for visible improvements as the competition heats up in the upcoming weeks!