in digital and print journalism from Penn State and his M.A. One thing is for sure, Penn State Football fans ought to feel better about the offensive line than they have in a while, even if they still have their flaws. Jon Sauber covers Penn State football and men’s basketball for the Centre Daily Times. Landon Tengwall also seems to be settling in at left guard, and it will be interesting to see how this line performs down the stretch as they continue to grow, but also face stiffer competition. Last season, they couldn’t even move Villanova defenders off the line of scrimmage, but this year has been a different story.Īs a first-year starter, Olu Fashanu has been excellent at left tackle and as expected, Juice Scruggs has done a great job anchoring the interior of the offensive front at center. Sure, it helps to have some outstanding running backs in the backfield, but improved run blocking has certainly played a role in this team being able to turn things around with the rushing attack. The biggest difference is their run blocking. Pass protection hasn’t been up to snuff, but it’s been better than a year ago. There is certainly a long way to go before the Penn State offensive line is considered great, but this feels like the first time in a long time that they’ve been noticeably better and haven’t been a weakness of the team.Ĭoming into the season, we thought it could be improved, but since we’ve thought that basically every year prior, only to be disappointed, this comes as a surprise. on BTN.STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu #74 of the Penn State Nittany Lions lines up against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the first half at Beaver Stadium on Septemin State College, Pennsylvania. The Boilermakers will square off with Indiana State at Ross-Ade Stadium on Sept. O'Connell connected with eight different receivers on the night with six hauling in multiple passes.He has now made 15 of his last 16 field goal attempts. Mitchell Fineran split the uprights on a 36-yard kick in the first quarter.Scotty Humpich, in his Boilermaker debut, recorded Purdue's lone sack of the game on the first play of the fourth quarter.The Nittany Lions totaled just 33 yards of offense and went 0-of-4 on third downs in the frame. Purdue's defense held Penn State off the scoreboard in the third quarter.The Boilermakers were 5-of-15 on third down to the Nittany Lions' 5-of-14. Purdue outgained Penn State 426 to 406 on the offensive side.Penn State leads the all-time series 16-3-1, extending its streak to 10 games against Purdue.Jones posted a career night receiving with 12 receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown. O'Connell connected with former youth football teammate Charlie Jones in his Purdue debut 12 times. Purdue's fumble with 30 seconds remaining in the second saw Penn State score with two seconds left in the first half, while Jefferson's interception return for a touchdown swung the momentum in the fourth. Running back King Doerue found the end zone twice for his second career multi-score game.Ĭlifford threw for 282 yards on 20-of-37 passing with four touchdowns and an interception.īoth sides had one giveaway that led to points. The sixth-year thrower crossed the 300-yard mark for the ninth time in his career, moving him into sole control of fifth in program history. Purdue quarterback Aidan O'Connell finished the night going 29-of-59 passing for 365 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. The Nittany Lions then took eight plays to cover 80 yards in 1:25 with Clifford hitting Keyvone Lee for 10 yards and the game-winning score. Penn State's defense forced Purdue to punt with 2:22 remaining. Purdue held Penn State to just seven plays and 14 yards on its next two possessions, taking the ball back on offense with 4:28 on the clock. The Boilermakers (0-1) held a 31-28 advantage after Chris Jefferson intercepted Penn State (1-0) quarterback Sean Clifford and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown with 8:29 to play. – A late Penn State touchdown with 57 seconds remaining sent the Purdue football team to a 35-31 loss in the 2022 season opener at Ross-Ade Stadium.
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