Harrison Lilley

Photo Editor

hjl5363@psu.edu

University Park, PA – In a commanding display of skill and dominance, the No. 6/5 Penn State Nittany Lions (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) secured a resounding shutout victory over the UMass Minutemen with a final score of 63-0 on Saturday, October 14. This victory marks Penn State’s largest shutout since their induction into the Big Ten Conference.

The Nittany Lions exhibited a masterful defensive performance, recording seven sacks and extending their streak of games with at least three sacks to an impressive 11, a feat matched by no other team in the nation. The relentless pressure applied by the Penn State defense left UMass struggling to find their footing throughout the entirety of the game.

A staggering twenty-eight Nittany Lions contributed to the defensive effort, with Curtis Jacobs and Dvon Ellies leading the pack with five tackles each. Adisa Isaac shone with three and a half tackles-for-loss, including two and a half of the seven sacks registered by the Penn State defense. Cam Miller, Chop Robinson, and Dani Dennis-Sutton also played crucial roles in achieving this remarkable sack total.

On the offensive front, quarterback Drew Allar showcased his prowess by delivering yet another interception-free performance. Allar completed 16 of his 23 passes for 162 yards, culminating in a crucial touchdown. Beau Pribula, later in the game, added to the rushing tally with an impressive 59 yards and a touchdown.

Theo Johnson emerged as a pivotal player, amassing 66 receiving yards on four receptions, resulting in two touchdowns. KeAndre Lambert-Smith contributed with 30 receiving yards on six receptions. In the rushing department, Nicholas Singleton led with 79 yards, closely followed by Kaytron Allen with 68. Notably, Daequan Hardy etched his name in Penn State history by becoming the first player to score two punt return touchdowns in a single game.

The Nittany Lions continue their extraordinary streak of scoring 30-or-more points in a game, notching their nation-leading 13th consecutive 30-plus point outing.

The game’s momentum was set early on as Penn State’s defense held UMass to a mere 26 yards in the first half. The Minutemen’s offensive efforts were stifled, resulting in a punt on their first possession. Daequan Hardy’s electrifying 56-yard punt return for a touchdown gave the Nittany Lions an early 7-0 lead.

The first half saw Penn State’s offense in top form, with Allar orchestrating an eight-play, 71-yard drive culminating in a one-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 14-0. Allen furthered the lead with a nine-yard rushing score, capping a seven-play, 80-yard drive.

Warren’s seven-yard touchdown reception with just over a minute remaining in the first half gave Penn State a comfortable 28-0 lead at halftime. The Nittany Lions’ defense maintained its dominance, tallying six sacks and limiting UMass to a mere 26 total yards.

In a display of offensive prowess, Penn State continued their scoring spree in the third quarter. Allar connected with Johnson for a 30-yard touchdown pass, followed by an 18-yard touchdown to Johnson, resulting in a 42-0 lead. Hardy’s record-breaking second punt return touchdown of the game further extended the lead to 49-0.

A Keaton Ellis interception set the stage for another offensive touchdown, securing a 56-0 lead. Pribula entered the game and orchestrated a four-play, 49-yard scoring drive, highlighted by a two-yard rushing score by Potts.

The Nittany Lions concluded their dominating performance with Pribula’s 31-yard touchdown run, sealing a remarkable 63-0 victory.

Head Coach James Franklin commended the team’s performance, emphasizing their control of critical statistics, including the explosive plays, third-down efficiency, and sack battle. He lauded the suffocating defense, particularly against one of the nation’s most explosive offenses.

Daequan Hardy’s exceptional performance as a punt returner was highlighted by Coach Franklin, underscoring his ability to create game-changing moments. Hardy’s versatility, from playing nickel and corner to excelling on special teams, was hailed as a game-changer.

The Nittany Lions’ exceptional depth at tight end and receiving corps were acknowledged, providing crucial options for quarterback Drew Allar. The ability to seamlessly transition between traditional and non-traditional sets has added a dynamic element to Penn State’s offense.

With this emphatic victory, Penn State looks ahead to their next challenge, riding the momentum of an undefeated season and their remarkable defensive and offensive prowess.