Penn State 2018 Season Rewind: Trace McSorley fuels big win over Kent State

Penn State got a big day from its senior quarterback in Week 3

Starting the season with wins over Appalachian State and Pitt, Penn State had a home game with Kent State to finish its non-conference portion of the schedule undefeated. The Nittany Lions were big favorites heading into the matchup, and quarterback Trace McSorley quickly showed that he was primed for a big game. He helped lead the way to a big, 63-10 victory in front of a very happy home crowd.

McSorley connected on a 40-yard pass to wide receiver DeAndre Thompkins to get the scoring started less than three minutes into the game. The Golden Eagles connected on a scoring pass of their own on the next possession to tie the game, but that didn’t last long.

McSorley amounted for two more scores in the first quarter — both short runs — to give the Nittany Lions a two-touchdown lead heading into quarter number two.

The second quarter was scoreless until Kent State connected on a field goal with just 35 seconds remaining before halftime. That turned out to be the last points of the game for the Golden Flashes.

The Nittany Lions were not done scoring before the half, as McSorley led a quick, four-play drive that ended in his third rushing touchdown of the game and fourth overall. McSorley became the record holder at Penn State for career rushing touchdowns by a quarterback.

Penn State continued to add points on offense and dominate on defense in the second half. McSorley added a second touchdown pass and three backup running backs — Mark Allen, Ricky Slade, and Johnathan Thomas — all scored.

Backup quarterback Sean Clifford came in and also made some Penn State history by throwing a 95-yard touchdown pass to freshman wide receiver Daniel George. That play was the longest play from scrimmage in school history.

The Nittany Lions racked up 667 total yards on offense, including 370 through the air. McSorley finished with 229 passing yards, 54 rushing yards, and five total touchdowns. Running back Miles Sanders led the way on the ground with 86 rushing yards. Thompkins led the Nittany Lions with four receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown.

Clifford completed all three of his passes for 141 yards and a touchdown.

For as big of a performance as the Penn State offense put up, the defense was just as impressive. Kent State was held to just 221 total yards, including 41 on the ground. The Nittany Lions racked up seven sacks, paced by two each from Jayson Oweh and Shareef Miller. Linebacker Cam Brown led the defense with seven total tackles.

Penn State did exactly what it needed to do against Kent State wrapped up the non-conference schedule in impressive fashion.