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Penn State Football Season Rewind: Despite Slow Start, Nittany Lions Blow Out Purdue

By Barry Leonard Jr.

Oct 29, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) escapes a tackle in the first half at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) escapes a tackle in the first half at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports /
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A slow start turned into a huge second half for Penn State at Purdue. 

After a stunning and emotional performance during the upset of No. 2 Ohio State, a bit of a hangover could have been expected for Penn State the following week. That’s exactly what happened when the Nittany Lions traveled for an early start against lowly Purdue. However, a huge second half led to Penn State’s largest point total of the season.

The Nittany Lions got on the board early thanks to a Saquon Barkley three-yard touchdown run. Purdue came right back and added a touchdown of its own to tie the game at seven after one quarter.

There was a bit of concern for Nittany Nation after Purdue scored early in the second to go up 14-7. Fortunately, the Nittany Lions answered with a touchdown pass from Trace McSorley to Chris Godwin on their ensuing possession.

Both teams added a field goal and went into halftime tied at 17. The score was certainly a bit of a shock, but not surprising considering the energy that Penn State had expended the week before.

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Fortunately, James Franklin was able to motivate his team at the break and the second half was an entirely different ballgame.

Penn State scored three touchdowns and added a field goal during the third quarter to take a demanding 41-24 lead into the final frame.

Three more touchdowns in the fourth quarter helped the Nittany Lions walk out of West Lafayette with an impressive 62-24 victory — their fourth straight after the debacle at Michigan on September 24.

McSorley continued to grow and show why there’s a bright future in Happy Valley with him at quarterback. He threw for 228 yards and three touchdowns against Purdue and once again avoided any turnovers.

Barkley had another monster day running the ball, racking up 207 yards and two touchdowns. He also led the team with 70 receiving yards.

Wide receiver Chris Godwin also had a huge day, catching five passes for 58 yards and two scores.

As a team, Penn State put up over 500 yards of offense.

On defense the Nittany Lions got nine total tackles from linebacker Jason Cabinda and eight from safety Malik Golden. Brandon Smith and Christian Campbell each came up with an interception.

Next: Season Rewind: Penn State Starts Slow, Blows Out Purdue

With the win over the Boilermakers Penn State moved to 4-1 in the Big Ten and started to look like a real contender in the East division.

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