Penn State 38, Maryland 14: Players of the Game

On Saturday afternoon the Penn State Nittany Lions improved to 4-2 on the season by dominating Maryland in a 38-14 victory.

The Penn State Nittany Lions are now 4-2 overall on the season, and 2-1 in Big Ten play. This comes after the Nittany Lions picked up a dominating 38-14 victory over Maryland on Saturday afternoon. In my opinion, this was the most dominating conference victory James Franklin has had during his tenure at Penn State.

Penn State put together a complete game on Saturday. It was the best game the defense has played all season, the offense moved the ball with ease, and the special teams were strong as well.

This win is a great springboard for the Nittany Lions into their bye week.

The most impressive part of this victory was the Nittany Lions’ rushing attack. Entering the game, Penn State ranked 119th in the FBS in rushing offense, averaging just 108 rushing yards per game. However, the Nittany Lions rushed for 372 yards on Saturday.

Here are Penn State’s players of the game from the big victory.

More from Victory Bell Rings

Offense – Running Back Saquon Barkley

Saturday afternoon was the best game of Saquon Barkley‘s college career. And considering what he accomplished as a freshman last season, that is saying something.

Barkley finished the game with a career high in both carries (31) and rushing yards (202). He also rushed for his Big Ten-leading eighth touchdown.

Maybe the most impressive facet of Barkley’s game on Saturday was what he did without the ball, though. Barkley had a great day in terms of blitz pick up and pass protection. He also was very unselfish and threw some good blocks on plays he did not get the ball.

One play that sticks out came on the Nittany Lions’ first drive of the second half. On a third down and 13 Barkley threw the key block that sprung Trace McSorley for a run that picked up a first down.

Barkley became the first Penn State back since Bill Belton in 2012 to rush for 200 yards in a game. The super sophomore also showed off his hurdle, spin move, and stiff arm in this game.

For my money, Saquon Barkley is the best running back in all of college football.

Honorable mention: QB Trace McSorley, TE Mike Gesicki

Defense – Linebacker Koa Farmer

This was a very tough call. Saturday was the best game that Penn State’s defense played all season. And this was due to contributions from multiple players.

Ultimately, I went with Koa Farmer. He made his first career start on Saturday and it did not even come at his natural position. This is why I went with Farmer.

Farmer began the season as a back up safety. However, due to Penn State being decimated by injuries at linebacker he got the start at the WILL position on Saturday and played some outstanding football.

He finished the game with three tackles for a loss, his first career sack, and his first career forced fumble. His sack/forced fumble was a huge play in this game. It came with Penn State leading 17-7 in the second quarter, but Maryland looking to grab momentum after blocking a punt.

Koa Farmer was also all over the field on Saturday, blowing up plays, and causing short gains for Maryland. Kudos to Koa for having such a great game while playing a different position.

Honorable mention: CB John Reid, LB Brandon Smith

Special teams – Kickoff Specialist Joey Julius

A lot was asked of Joey Julius on Saturday. This is due to Maryland having a very lethal return game led by Will Likely.

Julius, however, helped to contain Likely all day long. Of the seven kicks, Maryland only returned five of them, and Julius was a big reason why. On top of having a pair of touch backs, he did a great job of booming the ball and getting enough hang time to allow his coverage team to get down the field.

In addition to his two touch backs, Julius had three other kicks fielded in the end zone. This is a big reason why Maryland averaged just 16.8 yards per kick return. A another solid day at the office for Big Toe Joe.

Honorable mention: S Nick Scott, S Ayron Monroe

That will do it for Saturday’s victory. As I said above, this is a great springboard for Penn State heading into their bye week. Hopefully, some of the plethora of injured Penn State players can heal up during the bye week.

Penn State will have a huge challenge waiting for them when they play again on October 22nd. This is due to the fact that Ohio State, arguably the best team in the country, will come to Beaver Stadium. However, every other game left on the Nittany Lions’ schedule is very winnable. And, minus maybe at Indiana, I look for Penn State to be favored in each of them.

Next: Penn State Runs Over Maryland

That is looking ahead, though. For now let’s live in the moment and enjoy Saturday’s dominating victory over Maryland. Enjoy the week off fellas, you deserve it.

Home/Penn State Football