The Nittany Lions [did stuff] in opposition to Bowling Inexperienced, who began the sport fairly effectively. After the primary half, nonetheless, the Lions took over. Listed below are your takeaways.
1: A recreation to overlook
Bowling Inexperienced got here out weapons blazing of their first drive, and instantly scored a landing to open the sport. The Falcons didn’t even attempt to run the ball in that first sequence, and caught the protection napping within the early kickoff. The Lions started to settle within the second quarter, however some ill-timed penalties on the Nittany Lions allowed Bowling Inexperienced to get a subject purpose, then a landing. Abruptly, Bowling Inexperienced was up 17-7 early within the second quarter, and would go into the half up 4, 24-20.
Halftime changes took impact and the Lions held the Falcons to a few second half factors, permitting them to construct sufficient of a lead lastly put the sport away within the fourth.
2: Defensive variations
For the final two seasons, the most important grievance in opposition to Manny Diaz’s attacking type was that, whereas they created plenty of destructive performs, they had been inclined to to a giant play at any level, most frequently on vital downs. This defensive strategy gained’t hand over many huge performs, as a substitute opting to make groups drive the sphere. However, watching opponents get first down after first down as they march down the sphere may change into tiresome.
3: What a world we reside in
As Bowling Inexperienced did nearly the whole lot they needed on offense, we may relaxation assured that the Nittany Lions personal offensive outfit would maintain them within the recreation. That’s not one thing we’d have mentioned final season.
BONUS: Win your clunkers
As irritating as that efficiency was from the protection, Penn State clamped down within the second half and completed the sport robust. This had all markings of an “something that may go fallacious will go fallacious” kind of recreation —penalties, a muffed punt that almost price Penn State, defensive breakdowns, you identify it. But, Penn State discovered a option to win, and that’s all that issues.