No. 8 Penn State football survived its home opener in a 34-27 thriller against the Bowling Green Falcons on Saturday.

The Falcon offense tore through the Penn State defense in the first half, scoring 24 points on 286 yards. Penn State was able to adjust at halftime, though, and eventually pulled out the win.

As an expected win became a toss-up, the internet was lighting up with some interesting takes about Penn State’s performance.

Tom Allen Should Be On The Hot Seat

CJ Doebler: Bad games happen. Luckily for Penn State, the tough outing came against a MAC opponent. Tom Allen’s defense clearly didn’t look ready when the Falcons took the field and threw for 30 yards on the first play from scrimmage. It didn’t get better from there as Penn State gave up its first opening-drive touchdown in 28 games.

Keep in mind that this was game two for Allen, and game one went pretty well. Trailing at halftime, Allen was not very popular among Penn Staters. According to multiple players postgame, Allen delivered great insight during the break, spurring his group to a better second half. It’s hard to tell what happened with the defense in the first half and while it’s concerning, I don’t see it becoming an issue as the season moves forward.

Mitch Corcoran: Not quite, but it’s something to keep an eye on moving forward.

Bowling Green isn’t a team to scoff at in the MAC, but they shouldn’t have been nearly as successful as they were offensively on Saturday. Allowing 27 points and 375 yards was embarrassing by Penn State’s standards. With similar defensive personnel as last season, when Penn State had one of the best defenses in the country, a performance like Saturday’s should almost never happen.

The soft coverage led to the Falcons finding targets underneath and through gaps in the zone, the defense didn’t record a sack, and of all people, Allen should’ve known what to expect from Connor Bazelak considering he played for Allen two years ago.

I don’t think that defensive performance would’ve happened if Manny Diaz was still the defensive coordinator.

Nolan Wick: What an overreaction.

I’ll be the first one to say that Saturday’s defensive performance was disastrous, especially in the first half. However, his message to the team and the adjustments he made at halftime seem to have played a big part in Penn State ultimately winning. Many players have spoken highly of him and his calm demeanor.

But aside from all that, it’s just one game. I get that it was ugly, but again, it’s just one game. If this continues, though, then he’ll definitely be on the hot seat. Right now, however, it’s too early to say that, especially after a strong showing against West Virginia.

Nick Singleton Is RB1

CJ: Saturday was a look back to 2022 for the Penn State running back room as both backs were explosive and rushed for over 100 yards. Singleton, who’s generated the majority of the conversation around the running back room, continued to shine with 119 yards and two touchdowns against the Falcons. Allen had a big game, too, rushing for 101 yards on 14 carries.

Singleton and Allen like the roles that they’re in. They learn from and push one another every day, something that they’ve both expressed gratitude towards. As long as they’re both on the sideline, there won’t be an RB1.

Mitch: Nick Singleton looks so much stronger this season. I was one who felt Kayton Allen was the more complete back, despite his lack of explosive speed, but Singleton really showed his speed and physicality on Saturday.

Singleton also already has more 100-yard rushing games this season than he did last year and Penn State has only played two games. To also show the disparity between Allen and Singleton this season, Singleton has two more rushes for 112 more yards, two more touchdowns, and four more yards per carry than Allen.

Allen is a fantastic back in his own right, but Singleton has been on another level so far this season.

Nolan: I’d say so. Penn State’s backfield is so good that Singleton and Kaytron Allen can continue having an even share of reps like they have the last two seasons. Singleton’s game is a bit more explosive than Allen’s. He’s a threat for a home run play on any given snap.

Julian Fleming’s Best Days Are Behind Him

CJ: After not being targeted at all last week against West Virginia, Fleming was thrown to twice in the win over Bowling Green, catching one pass for three yards. However, Fleming, Trey Wallace, and Omari Evans were the only receivers targeted Saturday. A week ago, only Wallace and Evans were targeted.

Franklin said he wants to get more players involved in the passing game, which should mean more looks to Fleming in the future. Regardless, Fleming earned praise from Franklin after the season opener for his blocking and route running abilities.

Mitch: I’m willing to be patient with Julian Fleming. Because he is new, he and Allar might not have the best chemistry yet and that’s OK.

I still have faith he’ll be a good wide receiver for the Nittany Lions and I expect him to see more targets soon. But I think Allar has more trust in guys like Tyler Warren, Omari Evans, and Trey Wallace at the moment.

Nolan: I don’t understand why so many people expected Fleming to be a revelation this season. He struggled at Ohio State, which like it or not, has a better track record of producing elite wide receivers. Penn State’s has been dismal since Jahan Dotson and Parker Washington left, so it was always hard to envision him coming in and realizing his five-star potential.

Now, all of this doesn’t mean Fleming won’t be decent, but so far he’s been an afterthought. The inconsistencies at the position so far leave open the door that he may have a couple of big games, perhaps against his former team in a couple of months.

Penn State’s First Half Was Deserving Of Boos

CJ: Yeah, that was bad. Like I said earlier, it’s hard to tell what led to the Nittany Lions’ slow start on Saturday, but it wasn’t all the defense’s fault.

Yes, Allar and the offense responded quickly to the Falcons’ opening-drive score, but the next offensive series was a three-and-out that went for negative eight yards. That was the only punt of the first half, but Penn State twice was held to a field goal.

It was the home opener and emotions were high. When expectation differs from reality like that, though, boos can be expected.

Mitch: Yes, of course. Penn State got outscored by Bowling Green in the first half. Who wouldn’t boo that?

As I mentioned before, it was an embracing performance from the defense in the first half. The offense looked good but not being able to score a touchdown in the red zone at the end of the half wasn’t good either.

Kent State just might be the worst FBS team in the country this season after its loss to Saint Francis, shoutout to the folks in Loretto, Pennsylvania, but if the score is anywhere close at halftime next week, expect a lot more boos in the future.

Nolan: I’d have a hard time booing my own team’s players, but this is one of the rare times I can understand it. That first half was one of the most pathetic halves of Penn State football I’ve ever seen, and that’s saying something after sitting through the Mike Yurcich experience most of last season.

Things looked ugly at the end of the half, and it reminded me of the boos toward the end of the Michigan game last season, which is another rare case in which I understand that reaction.

Tyler Warren Is The Best Tight End In The Country

CJ: Warren has been on an upward trend for a while now, and a program-record 146 receiving yards by a tight end against Bowling Green shows he’s not slowing down. When the offense needed to make a play on Saturday, Warren was there.

Franklin has said multiple times that he believes Warren is one of the most complete tight ends in the country. Through two games, it looks like he’s right.

Mitch: Saturday’s game was Tyler Warren’s second career game with over 100 yards receiving and he broke a school record. Warren also ranks 38th in receiving yards so far this season and is only one of four tight ends in the top 50.

Warren is the typical safety valve tight end. He catches everything and has yet to drop a pass this season, he is a great route runner who always seems to find soft spots in coverage, and he always seems to break the first tackle and fall forward for extra yards.

However, it’s only been two games and I think it’s premature to call Warren the best tight end in the country. He very well could be by the end of the season, but it’s too soon to say.

Nolan: Warren is certainly up there. If he keeps it up, expect his name to skyrocket up draft boards and award watchlists.

With his second career game over 100 yards, Warren has continued to prove he’s an elite talent. Drew Allar looks so much more comfortable, and his chemistry with Warren is very likely a big reason. So far, he’s been the best player on the entire team.