Harrison Lilley

Photo Editor

hjl5363@psu.edu

Land Grant Trophy game sees Nittany Lions’ stellar offense and defense shine.

DETROIT, Mich. – In a resounding display of dominance, No. 11 Penn State (10-2, 7-2 Big Ten) delivered a decisive 42-0 shutout victory over Michigan State (4-8, 2-7 Big Ten) in the Land Grant Trophy game, showcasing an impressive blend of offensive prowess and stifling defense on Friday, November 24th.

The Nittany Lions outclassed the Spartans on both sides of the ball, amassing a staggering 586 total yards compared to Michigan State’s meager 53. Penn State’s defense put on a clinic, recording their third shutout win of the season and holding the Spartans to -35 rushing yards, a testament to their dominance at the line of scrimmage.

Quarterback Drew Allar orchestrated the Nittany Lion offense with precision, completing 17 of 26 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns. Allar’s performance included two spectacular 50-plus-yard passes, leaving the Spartans’ defense scrambling. Beau Pribula, in relief of Allar, contributed with both a rushing and a passing touchdown, further highlighting Penn State’s offensive depth.

The dynamic running back duo of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton stole the spotlight, each surpassing the 100-yard rushing mark. Allen recorded a career-best 137 rushing yards on 15 carries, including two explosive 40-plus-yard runs and a receiving touchdown. Singleton, with 118 rushing yards and a 14-yard touchdown run, showcased his versatility by leading the receiving corps with 68 yards through the air.

Defensively, the Nittany Lions displayed relentless aggression, tallying 12 tackles for loss, including seven sacks. Adisa Isaac led the charge with seven total tackles, including his 7.5th sack of the season. Manny Diaz’s defensive unit allowed a mere 53 total yards and five first downs, leaving the Spartans struggling to gain any offensive traction.

The game’s narrative unfolded with Penn State setting the tone early, as Alex Felkins nailed a 49-yard field goal on the opening drive. Jaylen Reed’s interception set the stage for a dominant first half, with Penn State taking a 13-0 lead into halftime. The offense continued to fire on all cylinders in the second half, with Pribula and Allar adding touchdowns to secure the 42-point shutout.

With this emphatic victory, Penn State marked its first Black Friday matchup win since the 1982 season, leaving fans and pundits alike impressed by the team’s comprehensive performance. The Nittany Lions have now set their sights on post-season success, riding high on the momentum of this resounding triumph.