Overview
- Coach Matt Campbell said Tuesday that Koby Howard has returned to practice and remains listed as questionable with a final clearance decision expected by the end of the week.
- Campbell reiterated he will keep Rocco Becht as the starter and said the bye-week work is focused on correcting Becht’s reads and fundamentals rather than making an immediate change at quarterback.
- Penn State’s scoring dropped to about 18.5 points per game during Howard’s four-game absence, a slump Campbell tied directly to the missing matchup speed and playmaking Howard provided earlier in the season.
- Chase Sowell has stepped up as the top target in Howard’s place, compiling 34 catches for 510 yards and three touchdowns and emerging as a primary weapon in the passing game.
- The staff is still sorting roles on a new offensive line made up of transfers from Iowa State, flagged special-teams issues include a low kickoff-return average and poor net punting, and coaches limited Jeremiah Cooper’s snaps to manage his workload after uneven play.