On Saturday, Penn State looked to get back on track as it faced off with UCLA. This came a week after the Nittany Lions' (3-2, 0-2 Big Ten) big loss to Oregon in their prestigious White Out game. Unfortunately, Penn State continued its losing ways against the Bruins (1-4, 1-1 Big Ten), 42-37.
This was a devastating loss against an unranked UCLA team, one that only continues the downward spiral of head coach James Franklin, quarterback Drew Allar, and the Nittany Lions with national championship hopes. Despite the loss, these three players in blue and white deserve praise for their performances on Saturday. Here are three game balls awarded for each phase of the game.
The best offensive performance of the day goes to none other than Penn State running back Kaytron Allen. Allen finished the game with a respectable 50 yards on eight carries, including two touchdown passes. While Nicholas Singleton still struggles to get going, Allen has been remarkable and easily surpassing the supposed RB1.
The senior's first touchdown of the game came in the first quarter with roughly two minutes left. Down 10-0, Allen broke free for a 13-yard touchdown run to bring the Nittany Lions back within three. His second score came in the first minute of the fourth quarter when Allen punched it into the end zone for a gritty two-yard touchdown run. This brought Penn State back within six of the Bruins.
Allen was by far Penn State's best offensive player against UCLA. His consistency, toughness, and ability to keep his team in the game when he got the ball in his hand was a large part of why the Nittany Lions had a fighting chance. He powered through the Bruins defense. In a game where Penn State's offense had to shine, Allen provided the spark and reliability to be the guy their offense can depend on.
The Penn State defense had a hard time shutting down UCLA and its star quarterback, Nico Iamaleava. Iamaleava threw for 166 yards and two touchdowns, and especially carved up Penn State's defense with his rushing attack. He had 128 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Despite the rough day for the Nittany Lions' defense, particularly in the first half, Amare Campbell deserved praise for his performance.
Campbell finished the game with 10 total tackles, including five solos. However, he finished the game with a sack, which was tied for the team lead. His 2.5 tackles for loss lead the team on Saturday. One of his biggest plays came towards the middle of the third quarter when Campbell sacked Iamaleava for a massive 11-yard loss. The very next play saw Zane Durant get into the backfield towards Iamaleava, forcing UCLA to punt.
The punt went on to be blocked and was run back for a touchdown. It all of a sudden became a game Penn State had a fighting chance at again as UCLA only led 27-21. While Campbell made important impact plays, the rest of the Nittany Lions defense offered minimal help. Campbell's relentless pursuit and disciplined play were both keys for the Penn State's defense in this one.
Dani Dennis-Sutton, hands down, had one of the biggest plays of the game for Penn State out of every aspect of the game. In the third quarter, with just over seven minutes left, Dennis-Sutton blocked a punt by UCLA, which allowed Liam Clifford to scoop it up and run it into the end zone for a touchdown. The block and recovery cut the Bruins' lead to six points.
Dennis-Sutton finished the game with three tackles, including two solos. He also had one tackle for loss, but the blocked punt was the cherry on top. He did his part to keep Penn State in this game, but sadly, he is only one man. The special teams unit was fairly quiet yesterday except for Dennis-Sutton's remarkable play.
The defensive end's great effort and game-changing presence on special teams more than earned him a spot on this list. He helped to prevent big returns, and his energy and intensity on the field gave Penn State some life. Even though the Nittany Lions lost, it certainly wasn't due to these three players, especially Dennis-Sutton.