COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND— There wasn’t a lot that went wrong for Penn State Saturday.
One could see that by looking at the final score: PSU 51, Maryland 15.
But Penn State did pick up some penalties.
Seven for 76 yards, to be exact.
Tight end Theo Johnson committed one of those penalties. After running back Kaytron Allen ran in for a 10-yard score that put Penn State up 38-15 early in the fourth quarter, Johnson got called for unsportsmanlike conduct.
After the game, Johnson explained to reporters what happened, and said he didn’t feel he deserved the flag.
“I don’t necessarily agree with it,” Johnson said. “Dudes were chippy and talking a whole bunch, and I gave a little wave. I guess that was enough to throw a flag.”
Kaytron Allen bulldozing his way into the end zone.
Allen has 91 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown.
— Alex Rocco (@AlexRocco13_) November 4, 2023
PSU was well on its way to a romp when Johnson got called for the flag, so PSU fans won’t lose sleep over it. Plus, the moment that people will remember from Johnson was a positive one.
In the first quarter, backup Beau Prubila lined up as the QB, and in a tricp play, flipped to regular starter Drew Allar. Allar then narrowly avoided a sack and, while falling forward, found TE Theo Johnson for a touchdown to put Penn State up by two scores.
Penn State OC Mike Yurcich has been criticized often (much of it justifiable) for a lack of creativity.
Well, this was pretty damn creative.
Holy hell. pic.twitter.com/6VgGBtvtXN
— Joe Smeltzer (@joesmeltzer775) November 4, 2023
Johnson wasn’t the only TE that made a play for Penn State. Tyler Warren caught Allar’s third touchdown pass that put PSU back up by two scores after Maryland cut the deficit to seven.
The road gets much more difficult for PSU. Next week, the team hosts Michigan. Kickoff is scheduled for noon on Fox.
