Penn State has its first test of the season this weekend against Wisconsin — but it will be without wide receiver Koby Howard. It’s a big blow for a Nittany Lions team that hasn’t gotten much production out of any of the other wideouts on the roster.
The sophomore standout posted two 100-plus-yard games in the first three weeks of the season, while only one other receiver has gone over 50 yards. All of a sudden, a collection of Iowa State transfers will become the focal point of Penn State’s offense and try to fill the massive shoes that Howard left.
The overwhelming number of Cyclones transfers and their viability in the Big Ten was a huge topic of discussion this offseason, and now we’ll quickly find out if they’re cut out for the conference.
Wide receivers Chase Sowell and Brett Eskildsen will now step up into featured roles and try to replace Howard’s production.
They have both flashed potential this season, but they haven’t had consistent enough targets to be truly impactful. Quarterback Rocco Becht should have a ton of confidence in them from their time together at Iowa State, so Eskildsen and Sowell just need to prove that they can get open against Big Ten coverage.
Tight end Benjamin Brahmer will also be thrust into a bigger role now. He was quiet in Penn State’s last game against Buffalo, but he showed just how special he can be in Week 2 when he caught five passes for 79 yards and two touchdowns. He offers a safe, reliable target in the middle of the field for Becht, and he can help open up opportunities for Sowell and Eskildsen on the outside.
Losing Howard hurts, but the Nittany Lions still have capable pass catchers to hold the fort down. This could even be a blessing in disguise for the team, as they’ll learn how move the ball and win games without relying too heavily on their sophomore.
This game against the Badgers was already important, and now the stakes are even higher.
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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State transfer WRs under spotlight after Koby Howard injury
