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STATE COLLEGE — The Penn State football defense had significant points to prove Saturday night after a shakier-than-expected season-opening.
They passed, emphatically so.
The defense — after a bumpy beginning — made up for various struggles on offense and special teams, locking down on the previously-unbeaten Illinois Fighting Illini.
The defense and running game dragged the Top 10 Lions to 4-0 and a tougher but more decisive victory than the 21-7 final scoreboard numbers showed in front of this “White Out-energy” Beaver Stadium crowd of 109,911.
Here’s your Penn State football report card against Illinois:
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar (15) scramble with the ball before attempting a short pass in the first quarter of a Big Ten football game against Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in State College, Pa.
Offense: B-
The Lions were forced to grind things out over an opponent it appeared ready to dominate early.
No explosivity as expected, but Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen provided their most physical, punishing effort yet. Same for red zone specialty quarterback Tyler Warren, the previously full-time, All-America-candidate tight end.
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Warren plunged into the end zone on his first QB try, then handed off to Nick Singleton, who ran it in, on his second.
Defense: A
Seriously impressive adjustments made after yielding that far-too-easy opening touchdown.
Kudos to Kobe King, who started hot, and Abdul Carter, who flourished a bit later and never stopped. They combined for 14 tackles, five TFLs and 2.5 sacks and a key pass breakup.
They turned a first-and-goal from 2 late in the second quarter into a 44-yard field goal attempt that was missed.
Only 34 yards rushing yielded with hot-starting QB Luke Altmyer a non-factor after the first quarter.
Special teams: C-
A…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/offense-bumbles-defense-rumbles-penn-025752252.html
Author : York Daily Record
Publish date : 2024-09-29 02:57:52
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