Penn State football won its Week 2 match against Florida International on Saturday, but it wasn't as flashy as fans expected. Defense and special teams outshined the offense in the 34-0 shutout.
While the Nittany Lions on the field were busy logging their second win of the season, former players stood out in their NFL regular season debuts whether as rookies or with their new team. The women's volleyball team also climbed out of a losing record and brought itself just above the .500 mark.
Here's everything you missed.
Defense deserves recognition in shutout win over Florida International
True freshman Chaz Coleman finished Saturday with five quarterback pressures, four solo tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery. He took the ball all the way to the five-yard line, setting Penn State's offense up to run it in on the next play. Head coach James Franklin said the defensive end will be a consistent player this season and his snap count should increase as the Nittany Lions steer away from playing as many guys as possible.
Zuriah Fisher had his first game back from injury after being sidelined completely in 2024-25. He had seven pressures and a quarterback hurry against the Panthers over roughly 30 snaps. Franklin was happy with him being back in the rotation, especially in taking a leadership role for the younger players on defense.
Special teams is becoming the weapon James Franklin wants
Between punter Gabe Nwosu and Dominic DeLuca on special teams, Franklin was pleased that the unit is becoming a game-changing factor. DeLuca had a blocked punt in the first half on Saturday that had fans raving about the three-time captain sporting No. 0.
As for Nwosu, Franklin was happy that people got to see him in action against FIU. All three punts landed inside the 20-yard line, including a 67-yard punt that Franklin specifically mentioned in Monday's press conference. The redshirt senior has the consistency that Franklin and special teams coordinator Justin Lustig want.
Nicholas Singleton sets records with Kaytron Allen
Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen became the first running back duo to eclipse 3,000 career rushing yards in program history. Singleton claimed the No. 4 spot for all-time rushing touchdowns while his backfield partner surpassed him in all-time rushing yards with 3,064 to Singleton's 3,007.
Micah Parsons makes Green Bay Packers debut
Micah Parsons had his first game as a Green Bay Packer on Sunday in Week 1. He was slowly rolled out onto the field and was explosive each time. Detroit quarterback Jared Goff couldn't breathe with Parsons on the field as he elevated the defensive line to a different level. Between quarterback pressures/hurries, he logged one sack and was the catalyst for safety Evan Williams' interception.
Tyler Warren impresses in first NFL game as a Colt
Tyler Warren had a standout performance against the Miami Dolphins with seven catches for 76 yards. The first play of the game was Warren's first NFL regular season catch. On top of receiving, he was a key blocker to set the Colts up in the red zone or help make way for a score. Warren's performance left fans wondering how he wasn't the first tight end drafted back in April.
Abdul Carter gets questioned by fans in regular season debut
Abdul Carter didn't have an incredible performance as he only logged four solo tackles, non of which were for loss. Some compared him to a ghost, letting everything go by him, but others recognized that Carter wasn't being used in the way he should on defense. They were calling for him to be on the field more in high-pressure situations to make the defense more dynamic on those critical plays, and when he was used, it wasn't anything of substance.
Izzy Starck announces her step back from college volleyball this season
Starting setter Izzy Starck made an announcement on Sept. 5 in the middle of the first set against Kentucky that she is stepping back from volleyball this season. She said she is only taking a pause and will not be gone forever, but that she must take time for her mental health. Backup setter Addie Lyon will hold the court down for the Nittany Lions from hereon out.
Women's volleyball works its way back over .500
Penn State fell to Kentucky, which made it dip below .500 with a 3-2 record. Sunday's match against UNH and Tuesday's game against Bucknell were two key wins the Nittany Lions secured to push them back over. Though these three sets to nothing wins were expected as both teams are unranked, the winning momentum and mentality may be crucial for Penn State's upcoming matches.
It faces No. 7 Pittsburgh on Wednesday, Sept. 17. The Nittany Lions fell down to No. 12 after their losses to Arizona State, TCU, and Kentucky.