COLLEGE PARK– Penn State went into College Park Saturday afternoon and dominated Maryland in every turn in its 51-15 win.
This sets up a mega matchup at home against No. 3 Michigan which will be talked about a ton for the next week.
But for now, here are some bullet points from Penn State’s most recent win.
PENN STATE QB DREW ALLAR IS FIGURING IT OUT JUST IN TIME
Allar went 25 for 34 for 240 yards and four touchdowns, completing passes to eight different receivers. Allar carried the momentum from last week and has been more than fine since he struggled against Ohio State Oct. 21. I thought Allar was the quarterback PSU needed against Michigan last year, and I believe he’s ready for next week.
KAYTRON ALLEN IS PENN STATE FOOTBALL’s RB1
Allen is the best running back on this football team period. Allen runs with power, hits the hole with authority, shows great vision and Penn State’s offense runs smoother with him in the game. Sure, Nick Singleton is the more exciting player and arguably the more talented player, but the ratio should be 60-40 Allen over Singleton. Allen rushed for 6.5 yards per carry, while Singleton rushed for 2.5.
PENN STATE PENALTIES
On Maryland’s first scoring drive, Liam Clifford got called for roughing the punter. Later on the drive, PSU got called for unnecessary roughness and an illegal substitution (which was declined) on the same play. Johnny Dixon got called for pass interference on a 4th and 7 that kept the drive alive and also on the two-point conversion. Theo Johnson got called for taunting. It can not afford to do this next week when they play Michigan.
PSU DEFENSE ROUNDS BACK INTO SHAPE
After Taulia Tagovaiola completed his first 17 passes of the game for 172 yards, PSU held him to 11 for 22 for 114 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Maryland rushed for a grand total of -47 yards. Penn State’s six sacks for 47 yards lost came into play. But even taking that away, PSU held Maryland to negative one yard, on ten rushing attempts.
ALL IN ALL
Penn State had another impressive victory Saturday. But at the same time, Maryland hasn’t beaten Penn State at home in 62 years. PSU was supposed to win. This season came down to two games and it dropped the first one at Ohio State. Michigan gives Penn State another opportunity to strike. Michigan is mired in scandal. The game is at home. Penn State has its five-star quarterback. Get it done.
Do I think PSU is ready to pull this off? Stay tuned.
