Nebraska (7-3) at Penn State (4-6)
Saturday, Nov. 22, 7 p.m.
University Park
UNIVERSITY PARK — Even in the pre-season, the Nov. 22 game against Nebraska was always going to be an important one for Penn State
But now it could be even more important, given the unforeseen circumstances the Nittany Lions find themselves in.
After emerging from one of the program’s darkest periods with a workmanlike 28-10 win at Michigan State, Penn State needs a win to keep its bowl hopes alive and to build on a performance that many said looked like what the team might have been doing all along.
There was a 75-yard touchdown pass from Ethan Gronkemeyer to Devonte Ross late in the second quarter that put the Lions ahead for good, 14-10. It was the longest play of the year for Penn State.
There was a defense that allowed MSU just 101 yards rushing–229 total–blocked a punt, recorded five sacks for 36 yards in losses, and held the Spartans to just 1-10 in third-down conversions. The Lions had eight tackles-for-loss, six quarterback hurries and recovered a fumble.
And then there was the drive.
Ahead by just 14-10 early in the fourth quarter, Penn State took over on its own 24-yard line in need of some points.
Thirteen plays later, Ross scored on a reverse shovel pass from four yards out, and Penn State had an 11-point, 21-10 lead with only 4:32 to play.
The only pass in the entire drive was that shovel pass to Ross–if it can even be called a pass–while every other play was a run by either Kaytron Allen or Nicholas Singleton. The possession ran off nine minutes of clock time and gave PSU a two-score lead.
Michigan State subsequently drove to the Penn State 20, after two roughing the passer penalties, but a sack and a fumble returned the ball to Penn State.
Three plays later, Allen ended it with a 26-yard touchdown run.
Allen had a career day with 25 carries for 181 yards and two touchdowns, with a long run of 42 yards and a 7-yard per carry average.
Along with 56 yards on 15 carries by Singleton, Penn State finished the game with 240 yards on the ground.
Now it will be 7-3 Nebraska on Senior Day on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Nebraska is led by workhorse running back Emmett Johnson who leads the Big Ten with 1,131 rushing yards behind an improving offensive line.
Nebraska starting quarterback Dylan Raiola was injured and lost for the season, and he has been replaced by freshman TJ Lateef who has completed 29-of-34 passes or 466 yards and four touchdowns.
The Huskers also have a strong receiving corps with Nyziah Hunter, Jacory Barney and Dane Key all dangerous, especially after the catch.
On defense, the secondary is ranked second in the country in passing yards allowed per game and 15th in total defense. The Husker run defense may be a factor in the game as it is ranked 93rd in the country in yards allowed per game.
Nebraska is coming off a 28-21 win over UCLA in its last outing on Nov. 8 at UCLA.
In that game, Nebraska took a 28-7 lead midway through the third quarter, but the Bruins scored twice to make it a game.
The last UCLA touchdown made the score 28-21 with four minutes still to play, but the Huskers were able to hold on for their seventh win in 10 games.
For Penn State, the emphasis now is to keep advancing and put together another winning performance on Senior Night.
“I am super proud of our effort on Saturday,” Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith said. “Not only did we win, but we played with an identity of Penn State football. It was complimentary football at its best, and we are going to continue to build on that.
“I am really excited to be hosting Nebraska on Saturday night at Beaver Stadium. I thought our fans were incredible at our last home game, and I’m looking forward to our fans showing up and supporting our team on Saturday night.
“We are going to recognize 30-plus seniors, and this is a chance for our fans to celebrate these guys.
“Obviously the most important goal is to win the game, but we do know that in our keys to victory every week is for Katron (Allen)and Nick (Singleton) to touch the ball, and if they’re touching the ball, that means we’re going to get closer to that goal.
“After the game Saturday, our entire O-line came to the presser, and that’s our identity now. We’re going to run the football, and those guys are embracing that. It’s just a mentality that we’re going to carry here. I’m looking forward to us coming out this weekend and establishing the line of scrimmage again.”
The kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Beaver Stadium.
