The State CollegeWith a decisive victory over Maryland in the last regular season game, Penn State secured a berth in the Big Ten championship game.
Earlier on Saturday, Michigan defeated Ohio State 13-10 in The Game, which helped the Nittany Lions defeat the Terrapins 44-7 at Beaver Stadium.
Next Saturday’s Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis will pit No. 4 Penn State against No. 1 Oregon, according to the College Football Playoff committee’s rankings.
The Terps were completely destroyed by Penn State because of the tight end’s outstanding efforts.Nick Singleton, Tyler Warren, and the defense, which is led by Abdul Carter, an edge rusher.
Let’s examine the highlights of Penn State’s victory over Maryland in more detail.
Game ball offensive: Tyler Warren
What record does Warren now lack?
With his outstanding effort, Warren surpassed the Penn State tight end’s career touchdown record of 17 and the Big Ten season catches record of 81.
Warren caught six passes for a total of 68 yards and a score. In addition, the versatile weapon added three carries for 32 yards and a nine-yard pass for a first down.
In recent weeks, Penn State has made its Heisman Trophy campaign for Warren public. Additionally, he argued for an invitation to New York City in the regular season finale.
Game ball for special teams: Nick Singleton
I considered putting Singleton under the offensive game ball heading. With 87 yards and two scores on the ground, he most definitely merited consideration. Additionally, the powerful tailback added three 17-yard receptions.
However, Singleton receives a special teams nod for his 66-yard kickoff return in the first quarter. Following the Terps’ early touchdown and forced fumble (on Singleton), the tailback’s subsequent kickoff return was essential in helping the Nittany Lions get back on track.
Earlier in the week, James Franklin admitted that Singleton wasn’t feeling well during the peak of Big Ten play. The junior played through bumps and bruises in recent weeks after taking a hammering in the conference opener against Illinois and missing the following game against UCLA.
However, Singleton performed admirably when facing Maryland’s run defense. In the Big Ten championship game and the CFP, the Nittany Lions will be hoping it’s a portent of things to come.
Game ball for defense: Abdul Carter
It’s likely that everyone will not see Carter play at Beaver Stadium again if Penn State wins the Big Ten title. He was probably selected in the first round for the NFL. And once again, he punished Maryland’s quarterbacks and offensive line to demonstrate why.
With two sacks against the Terps, Carter now has ten for the season. Since Carl Nassib in 2015, he was the first Penn State player to reach double digits. unique player.
A failed fourth-down attempt was the turning point.
A spark was needed in Maryland. The Terrapins attempted a fourth-and-one at their own 30-yard line early in the second quarter after falling behind by a field goal. Mike Locksley, the head coach of Maryland, made a bold decision because he had nothing to lose. Some would describe it as desperate.
In any case, it didn’t work. When a bunch of Nittany Lions stuffed the run up the middle, Maryland turned it over on downs. Additionally, Penn State took advantage of the Terps’ bad luck.
Penn State needed three plays to reach the end zone. Khalil Dinkins was found by Allar for a gain of 23 yards. Allen ran just inches from paydirt for six yards. And Allar used a sneak to finish it off.
With ten minutes remaining in the second quarter, Penn State led 17–7 and never looked back, guaranteeing a berth in the Big Ten championship game.
Stories by
Johnny McGonigal
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