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Penn State's Rocco Becht has completed 34 of 45 passes for 539 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions through two games. The writer praises his pocket awareness and decisions despite a poor start at Temple. Alex Manske has returned to the backup role after surgery earlier in the year.
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Carson Hansen starts at running back and leads Penn State with 30 carries for 132 yards, but the writer sees no established go-to back. James Peoples has 73 yards on 15 carries and Cam Wallace 49 on 12; Quinton Martin did not carry against Temple after getting work in the opener. Production and role separation remain questions.
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Penn State's receivers are creating more separation and yards after the catch, according to the writer. Howard leads with nine catches for 229 yards and a touchdown; Chase Sowell and Brett Eskildsen each have seven catches and a touchdown. The assessment is that Becht now has multiple viable receiving options rather than one primary outlet.
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Ben Brahmer has six catches for 87 yards and a team-high three receiving touchdowns; Temple coverage busts helped create openings. Andrew Rappleyea's value has been blocking and pass protection, and Gabe Burkle is back in action after his 2025 season-ending injury. The writer views tight end as a Penn State strength.
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Penn State center Brock Riker has had no reported snapping or communication issues. Trevor Buhr leads its PFF pass-blocking grades and Malachi Goodman its run-blocking grades; Anthony Donkoh is playing well after returning to health. Still, the writer flags line depth and inconsistent rushing push, while interior losses contributed to failed goal-line execution at Temple.