Penn State has played only two football games, but it’s clear that new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki is making an impact. Nittany Lions coach James Franklin hired Kotelnicki to create more explosive plays, and that’s exactly what has happened so far. “We made that a big goal going into this season, to be a more explosive offense,” tight end Tyler Warren said. “I think we’ve done that well. I’m definitely happy with the way the offense is going this year. Our commitment to explosive plays has shown in these games.” No. 10 Penn State (2-0) will look to continue to have more long gains when it takes on prohibitive underdog Kent State (0-3) Saturday at 3:30 p.m. (TV-BTN) at Beaver Stadium. The Lions had 14 plays of at least 20 yards – eight passes and six rushes – in victories over West Virginia and Bowling Green. As a comparison, they had just four such plays in the first two games last season against the Mountaineers and Delaware. Former Gov. Mifflin star Nick Singleton has three runs of at least 40 yards, including two touchdowns, after he had none last season. Quarterback Drew Allar threw 25 touchdown passes last year in his first season as a starter, but only five of them were at least 20 yards. He already has five TD passes of 20 yards or more this season. Penn State is averaging 11.6 yards per pass attempt and 17.6 per completion, compared to 6.8 and 11.4 last year. “With Coach K, we’re going to be aggressive,” Allar said, “so there have been more shots than what we did in the past. I think we’ve done a good job of hitting them when those shots are happening. “Other than a couple we’d like to have back, I’ve been really happy with it. It’s a credit to Coach K and the offensive staff for getting the primaries open for me.” On the flip side, Franklin has complained about Penn State’s third-down conversion rate, which ranks 97th nationally at 35%. Because of the increase in explosive plays, the Lions have had the fourth-fewest offensive snaps in the country. They’re still averaging 34.0 points and 447.5 total yards per game. “I want to create more touches on offense for more players,” Franklin said. “It’s difficult to do that when you’re not extending drives. The explosiveness has been great, but we need to be more efficient, specifically on third down.” Wide receiver Harrison Wallace III had five catches for 117 yards and two TDs in the first half of the opener against West Virginia and hasn’t had one since. Former Southern Columbia star Julian Fleming, who transferred from Ohio State, has just one reception for 3 yards. “Julian’s the ultimate team guy,” Allar said. “There are a lot of things he’s doing in the pass game, even though he has one catch. People who know football know that some plays don’t happen if Julian doesn’t do his job running routes, which opens things up for a lot of guys. “We want to get everybody involved. He’s a special player with the ball in his hands.” It wouldn’t be surprising to see Allar throw in the direction of tight end Khalil Dinkins, who missed the first game and much of training camp with an undefined injury. Dinkins caught five passes last season as the No. 3 tight end, including two TDs. “He’s a really talented guy,” Franklin said. “He made some big plays last year when he had an opportunity. I think he has a chance to be a real weapon for us. I expect him to have a big-time impact on both the pass and run game.” Rich Scarcella’s pick Penn State 52, Kent State 0 Kent State and Bowling Green, which gave the Nittany Lions fits for a half two weeks ago, might be in the same league, but they’re not in the same class. The Golden Flashes are last in the country in total offense, total defense, rushing defense and points allowed. The only question is whether Penn State will cover the 49-point spread.