Penn State Football Season Rewind: Nittany Lions Crush Rutgers for Seventh Straight Win
Penn State had no problem winning on the road against Rutgers.
After six consecutive wins, the Penn State Nittany Lions vaulted up to No. 8 in the nation and had a real chance at winning the Big Ten East division. With wins in the final two regular season games, along with a Michigan loss, Penn State would be able to continue its magical season. Up first was a road game at Rutgers.
The Scarlet Knights entered as one of the worst teams in all of college football and were not expected to put up much of a fight against the potent Nittany Lions. Despite the less than idea weather, Penn State rolled to a 39-0 victory.
It was a typical game for Penn State — a slow start followed by a huge second half.
Miles Sanders muffed the opening kick, giving Rutgers the ball on the 19. However, the defense held and forced a field goal attempt that was missed.
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The Nittany Lions looked out of sorts on offense in the first half and were unable to put any really good drives together. Three Tyler Davis field goals was all they could manage before halftime. Fortunately, the defense was stout and had no problem keeping the lowly Scarlet Knight off the scoreboard.
Two rushing touchdowns in the third quarter — one by Saquon Barkley and one by Andre Robinson — plus another Davis field goal, helped to pad the lead.
Backup running back Mark Allen scored on a 27-yard pass from Trace McSorley in the fourth quarter and backup quarterback Tommy Stevens added a touchdown run to put the finishing touches on the win.
On a night in which the offense didn’t put up huge numbers, it was still enough for the victory. McSorley finished with 210 passing yards and a touchdown. The running game was good all night and racked up a total of 339 yards. Barkley led the way with 92.
The defense pitched a shutout and held Rutgers to an astounding 87 yards of total offense. The Scarlet Knights managed just five first downs then entire night.
Penn State didn’t force any turnovers, but recorded three total sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Linebacker Brandon Bell led the team with five total tackles, including a sack.
Next: Penn State Football Season Rewind: Big Fourth Quarter Helps Nittany Lions Beat Indiana
It was a dominating performance by the Nittany Lions and a great way to head into the season finale with Michigan State.