In this column:
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Dominant Win over Terps Sets the Stage for Another B1G Showdown with Wolverines π€
2023 still has the potential to be magical after an assertive Penn State (8-1; 5-1 B1G East) squad took it to the reeling Maryland Terps (5-4; 2-4 B1G East) by a score of 51-15.
Defense Shows That Swagger πΆοΈ
Penn State tallied twelve tackles for loss, picked up two fumbles, and snagged two interceptions on the day. They looked more in sync, they looked faster, and they looked hungry again.
Have Allar & The Offense Found An Identity? πͺͺ
Drew Allar took a giant step forward in his development on Saturday, throwing for four tuddies, and looking more like the #1 overall quarterback recruit he is versus the quarterback who struggled mightily versus Ohio State.
Special Teams Canβt Have a Clean Game π«
I alluded to this moment earlier, but I still have no idea how Liam Clifford missed getting a hand on that punt from Maryland early in the second quarter.
Stella Lion π¦
Stella had a great time watching Penn State drub Maryland with her friends Elsa and Nittany. But she has a dilemma about how she'll get to watch this week's game. Find out more from her in her latest video!
Game Moments π
Beau Pribula had come in the play before and couldnβt get into the endzone. So on a 3rd & goal, Penn State put Pribula and Allar on the field. Allar started out of the shotgun with Pribula to his right as a receiver. Then Pribula motioned toward center and Allar moved wide left. Pribula took the snap, turned toward Allar, who was running toward Pribula, flipped the ball back to Allar, then Allar looked like he was going to throw, decided to run, and just when it looked like he was going to be stuffed short of the goal line, Theo Johnson got open and handled the shuffle pass from Allar for the tuddy. This was a super fun sequence! I never know if itβs better to show trickery for the tape or save it, but this certainly gives Michigan something more to prepare for this coming week.
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Dominant Win over Terps Sets the Stage for Another B1G Showdown with Wolverines π€
Last week, I wrote how Penn Stateβs ugly win versus Indiana, which included an explosive play to win the game, could catapult the Nittany Lions like in 2016. Itβs what you do, as a writer β you look for connections to tell a story. 2016 was magical. 2023 still has the potential to be magical after an assertive Penn State (8-1; 5-1 B1G East) squad took it to the reeling Maryland Terps (5-4; 2-4 B1G East) by a score of 51-15.
Penn State also had some luck yesterday. We wonβt talk about this a bunch unless it truly matters after next week, but Penn State moved ahead of Ohio State and Michigan for the three-way tiebreaker scenario. Simply put, if Penn State wins out, they have a higher chance of going to the B1G Championship game than they did before yesterdayβs slate of games.
But before the hoopla can begin, Penn State needs to turn its focus toward Michigan. There is bound to be noise this week regarding the sign-stealing scandal with the Wolverines, but regardless of what happens, this is another statement game opportunity for the Nittany Lions.
Fortunately, Penn State showed up to Maryland with urgency and dominated almost the entire game. That should give the team, fans, and media all a major boost of confidence. Itβs a great setup for what should be a terrific game on Saturday.
What went so well that the confidence is again brewing? Letβs find out!