Although women’s lacrosse took home the THON 2023 Pep Rally crown, it wasn’t all bad news for Penn State football. James Franklin’s crew offered a lot of clues about its status amidst winter workouts –– but only if you knew where to look.

Luckily for you, Onward State has its fair share of Penn State football experts. We were able to see through the flashiness and traditional youth of the football team’s performers to analyze what the routine can tell us about the 2023 season. Here are some of the biggest takeaways:

The Team Is In Sync

When rapper Lil Uzi Vert’s “Just Wanna Rock” blasted through the BJC’s speakers, Anthony Ivey, Omari Evans, and Cristian Driver busted out synchronized choreography.

Not only did the trio’s dancing elicit excited cheers from the crowd, but it also inspired confidence about the state of team camaraderie looking forward. Players and coaches alike preach consistency and teamwork. In lockstep with one another, the Nittany Lions showed that –– down to the little details –– they are entirely on the same page, which is crucial for a team aspiring to the postseason.

Mind Boggling Athleticism

It seems like just about everyone on the team can do a flip of some kind.

Redshirt freshman linebacker Keon Wylie kicked off the acrobatics, running down a human tunnel toward the stage’s center.

Two more Nittany Lions got in on the action when they pulled off assisted front flips. The physical displays simultaneously showcased the team’s impressive athleticism and remarkable trust in one another. There’s not many people I would trust to flip me, but Penn State football did it with ease. That speaks volumes.

Drew Allar’s Arm Is Incredible

We’ve only seen sophomore quarterback Drew Allar throw 60 passes so far in his Penn State career, but roughly 30 seconds into the football team’s routine, Nittany Lion fans got a glimpse of the future.

As Cristian Driver used one of his teammates as a launchpad, Allar hit him at the perfect time. Allar’s ball delivery was even more impressive than the end result. The effortless spiral, the hip control, the poise, the maturity to foresee Driver’s route. Penn State’s quarterback room might have something special.

Alex Bacchetta’s Flexibility

With the departure of former starting punter Barney Amor, Penn State’s punting job is up for grabs. During Saturday night’s pep rally, redshirt freshman punter Alex Bacchetta made his best case for earning the job.

While some of his dance partners exhibited their athleticism with acrobatics, Bacchetta took a different route: flexibility. The promising punter landed in a split and popped up like it was nothing. He showed off the calming presence a punter should instill, so don’t be surprised if you see him atop the depth chart come August.

Razzle Dazzle

The team didn’t just dance, but it also brought all sorts of props along with them –– a sign, a football, and a whole bunch of roses.

Their routine shows this group of Nitanny Lions is not afraid to perform with a little razzle dazzle. If this confidence and creativity can be maintained, Mike Yurcich’s offense may be one willing to dip into some showmanship this season.