The Nittany Lions' hot first-period start was overcome by a Golden Gophers' roster loaded with NHL signees.
Kotelnicki would be James Franklin's sixth offensive coordinator at Penn State.
The Nittany Lions' youth movement has combined for 28 points over the last two series.
The ranking comes after the Nittany Lions defeated Michigan State 42-0 on Black Friday.
The Nittany Lions had 586 offensive yards and five touchdowns against the Spartans.
The Nittany Lions' offense had 586 total yards en route to a shutout win to end the season.