Key takeaways from Penn State's 2024 football season

Intense matchups and significant team developments have defined Penn State's 2024 football season. The Nittany Lions' game against Ohio State was a key moment, though it didn't go the way the team wanted, handing them their first and only loss of the season. Throughout the season, Penn State showcased solid defensive performances, evident in their takedowns of new Big Ten foes like UCLA.

Offensive Coordinator Andy Kotelnicki's adaptability was crucial, particularly against formidable defenses. Despite occasional slow starts and a need for improved receiver performance, Penn State's blend of seasoned players and talent held firm for the remainder of the season.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Oct 26, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin greets players following a play during the second quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

NO. 1: PENN STATE VS. OHIO STATE: FINAL THOUGHTS AND ANALYSIS OF PSU’S MATCHUP WITH THE BUCKEYES

The matchup is the Nittany Lions’ biggest of the 2024 season. | Published October 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Sauber

Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen talk to his players during a time out the game against Bowling Green on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.

NO. 2: HERE’S WHAT PENN STATE’S DEFENSE LEARNED FROM ITS UPSET SCARE AGAINST BOWLING GREEN

The Nittany Lions may be on course for a playoff berth, but Saturday proved how easily it can be derailed. | Published September 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Sauber

Penn State quarterback Beau Pribula (9) runs for a first down during the third quarter of their game Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Penn State beat Wisconsin 28-13.

NO. 3: ‘JUST A GUTSY WIN’: HOW PENN STATE FOOTBALL KEEPS WINNING DESPITE INJURIES, SETBACKS

No QB1? No problem for Penn State in the win over Wisconsin. | Published October 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Sauber

Penn State running back Kaytron Allen cuts through UCLA defenders with the ball during the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 at Beaver Stadium.

NO. 4: THREE TAKEAWAYS FROM PENN STATE FOOTBALL’S 27-11 WIN OVER UCLA AFTER ANOTHER SLOW START

The Nittany Lions entered the game as four-TD favorites and came away improving their record to 5-0. | Published October 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Sauber

Penn State quarterback Beau Primula (9) rings the bell after winning the football game at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. The Nittany Lions beat the Huskies 35-6.

NO. 5: FROM BOOING TO BELL-RINGING: HOW JAMES FRANKLIN, PENN STATE RECLAIMED MOMENTUM WITH WIN OVER UW

LB Kobe King: “I think this week’s point of emphasis was just, not redeeming ourselves, but making a statement ... and today we did.” | Published November 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Sauber

Oct 12, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions safety Jaylen Reed (1) is congratulated by head coach James Franklin after defeating the USC Trojans in overtime at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

NO. 6: WHY PENN STATE FOOTBALL’S EMOTIONAL OT WIN AGAINST USC IS SO IMPORTANT FOR THE PROGRAM

Even unlikely players stepped up in critical times. The best might be yet to come. | Published October 13, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Sauber

Nov 16, 2024; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver Jaron Tibbs (13) celebrates a touchdown with offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh (68) during the first quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

NO. 7: THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY: REVIEWING PENN STATE FOOTBALL’S 49-10 DESTRUCTION OF PURDUE

The Nittany Lions’ victory was never in doubt, although one position group continues to struggle. | Published November 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Sauber

Penn State football coach James Franklin answers a question during his press conference on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024.

NO. 8: ‘HINDSIGHT IS 20/20.’ JAMES FRANKLIN TALKS OHIO STATE’S GOAL LINE STOP, INTROSPECTION AFTER LOSS

“We got to make sure that one loss doesn’t turn into two, and that’s controlling the things we can in our building and flushing it,” Franklin said Monday. | Published November 4, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Sauber

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.