Penn State thumps Maryland 44-7 to clinch Big Ten championship berth

Penn State entered Saturday’s meeting with Maryland with everything on the line. With a loss, they are likely out of the college football playoff, and with a win, they would be heading to Indianapolis for a clash with Oregon for the Big Ten championship. This scenario came into fruition after Michigan upsetted Ohio State in Columbus.

Penn State beat Maryland 44-7 on Saturday afternoon, but it was not a smooth first few drives for the Nittany Lions.

Penn State trailed 7-0 two plays into the contest. This occurred when star running back Nicholas Singleton fumbled on the first play of the game, preceding a 25-yard Terrapin touchdown to wide receiver Kaden Prather. 

The Nittany Lion faithful were not pleased with the start, including being frustrated with offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki dialing up trick plays against the 4-7 Terrapins.

Penn State star tight end Tyler Warren broke a prestigious record in the first half, claiming the top spot for the most receptions in a single season for a Big Ten tight end.

Warren has had a record breaking season so far, as he also tied an FBS record for most catches by a tight end in a single game against USC earlier this season. His 224 receiving yards against the Trojans was the second most receiving yards in a single game in program history, only behind Jahan Dotson’s 242 yards against Maryland in 2021.

Penn State’s offense finally broke through early in the second quarter, as Singleton broke through the offensive line into the endzone for six.

With rushing touchdowns by both Drew Allar and Beau Pribula, Penn State quickly took a 24-7 lead. Sophomore cornerback Audavion Collins intercepted Maryland quarterback MJ Morris late in the second half, which led to Tyler Warren breaking another Penn State program record.

Warren also broke the career tight end receptions record in program history in the game.

Penn State put the backups late in the game, as freshmen DeJuan Lane and Jordan Mayer got their first interception and sack of their careers, respectively. Freshman wide receiver Tyseer Denmark scored his first career touchdown on the last play of the game. Penn State cruised through the second half, ending the game with a 44-7 victory.

Player and team stats:

• Penn State offense: 412 total yards
• Penn State defense: 194 total yards allowed, 3 forced turnovers
• Allar: 17/26 171 yards, 2 total TDs
• Singleton: 16 touches, 104 yards, 2 TDs
• Allen: 13 rushes, 34 yards
• Warren: 6 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD, 32 rushing yards, 9 passing yards
• Carter: 6 tackles, 2 sacks
• Dennis-Sutton: 3 tackles, 1 sack
• Reed: 9 tackles