Tag: Abdul Carter

Penn State steamrolls Purdue to move to 9-1, keep home playoff game hopes looking strong

Tyler Warren and Drew Allar lead Penn State to blow out win over lifeless Purdue to keep home playoff game in reach.

[autotag]Drew Allar[/autotag] threw three touchdowns and [autotag]Tyler Warren[/autotag] racked up 190 all-purpose yards with two touchdowns scored as Penn State easily took care of Purdue on the road on Saturday afternoon. Penn State’s 49-10 victory over the Boilermakers improved the Nittany Lions to 9-1 with two games remaining in the regular season. The win helps keep Penn State’s Big Ten title hopes alive for now and keeps them in a good position to host a first-round game in the upcoming College Football Playoff.

Penn State’s offense got off to a strong start with two long touchdown drives on their first two offensive series, including the game-opening drive. Allar completed a short touchdown pass to [autotag]Kaytron Allen[/autotag] to cap the opening drive of the game with a score and an early lead. On Penn State’s second possession, Allar then completed a pass to Warren for a 15-yard touchdown to go up 14-0. The second touchdown drive of the game covered a span of 93 yards.

[autotag]Nicholas Singleton[/autotag] gave Penn State a 21-3 lead in the third quarter with a 10-yard touchdown run immediately following a big gain through the air by Warren on a well-designed play. Warren took the snap and tossed it back to Allar on the right side of the field. Allar then completed a cross-field pass back to Warren, who took off for a big gain down the left sideline.

Purdue had a great shot to cut the early deficit to 14-7 but De’Nylon Morrissette caught a seemingly wide-open pass just outside of the Purdue endzone. It seemed he was confused by his spot on the field as he stood just outside the end zone’s markings where the sideline was painted the same color. Even if he got back inbounds though, he would have been flagged for stepping out of bounds before touching the football. Purdue settled for a field goal, and it would be the only points they put on the board until midway through the fourth quarter with the game well in hand.

The offense had a terrific game, but so did the defense. Not surprisingly, [autotag]Abdul Carter[/autotag] was the center of attention throughout the game with his pressure and speed leading to some big moments. Carter had five tackles, all solo, including two tackles for loss and a QB hurry. But it was a play he made chasing down a Purdue ball carrier that drew a big response from CBS broadcaster Gary Danielson. Carter shed a blocker as he came across the line of field and chased down C.J. Smith, who caught a short screen pass on the other side of the line. Carter brought him down from behind after blazing past the blocker.

With a 35-3 lead late in the third quarter, Penn State began taking out starters and focused on running the clock as much as possible. Beau Pribula enjoyed the moment with a 49-yard touchdown run and a late fourth-quarter touchdown pass of 24 yards to Luke Reynolds for some extra style points for the College Football Playoff selection committee to soak in.

Penn State will be on the road next week when the Nittany Lions visit Minnesota. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS. Minnesota had the week off after losing a road game at Rutgers in Week 11. Penn State leads the all-time series with Minnesota 10-6 and won the most recent meeting with the Gophers in 2022, 45-17. But Penn State lost the last time it visited Minnesota in 2019, 31-26.

A win next week in Minnesota and Penn State would wrap up the regular season at home against Maryland knowing it will very likely be playing one more game in Beaver Stadium in December. But a win next week is probably essential to keep that hope going.

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Walter Camp Player of the Year semifinalists include Penn State duo

Penn State hopes one of these two will be the third Walter Camp Player of the Year winner in school history.

As the regular season begins to wind down, the individual college football awards are beginning to trim down players form their preseason watch lists to semifinalists and finalists for the college football award season. One of the top individual awards in the sport is the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, and this year sees two Penn State players remaining in the mix for the honor.

The Walter Camp Football Foundation released the list of semifinalists for this year’s award. Penn State tight end [autotag]Tyler Warren[/autotag] and edge rusher [autotag]Abdul Carter[/autotag] were among the 20 semifinalists for the award. Penn State is one of three schools with multiple semifinalists for the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award. The others are Ole Miss (QB Jaxson Dart and DT Walter Nolen) and Colorado (WR/DB Travis Hunter and QB Shedeur Sanders).

Warren is leading Penn State in total yards from scrimmage with 775 yards (681 receiving, 94 rushing) and is tied for the team lead with seven touchdowns scored. Warren has also thrown for a touchdown. Warren is averaging 10.8 yards per play from scrimmage (combined between rushing and receiving touches).

Carter has been a monster on the edge for Penn State after moving from linebacker to edge this season. Carter leads the Big Ten with 16 tackles for loss and he leads the Penn State defense with 8.0 sacks. He has also forced two fumbles and deflected three passes as he gets more comfortable in his new position.

Warren and Carter are each looking to become Penn State’s third Walter Camp Award winner in program history. The other two winners from Penn State are John Cappelletti in 1973 and Larry Johnson in 2002.

Warren and Carter are each going up against some historical trends that may be stacked against them. There has been just one tight end to win the award with Notre Dame‘s Ken MacAfee winning the award in 1977. In the history of the award, which was first presented in 1967, there have been just three defensive players to win the award (Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o in 2012, Michigan‘s Charles Woodson in 1997, and Pittsburgh’s Hugh Green in 1980).

Last year’s winner of the Walter Camp Award was LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels.

https://www.instagram.com/waltercampfootball/p/DCUbepQvEkX/?hl=en

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Penn State bounces back with a commanding 35-6 White Out win over Washington

Penn State channels White Out atmosphere into an impressive win against Washington

After losing to Ohio State last weekend in a game where Penn State had every chance to win, the Nittany Lions needed a White Out-inspired game. They got just that Saturday evening against Washington, as Penn State took down the Huskies, 35-6. It was an impressive showing from a Penn State team that looked ready to put the Ohio State loss behind them.

Penn State’s offense started tremendously, scoring a touchdown on all four first-half drives. The Nittany Lion defense also came out to play, grabbing an interception on Washington’s third drive and making quarterback Will Rogers feel all sorts of pressure.

The Husky offense was limited to just two second-half field goals. [autotag]Abdul Carter[/autotag] was a massive factor in disrupting Washington’s offense, recording two sacks and four tackles for a loss.

Two of PSU’s first four drives were scored courtesy of [autotag]Tyler Warren[/autotag], who lined up in the backfield on both two-yard touchdown runs. Warren was just part of Penn State’s impressive ground attack that broke down the Washington defensive front. [autotag]Kaytron Allen[/autotag], [autotag]Nicholas Singleton[/autotag] and [autotag]Corey Smith[/autotag] all contributed to the running game, rushing for 266 yards as an offense. Smith saw his first extended action in a game this season and broke away for a 78-yard run on Penn State’s final drive.

[autotag]Drew Allar[/autotag] was back to his efficient self, hitting on 20 of his 28 pass attempts for 220 yards and a touchdown. Allar was on point, throwing to his receivers over the middle, going through his progressions and being decisive. [autotag]Harrison Wallace[/autotag] was the biggest beneficiary, hauling in five catches for 84 yards.

Penn State ended the half with an impressive two-minute drive down the field, resulting in a two-yard Julian Fleming touchdown grab, the first touchdown by a Penn State wide receiver in Big Ten play. Kaytron Allen would add Penn State’s only second-half score with under five minutes to go in the game to completely ice away the game.

Despite switching quarterbacks in the second half, Washington could never overcome Penn State’s red-hot first half. The Nittany Lions will likely improve their standing within the next College Football Playoff rankings, with a couple of top 5 teams losing this weekend.

Penn State will be on the road next week to take on the Purdue. The Boilermakers were shut out 45-0 against Ohio State this weekend. Penn State and Purdue will kickoff at 3:30 p.m. on CBS.

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Best pictures from Penn State’s home game vs. Ohio State

Check out some of the best photos from Penn State’s latest home game in front of a record crowd in Beaver Stadium.

The day started off so great in State College but ended with an eerily similar result. Penn State struggled on offense and came up short against Big Ten nemesis Ohio State, 20-13, in front of the largest crowd in Beaver Stadium history. Unfortunately, the majority of the 110,000-plus ended up making the trip home without a win to celebrate.

But at least the weather was great?

Penn State will look for a rebound win next week when the Nittany Lions host Washington in the first Big Ten meeting between the two programs. Penn State will still have plenty to play for with the College Football Playoff still well within reach.

Here are some of the best photos from Penn State’s home game against Ohio State.

Ravens among NFL teams in attendance for Penn State vs. Ohio State matchup

Baltimore Ravens among NFL teams in attendance for Penn State vs. Ohio State matchup

No. 3 ranked Penn State (7-0) is hosting the No. 4 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (6-1) on Saturday at Beaver Stadium, and the NFL scouts and executives are out and taking in the star power on both squads.

The Nittany Lions’ top draft prospects include defensive end Abdul Carter — a potential top-10 pick — as well as quarterback Drew Allar, running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kayton Allen, tight end Tyler Warren, defensive tackle Zane Durant, defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton and safety Jaylen Reed.

For Ohio State, Will Howard (QB), TreVeyon Henderson (RB), Quinshon Judkins (RB), Emeka Egbuka (WR), and Donovan Jackson (OL) are among the players to watch.

Panthers nab top pass rusher in ESPN’s early 2025 NFL mock draft

ESPN’s Jordan Reid provides the Panthers with some much-needed firepower off the edge in his early 2025 mock draft.

The Carolina Panthers have two huge problems with the quarterback position. Not only do they lack a definitive answer under center, but they also don’t have any for opposing quarterbacks either.

That was the conundrum ESPN analyst Jordan Reid faced in his early 2025 NFL mock draft.

With the Panthers sitting on the third pick in this simulation, Reid balanced the prospects of taking a new passer and taking a much-needed building block on defense for this talent-deprived roster. Well, he opts for the latter—selecting Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter.

Reid writes:

The Panthers are lacking impact players at edge rusher; they are getting pressure just 20% of the time (last in the NFL) and have a 31.7% pass rush win rate (28th). Carter would immediately be the team’s best young player there. After a slow start, the converted off-ball linebacker is steadily adjusting to his edge role, racking up four sacks and 18 pressures over six games.

In addition to his 4.0 sacks, Carter has amassed 10 tackles for a loss—currently the most in the Big Ten Conference.

That probably appeals to the Carolina defense, which has totaled only six sacks through six weeks. Oh, and they’ve allowed the most points in the NFL heading into Week 7.

So, yeah, Carter would be a fine addition.

[lawrence-related id=705130,705094,705081]

What Penn State player was one of ESPN’s top 25 midseason players?

ESPN’s midseason top 25 player rankings includes one Penn State star.

Now that college football has largely hit the midway point of the season, midseason assessments and honors are being handed out left and right. ESPN has also shared an updated look at its top 25 players for the 2025 season, and just one Penn State football player makes an appearance on the list.

Defensive end Abdul Carter is ranked no. 22 on the list of the top 25 players from ESPN. Carter’s current rank is two spots lower than he appeared on ESPN’s preseason list of the top 100 players in college football.

Carter leads Penn State with 4.0 sacks and 9.5 tackles for a loss of yardage this season. Carter has deflected three passes and forced a fumble through the first six games of the season. His move from linebacker to defensive end has taken a little time to fully thrive but it seems to be hitting its stride at a good time.

Perhaps the biggest omission on Penn State’s roster from ESPN’s list is tight end Tyler Warren. Warren leads the Nittany Lions with 513 receiving yards after a massive day catching the football in an overtime win at USC last weekend. Warren accounted for 224 receiving yards against the Trojans, which is the second-most in a single game in program history, and he tied the FBS record for most receptions in a single game by a tight end (17). Warren was also named a midseason All-American by the Senior Bowl and CBS Sports.

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Big Ten names Abdul Carter defensive player of the week

The Big Ten honored one of Penn State’s players with their weekly awards after Week 5.

Penn State defensive end [autotag]Abdul Carter[/autotag] is getting more comfortable in his new position, and he turned some heads with his performance in Week 5. Carter was a force to reckon with in Penn State’s 21-7 victory over Illinois on Saturday night and now he has been named the Big Ten’s defensive player of the week for his effort.

The Big Ten announced Carter as its defensive player of the week on Monday. Carter recorded four tackles with two sacks and a forced fumble and a pass breakup. It is the first time Carter, one of Penn State’s top defensive players, has been named the Big Ten’s defensive player of the week.

This is the second time this season Penn State has had the Big Ten’s defensive player of the week. Safety Kevin Winston received the honor following a season-opening victory over West Virginia.

Here are this week’s Big Ten players of the week:

  • Michigan RB Kalel Mullings (Co-offensive player of the week)
  • Oregon WR Tez Johnson (Co-offensive player of the week)
  • Penn State DE/LB Abdul Carter (Defensive player of the week)
  • Micigan K Dominic Zvada (Special teams player of the week)
  • Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith (Freshman of the week)

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Penn State cruises by Kent State 56-0 in dominant fashion

The Penn State Nittany Lions obliterated Kent State 56-0 in Happy Valley, ending their non-conference schedule with a bang.

Penn State started off slow against Kent State, scoring just once on their first three possessions. A botched screen pass by Beau Pribula and a missed third down kept things close deep into the second quarter. [autotag]Drew Allar[/autotag] engineered an impressive touchdown drive to take the lead in between those failed drives, but Kent State was holding strong.

Eventually, however, the floodgates opened for Penn State. They scored on three consecutive drives of 75 yards or more, moving down the field with ease on the ground and through the air. Kent State meanwhile could get nothing going on offense, especially after seeing two of their quarterbacks go down with injuries.

It was 28-0 at halftime, and things never got better for the Golden Flashes. Penn State kicked off the second half with a bang on a 59-yard touchdown pass from Drew Allar to [autotag]Omari Evans[/autotag].

https://twitter.com/CFBONFOX/status/1837606650795987387

Allars’ day was over after that drive, finishing with 309 yards and three touchdowns through the air on just 21 attempts. He added another score on the ground for good measure to close the first half. Backup quarterback Beau Pribula would engineer three touchdown drives of his own, hitting Khalil Dinkins for a score, handing off to Cam Wallace for his first career touchdown, and taking one in himself on the ground to finish the scoring.

Penn State’s defense was dominant throughout the game, never allowing Kent State to come anywhere close to the endzone. [autotag]Abdul Carter[/autotag] finally had a big day, getting his first sack of the season and spending plenty of time in the Kent State backfield.

Dani Dennis-Sutton had a sack-fumble on the second play from scrimmage, with Kent State starting QB Devin Kargman leaving the game with an injury following the hit. The backup QBs couldn’t get the passing game going, with Penn State allowing just 18 yards passing on 13 attempts.

Kent State tried to establish the run game, but they ran into brick wall after brick wall, gaining just 49 yards on 30 carries. It was as thorough a beating as you will see in college football this season as Penn State won 56-0.

Penn State’s stars shined in this game, with seemingly everybody getting involved on offense and defense. [autotag]Nick Singleton[/autotag] and Kaytron Allen combined for 147 yards on 22 carries, Omari Evans racked up 116 yards and a score, and [autotag]Tyler Warren[/autotag] scored twice including a passing touchdown to Nick Singleton.

https://Twitter.com/B1Gfootball/status/1837593662261182851

It felt like Penn State could do now wrong. They even broke their record for offensive yards that had stood since a 1926 game against Susquehanna University, finishing with 718 total yards. It was exactly the kind of day they needed after a disappointing showing against Bowling Green in Week 2.

Even with the lower level of competition, this game showed how much better the offense could potentially be this season under offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. The offensive line was as dominant as they should have been against a small front seven, and all the playmakers had their moments.

The defense looked much better as well, swarming to the ball and harassing the Kent State QBs every chance they had. Only time will tell if it will carry over into conference play, but James Franklin and the rest of the coaching staff have to be happy with how the team performed this week.

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Abdul Carter shows off his explosiveness on his first sack of the season

Penn State’s Abdul Carter has had a slow start to his junior season, but his first sack of the year could be what he needs to get going.

Penn State has been looking for [autotag]Abdul Carter[/autotag] to show up after his move to the defensive line this season. He had just three pressures and no sacks coming into this week’s game against Kent State. If he failed to make a big impact against one of the worst teams in college football, what would it potentially mean for the rest of his season?

Luckily, it looks like fans can breathe a little easier about where he is at in his development. Carter has been very active in the first half, but his biggest play was a dominant rep for his sack of the season.

https://twitter.com/B1Gfootball/status/1837592160696139910

Carter made short work of Kent State lineman Dustyn Morell, bursting right past him and finishing the play with a huge sack. It was also a pivotal third-down play, exactly the situation you want your pass rush to get home.

Carter needs to keep showing this dominance once Penn State gets into conference play next week, but after how he has started the season it’s still nice to see from him. His talent has never been in question, it’s been the consistency and the difficult position switch that were a cause for concern.

So far those concerns have been validated, but maybe this first sack will be the catalyst for a turnaround. He needed a game and a play like that to get his confidence up, and it’s good to see him have his moment. Here’s hoping that we see more big plays from him moving forward.