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Will Ugly Win Jolt Nittany Lions Like In 2016? ā”ļø
In the blink of an eye, he [KeAndre Lambert-Smith] turns, sees the ball, catches it, evades the defenderās tackle, and then does one of the most important tip-toeing sequences into the endzone you can ever imagine.
Defense Shows Vulnerability š±
There were a lot of jarring plays during Saturdayās win, which speaks to the pissed-off look Manny Diaz had on his face even after his defense came up with the play to seal the game.
Allar & The Offense Still Searching For An Identity šŖŖ
It was nice to see some mojo. I like Allar a lot. I like his composure. But a little spunk canāt hurt, especially when the rest of the offense seems to be following suit and sleepwalking through the game. Learning to control his emotions so that he doesnāt go over the top like his predecessor Sean Clifford will be key. But Iād imagine weāll see a more animated Allar the rest of the season as he tries to lead the team to the playoff, slim odds be damned.
Special Teams Blunders Return š«
While Alex Felkins had a good overall game, he did miss on a 51-yard attempt early in the second quarter with Penn State trailing 14-7. Thatās three points Penn State left off the board. Without it, we donāt need the explosive Allar to KLS play. And while that play may ultimately fuel the Nittany Lions down the stretch, they wonāt be able to leave points off the scoreboard when Michigan comes to town in two weeks.
Stella Lion š¦
Like Penn State, Stella bounces back after a tough loss. She didn't see the win but was happy that Penn State got back on track!
Game Moments š
Still asleep, Penn State faced a 4th and 1 in the red zone. From the near hash, Penn State ran a play fake to Kaytron Allen, Nick Singleton ran an out to the near sideline that got everyone on the Hoosiersā defense attention, and Khalil Dinkins was wide open on the far side of the endzone after streaking across the middle of the field. As I noted earlier, this was Yurcichās best play call of the day. It was aggressive and smart, and they had exactly the right personnel on the field to fool Indiana.
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Will Ugly Win Jolt Nittany Lions Like In 2016? ā”ļø
Penn State (7-1; 4-1 B1G East) played like a team emotionally hungover for most of Saturdayās game versus an underwhelming Indiana Hoosiers (2-6; 0-5 B1G East) squad. The Nittany Lions looked timid on offense, the defense looked flat, special teams had more bumps, and the coaching staff looked befuddled at times.
Somehow, they found a way to win. This wonāt be a game people go through the archives and see much that was pretty. But the ending* provided us with one of the more memorable moments of 2023 thus far.
Facing a 3rd and 8 from their 14-yard line, on what I texted the Penn State group chat to be āthe drive of the season,ā Drew Allar got pressured, hurried a throw to the middle of the field, and was picked off for the first time in his collegiate career. Before the INT, Allar had already established the NCAA record for most passes without one to begin a collegiate career. Some interceptions hurt more than others, and this one seemed destined to haunt the Nittany Lions.
*My grandma is a huge proponent of only watching the final two minutes, or final two innings, of any sporting event. In many ways, she doesnāt miss much and she only sees the exciting drama-filled finale like we are discussing today. The wisdom people from the Greatest Generation provide is amazing!
Clinging to a 24-21 lead, the Penn State defense finally came alive and held ground, letting the Hoosiers only get three points off the turnover.
Then came the moment.