Penn State OC Andy Kotelnicki trolled for rough goal-line sequence in Orange Bowl
Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki had a mind-boggling goal-line sequence in the Orange Bowl that didn’t go the way the coach intended.
The Nittany Lions had 1st-and-goal at the Notre Dame 4. Kaytron Allen ran 3 yards to the 1-yard line on 1st down and then lost 2 yards on 2nd down. Finally, on 3rd down, Drew Allar threw an incomplete pass. The Nittany Lions had to settle for a field goal, which was a disappointing end to the promising drive.
As a result, Penn State fans and media members took to social media to let Kotelnicki hear it for the questionable playcalling.
Huge missed opportunity for Penn State. No touches for Tyler Warren after first-and-goal from the Notre Dame 4.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) January 10, 2025
LET YOUR BEST PLAYER TOUCH THE BALL AT THE GOAL LINE, ESPECIALLY WHEN HE’S A 6-6, 260-POUND MONSTER.
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) January 10, 2025
The old 13 play, 55-yard field goal drive for Penn State to open the scoring. Nittany Lions lead 3-0.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 10, 2025
andy kotelnicki at the goal line pic.twitter.com/EYng7NV5Wt
— Official Ohio State DG (@DylanEveryday) January 10, 2025
Kotelnicki getting cute again.
Run. The. Ball.
— Matt Hayes (@MattHayesCFB) January 10, 2025
Andy Kotelnicki gets far too cute, man.
It’s ridiculous.
Warren catching snaps with a 6th OL doing a pre-snap motion for why?
— Gabe Kuhn (@G_Kuhn71) January 10, 2025
Offensive line absolutely dominated that drive & then Andy Kotelnicki pulls an Andy Kotelnicki & throws on 2nd & 3rd down
I absolutely hate this dude yes we got bailed out by a flag but holy shit #WeAre #NDvsPSU
— 🙏 (@_DumbassTC) January 10, 2025
Allar got bailed out but so did Kotelnicki. Run the ball.
— Josh Yourish (@JYourish3) January 10, 2025
Kotelnicki blacks out calling plays when we’re inside the 5
— Chris Lewis (@ChrisLew717) January 10, 2025
Andy Kotelnicki the OL is bullying Notre Dame just get under center and run it
— Hugh (@CommandersPost) January 10, 2025
The successful FG gave the Nittany Lions the first points by either team in the game. With 5 minutes to play in the 2nd quarter, the score remained 3-0.
Kotelnicki will be forgiven if the Nittany Lions end up winning this game. However, Nittany Lion fans won’t forget the confusing sequence if the Irish escape Miami with a win. Kotelnicki is in his first season as the OC at Penn State after spending the previous 3 seasons at Kansas.
It looks like Kotelnicki may have received the message during the ensuing drive for Penn State. The Nittany Lions covered 90 yards on 15 plays (13 runs) while effectively shoving the ball down Notre Dame’s throat to make it 10-0 ahead of halftime.
The winner of the Orange Bowl will take on the winner of the Cotton Bowl for the national championship. Neither Penn State nor Notre Dame have played in the national championship game in the College Football Playoff era.