Has Penn State’s wide receiver one separated from the pack?

Against Ohio State, it’s no secret that Penn State’s offense struggled.

The Nittany Lions went 1-16 on third downs with their only conversion coming in the final moments of the game. While the Buckeyes lacked a steady offense, they had a shining factor in Marvin Harrison Jr.

Considering the depth in Penn State’s wide receiver room, there hasn’t been a particular player that has stood out enough to claim the title of WR1. KeAndre Lambert-Smith has seemingly filled that role, but his stats don’t necessarily separate him from the pack like the WR1s on other teams.

Lambert-Smith does lead the Nittany Lions in yards with 454, averaging 64.86 per game. Yet, the wide receiver has only amassed over 100 receiving yards once this season, and that was against West Virginia in the season opener, where he totaled 123 including a 72-yard touchdown.

Other receivers include Harrison Wallace III, Dante Cephas and Liam Clifford who have also had their fair share of receptions but haven’t put up standout numbers to put them in the running for that WR1 spot.

Of the 16 passing touchdowns, only six were caught by wide receivers, and Lambert-Smith has half of them. The tight ends are a hefty part of Penn State’s offensive makeup and have seized eight of those touchdown passes.

Compared to other teams, like the Buckeyes, having that true WR1 weapon is a difference maker. Even if the player isn’t receiving all of the targets, it focuses a defense’s attention his way to try and limit the explosiveness which opens up the lanes for other receivers to haul in the catches.

Harrison Jr. for the Buckeyes was the dagger in Penn State’s back for his explosiveness throughout the game, even with Kalen King heavily guarding him. This season, he has over 300 more yards than Lambert-Smith and is responsible for nearly half of Ohio State’s receiving touchdowns.

Looking at Michigan, two wide receivers have produced strongly: Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson. Combined, they account for 829 yards and 11 touchdowns, but 10 of the 11 belong to Wilson.

That defined dual threat makes the Wolverines’ offense lethal with J.J. McCarthy at the helm, and in a few weeks, Penn State will have to cautiously defend both.

Yes, every team is different and will have different weapons, but are Penn State’s receivers strong enough?

Consistency has been a factor James Franklin always wants to increase on every side of the ball, but especially with the wide receivers recently.

Off-season discussions focused on who would claim the WR3 spot, and the decision has seen changes week to week.

“If you are constantly just rotating guys in, then it’s hard for guys to get into a rhythm,” Franklin said. “You want there to be a group of guys that have differentiated themselves and allow those guys to get enough reps and enough opportunities to show what they can do.”

While Franklin has seen “enough evidence” that Lambert-Smith and Wallace III could continuously hold the wide-out one and two spots, there’s always competition because “no one is separating themselves from the group.”

Penn State runs a more balanced attack to force the defense to defend against several threats because of how multidimensional the offense can be when it fires on all cylinders.

But when it doesn’t, the Nittany Lions haven’t been able to rely on that WR1 to generate explosiveness like other top teams have.

As Penn State continues to battle through conference play with Michigan’s arrival quickly approaching, the wide receivers must start roaring.

Amanda Vogt is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email amandaevogt@gmail.com.