Penn State’s annual Blue-White Game is more of a bargain (free) than a true indicator of expectations for the upcoming season.

The game, really a glorified scrimmage, starts at 2 p.m. Saturday and will not be televised.

With rosters openly raided by other schools due to the transfer portal, James Franklin was “adamant” on the no-TV edict, he said this week.

In the past, the Big Ten Network has aired at least parts of many spring games.

The current Beaver Stadium construction is another deterrent so don’t wear your nicest shoes.

What to watch for?

It’s highly unlikely the offensive stars — Drew Allar, Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen — will play much more than a series, if that. Defensive gems Dani Dennis-Sutton didn’t practice a lot this spring, and don’t expect Zane Durant to be risking injury Saturday, either.

With a long season (16 games) seemingly just over and another one looming in the fall, many schools have eliminated or modified their spring game. Because it’s been a tradition and an economic boost to the region, Penn State still has one.

Franklin said the quarters will be a bit shorter than normal, and after some practice drills (non-tackling) in the first quarter, it will be live from then on to help the younger players with crowd acclimation.

The competition for the backup quarterback job between Ethan Grunkemeyer and Jaxon Smolik could be something to watch.

And there’s no experienced wide receiver returning from a unit that bottomed out last year, failing to make a single catch in the Orange Bowl against Notre Dame when the Nittany Lions coughed up a chance to play in the national championship game.

To that end, Saturday will be a good opportunity for the likes of Kyron Hudson and Devonte Ross, both arriving from the transfer portal via USC and Troy, to make a positive first impression. Holders Tyseer Denmark, Anthony Ivey and Kaden Saunders are still in the mix, along with veteran Liam Clifford.

With all-world tight end Tyler Warren gone to the NFL, that’s another position up for grabs, although Luke Reynolds and Khalil Dinkins do have experience.

The third-string running back job behind Singleton and Allen is open and Saturday could provide an audition.

The game will give way to walk-ons pretty quickly.

One of those could be Karson Kiesewetter, a 2023 Bishop Guilfoyle graduate who is working in the secondary.

Kiesewetter went to Penn State as a quarterback but moved to safety last year and has now gotten some practice snaps at cornerback. He’s No. 28.

A couple other District 6 players who should see time are State College tight end prospect Finn Furmanek, who is the grandson of retired BG coach Tom Irwin. He’s No. 89.

Donte Nastasi, who also played at State College Area High School, is working at wide receiver. He’s No. 81. He’s the son of former Northern Bedford and Penn State receiver Joe Nastasi.

Conemaugh Township speedster Ethan Black (No. 82) is a backup receiver candidate who played on special teams last year.

Due to the construction, gate access and seating will be restricted.

Usual game-day traffic patterns will not be in effect.

An autograph session will be held from 11:35 a.m. until 12:15 p.m.

Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com. He and Andy Stine will have coverage from the game in Monday’s Mirror.