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Penn State Football: Nittany Lions get revenge on Pitt, move to 2-0

By Barry Leonard Jr.

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 09: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rolls out under pressure against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Beaver Stadium on September 9, 2017 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 09: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rolls out under pressure against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Beaver Stadium on September 9, 2017 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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Penn State got revenge over in-state rival Pittsburgh with an overall solid performance Saturday afternoon. 

On a beautiful day inside of Beaver Stadium in front of nearly 110,000 white-clad fans the Penn State Nittany Lions made up for last year’s crushing loss to in-state rival Pitt. The Nittany Lions didn’t dominate the stat sheet, but they won where it’s important — on the scoreboard. After jumping out to a quick 14-0 lead, the Nittany Lions walked away with a 33-14 victory.

The Penn State defense put in a strong performance and made an impact right at the start of the game. On Pitt’s sixth play of the game quarterback Max Browne threw a ball that was picked off by Penn State’s Grant Haley.

Penn State took over on the eight yard line and scored on the first play when quarterback Trace McSorley hit tight end Mike Gesicki for an opening touchdown. The Nittany Lions added a score later in the quarter when McSorley hit Gesicki for the second time in the game.

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Pitt managed just a field goal in the first half and went into the break down 14-3.

McSorley hit Saquon Barkley early in the third quarter for a 46-yard touchdown pass. Barkley scored later in the half on an eight-yard run.

The Panthers made the game interesting by pulling to with 14 points in the fourth quarter, but a big Marcus Allen safety and a Tyler Davis field goal put the game away.

McSorley finished the game with 164 yards and three touchdowns. He also added eight carries for 65 yards. Barkley rushed 14 times for 88 yards and grabbed four receptions for 45 yards. Gesicki had four catches for 39 yards and wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton had three receptions for 45 yards.

All-in-all, it was an off day for the potent Penn State offense. The Nittany Lions were outgained 342-312 in total yards.

On defense, Penn State was paced by Allen, who recorded 12 total tackles, including nine solo. Linebacker Koa Farmer added eight tackles, including a sack. The Nittany Lions allowed Pitt to move the ball at times, particularly on the ground, but stood their ground in the red zone.

The Panthers gained 155 yards on the ground, led by Quadree Ollison’s 96.

With the win, Penn State moved to 2-0 on the season. Up next for the Nittany Lions is a primetime, home matchup against Georgia State.

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