DeAndre Thompkins’s role in the Nittany Lions offense was unclear following the first two weeks of the season. As the most experienced member of a young and talented receiving corps, Thompkins was expected to be a reliable playmaking option with built-in chemistry with Trace McSorley. But after two games, Thompkins still had yet to catch a pass. To make matters worse, Thompkins had three drops in the rain against Pitt a week ago.
It didn’t take long for Thompkins to put that performance behind him. On the very first drive against Kent State, Thompkins laid out for a stunning 40-yard leaping touchdown grab that he somehow managed to haul in before hitting the ground.