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Penn State football: Nittany Lions must dominate Maryland, and probably will

By Matthew Benedetto

Nov 12, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) looks to throw a pass during the third quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Maryland 30-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) looks to throw a pass during the third quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Maryland 30-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /
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Penn State football fans have had a rough two weeks with a close loss to Ohio State and barely beating a two-win Indiana team at home. But the Nittany Lions have a chance to rebound before a huge home matchup against Michigan on November 11.

Penn State heads to Maryland on Saturday to right the ship and get over the last two weeks. The Terps are coming off a bad loss to a Northwestern team that Penn State defeated 41-13 on September 30.

So what does Penn State have to do to get over those last few games?

First, let Allar sling it!

Allar threw his first career interception against Indiana and set the FBS record for most passing attempts to start a career without an interception with 311 attempts.

Directly after throwing the interception and Indiana tying the game at 24, Allar went out and threw a dime.

The interception felt as if it released pressure and Allar could just go out and play the game he loves and take chances. Franklin was asked a few weeks ago about “chucking it deep” and joked about the question but was it just so he could break a record?

With Maryland coming off a bad loss this would be the perfect time to let Allar “chuck it deep” and let the receivers show what they are all about, but that doesn’t mean abandoning the run.

Penn State ranks 42nd in the NCAA in rushing offense averaging 175.1 yards per game.

Kaytron Allen has looked like the better back this year over Nicholas Singleton but that doesn’t mean Singleton hasn’t produced. Although the running game hasn’t produced many explosive plays, both running backs are having a solid season.

Singleton has 113 rushing attempts for 460 yards and seven touchdowns while Allen has 105 rushing attempts for 482 yards and three touchdowns.

This game against Maryland can open up the run game, get the backs to bounce it outside or find holes, and create a massive, explosive play for a potential touchdown. Expect Singleton to have a rushing touchdown for over 50 yards this weekend.

Finally, the Penn State defense looked elite against Ohio State only giving up 20 points and 365 yards of total offense, but against Indiana, the defense gave up 24 points and 349 yards of total offense.

This might not seem like a bad thing, but giving up more points to a two-win Indiana team is never a good look for a team ranked second in total defense. The defense knows they are better than what was shown during the Indiana game.

Penn State has dominated the Maryland series since Maryland joined the Big Ten in 2014 going 7-2. The only Maryland wins coming in 2020 and 2014. In 2022, Penn State defeated Maryland 30-0. Can the 2023 Penn State Football team replicate what the 2022 team did to Maryland?

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