UNIVERSITY PARK, PA. — Penn State had an up-and-down four quarters of football against Bowling Green Saturday afternoon at Beaver Stadium that ended in a 34-27 win.Â
The offense struggled to finish drives but when it did, it was a beautiful sight. The defense struggled to stop Bowling Green throughout most of the first half, but when they in the second half, it worked wonders.
All in all, it’s still only the second game of the season. Although it was still a win, there’s a lot to be desired from Penn State as it moves forward.
AN UP AND DOWN PENN STATE OFFENSE
At points, it looked like Penn State could and would score at will. That was evident when it  went 75 yards in three plays for its second touchdown of the game and again in the fourth quarter when it scored on the first play of a drive.
BUT …
Many times, it was a struggle for PSU. The team failed to stay out of its own way with crippling penalties and drops.
With that said, the run game flourished for the most part with Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton both going over the century mark on the ground.
A RARE DEFENSIVE STRUGGLE FOR PENN STATE
Bowling Green came out firing on all cylinders against Penn State by taking what the PSU defense gave it. BG marched 75 yards down the field on its first drive and spent the first half primarily in the driver’s seat.
That initial touchdown was the first time in 28 games where Penn State allowed a TD on the opening series. It would be the story of a first half where Penn State struggled mightily to stop Bowling Green.
There were a multitude of times— as head coach James Franklin alluded to following the game— where the defense was focused on trying to make plays rather than play its game.
When that happens and the basics aren’t followed, it leads to a bad time for the defense and Saturday afternoon it showed. In the second half, that changed immensely and it showed with PSU allowing only three points and forcing their first two turnovers of the season.
WONDERFUL WARREN
Tight end Tyler Warren has been one of the most consistent players for Penn State since he arrived on campus before the 2021 season. Saturday was no different. He hauled in all eight passes thrown his way for 146 yards, the most a Penn State tight end has ever had in a game.
Warren didn’t score a touchdown. But his ability to help move the chains on third down was exactly what PSU needed most against Bowling Green.
Warren’s game also shows that there isn’t a singular focal point in the offensive game plan. Last week, Harrison Wallace III was the go-to guy. This week it was Warren. Against Kent State Sept. 21 after a bye, it could be somebody else. The layers of this offense are deep and Penn State is still only scratching the surface of what it’s capable of.
BONUS: PRESS BOX SPREAD
Typically known for a wondrous spread of food available pre and post-game, Penn State took the L in this department this afternoon. Hot dogs and pulled pork without the typical ice cream from the Berkey Creamery left many in the press box clamoring for change. It was just another let down from something that’s come to be a bright spot at Beaver Stadium.
