Tag: Drew Allar

Best photos from Penn State’s one-point win at Minnesota

Check out the best images from Penn State’s thriller of a victory over Minnesota.

No win in college football is ever to be considered easy, but this latest one for Penn State was one of the more nerve-racking games of the season for the Nittany Lions. Penn State did manage to come out on top of the Gophers with a 26-25 win that truly tested the mental strength of the program when faced with some adversity.

From injuries left and right on the turf to having to overcome special teams meltdowns and the inability to convert in short-yardage situations, Penn State dug deep to climb back from a 10-0 deficit and a small halftime deficit to improve to 10-1 on the year, and keeping Big Ten title hopes alive and well going into the final week of the regular season.

Here are some of the best photos from Penn State’s one-point victory at Minnesota.

Penn State will close out the regular season at home next week against Maryland. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network. Penn State can clinch a spot in the Big Ten championship game with a win over the Terrapins if Ohio State is upset by Michigan next Saturday.

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Penn State escapes Minnesota’s upset bid, remains in Big Ten title contention

Penn State avoids massive upset at Minnesota and remains in the Big Ten title hunt going into next week.

It’s OK to breathe a sigh of relief, Penn State fans. The Nittany Lions are 10-1, but it certainly was not pretty on Saturday in a 26-25 victory over Minnesota. But a win is a win, and Penn State has 10 of them in 11 games.

Penn State came out sleeping its way to an early 10-0 deficit in the first half, and it was a constant battle to climb its way to a 23-22 lead in the third quarter. Penn State held a 26-25 lead after the Gophers kicked a field goal on its final possession of the game, and a fake punt and a fourth-and-short conversion on helped Penn State run the remainder of the game’s five minutes and change for a hard-fought victory. The win keeps Penn State in the mix for a spot in the Big Ten championship game and should keep the Nittany Lions for a potential first-round College Football Playoff game in Beaver Stadium.

And it was a roller coaster of emotions to get there.

[autotag]Drew Allar[/autotag] completed 20 of 27 passes for 233 yards and a touchdown, a 45-yard strike to a wide-open [autotag]Omari Evans[/autotag] in the second quarter. Allar also picked up a short touchdown run in a game where he was under some good pressure throughout the game and let his emotions boil over a bit on the sideline in the heat of the moment. But Allar delivered another gritty performance on the road like he did at USC earlier in the season.

Not surprisingly, tight end [autotag]Tyler Warren[/autotag] was a big reason why Penn State came away with the Governor’s Victory Bell. Warren caught eight passes for 102 yards, including the big fourth-down conversion in the final minute to help Penn State run the clock out for good. Warren was without a touchdown in the game, but he was the game’s leading receiver.

[autotag]Nicholas Singleton[/autotag] rushed for a game-high 63 yards and a touchdown and he added six catches for 37 yards. [autotag]Abdul Carter[/autotag] had a quiet day in the box score with three tackles, but he did bring some good pressure off the edge. Minnesota just found ways to avoid letting that pressure bring them down. Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer did throw an interception to [autotag]Dominic DeLuca[/autotag] and had a costly fumble when he just dropped the ball in the backfield, with Carter battling him for the fumble recovery.

Special teams disasters by Penn State have been rare this season, but they cost Penn State 9 points in the first half. A blocked punt out of the end zone led to a quick Minnesota touchdown to go up 17-10, and a blocked extra point just before halftime was returned by Minnesota for two points. Confusion on the field also led to a rushed shanked pooch punt by Warren as Drew Allar appeared to want to call timeout.

But it was the special teams that helped deliver a win in the biggest way. Kicker [autotag]Ryan Barker[/autotag] hit a 32-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to put Penn State up 26-22. After the Gophers had to settle for a field goal to cut the lead to one, Penn State picked up a 32-yard gain on a fake punt run by [autotag]Luke Reynolds[/autotag] from the Penn State 34-yard line to keep the drive moving. Penn State looked like it was going three-and-out on the drive after Minnesota cut the lead to one, so the fake punt was what ended up being the play of the game. But Allar picked up another fourth down conversion with a two-yard run with 2:10 remaining, and Allar’s pass to Warren for an 11-yard gain on 4th and 1 from the Minnesota 14-yard line and 26 seconds remaining was the icing on the cake.

With the win, and with Ohio State beating Indiana earlier in the day, Penn State is still in the running for a spot in the Big Ten championship game going into next week. Penn State will know when it takes the field next week if there is a chance to play for the Big Ten championship for the first time since 2016. If Ohio State loses to Michigan next week in the early kickoff window, then a Penn State win would send the Nittany Lions to the Big Ten championship game to face Oregon.

Penn State will close out the regular season next week at home against Maryland. Next week’s game is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff and will air on Big Ten Network.

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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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Best pictures from Penn State’s White Out victory vs. Washington

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

The White Out atmosphere was electric, as it always is on Saturday evening, and Penn State made sure its fans went home happy. The Nittany Lions offense came out on fire, scoring on four straight drives to put the wheels in motion for a 35-6 win over the Washington Huskies. There were several notable moments, especially when Tyler Warren went airborne for a touchdown.

Penn State will look to keep the positive momentum going next week on the road against Purdue, which was trounced by Ohio State earlier on Saturday. Penn State must remain sharp to keep the possibility of hosting a College Football Playoff game alive.

Here are some of the best photos from Penn State’s White Out against Washington.

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.

Penn State vs. Ohio State injury report: Latest updates, news for Week 10

All the latest updates and news on Penn State’s injury report ahead of a Week 10 game vs. Ohio State.

Penn State hosts Ohio State in one of the games of the year in the Big Ten. But the Nittany Lions and Buckeyes each are coming into the week with some notable injury concerns after last week. Penn State lost key players in the first half of last week’s win at Wisconsin when quarterback [autotag]Drew Allar[/autotag] and defensive end [autotag]Dani Dennis-Sutton[/autotag] each left in the second half of the game. Ohio State is battling some offensive line concerns after getting a little banged up last week in a win against Nebraska.

Penn State and Ohio State kick off today’s game at noon Eastern on Fox. Penn State is a slight underdog at home and does not have history on its side in this series. If Penn State is going to pick up a win, then it will need to be as close to full strength as possible.

Here is a look at the player availability reports for both teams for today’s big game in Happy Valley. (Player availability reports are released two hours prior to kickoff, so this post will be updated accordingly once that information is available).

Penn State player availability report

QUESTIONABLE

  • Dani Dennis-Sutton
  • [autotag]Anthony Donkoh[/autotag]

OUT

  • [autotag]Kevin Winston Jr.[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Kaden Saunders[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Quinton Martin Jr.[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Cam Wallace[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Keon Wylie[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Zuriah Fisher[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Andrew Rappleyea[/autotag]

Ohio State player availability report

OUT

  • TC Caffey (season)
  • Josh Simmons (season)
  • Zen Michalski
  • Reis Stocksdales
  • Will Kacmarek

Drew Allar injury update

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar left last week’s game at Wisconsin at the end of the first half with an apparent knee injury. After warming up for the second half, Allar did not play after halftime, giving way to backup quarterback Beau Pribula. Allar was seen practicing with the team this week and is expected to play and start for the Nittany Lions on Saturday.

Dani Dennis-Sutton injury update

Penn State defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton left last week’s game early in the second half with a reported groin injury. Dennis-Sutotn was taken out of the game late in the first half and did try playing at the start of the second half, but he was removed quickly in the second half as a caution. Head coach James Franklin said this week he would be a game-time decision.

Penn State QB Drew Allar’s availability for the Ohio State game up in the air

Penn State’s star QB’s status up in the air as Ohio State prep begins

Penn State starting quarterback [autotag]Drew Allar[/autotag]’s status for Saturday’s matchup against No. 4 Ohio State remains uncertain.

[autotag]James Franklin[/autotag] met with the media Monday morning at his weekly press conference. He suggested his star quarterback, who did not play the second half in Penn State’s win against Wisconsin due to a knee injury, will be a game-time decision.

“(Allar’s) played enough football for us that the timeline will go up to the game,” Franklin said. “No matter where we’re at on Tuesday, get both of those guys (Allar and backup [autotag]Beau Pribula[/autotag]) reps Tuesday and Wednesday.”

Allar tried to play the second half, warming up before the third quarter with a knee brace, but Franklin said after the game that the coaching staff did not feel Allar was mobile enough to run the offense.

Pribula filled in admirably in the second half, completing 11 of his 13 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. He also used his legs to gain 28 yards on the ground.

An experienced backup is a huge advantage for Penn State this week, especially with Allar’s injury not considered serious. Franklin and the coaching staff can play the gamesmanship card and say they will prepare both quarterbacks to start and keep Ohio State guessing. Even if Allar is healthy enough to start post-practice on Wednesday, Franklin will likely wait until the latest possible moment to announce who starts Saturday’s game.

We will monitor this week’s practices to see if Drew Allar is on the practice field ahead of a massive meeting with the Buckeyes this weekend.

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Former Badger quarterback plays big role in Penn State 28-13 win over Wisconsin

Former Badger QB plays big role in Penn State 28-13 win over Wisconsin

A former Badger was at the center of Penn State’s 28-13 win over Wisconsin on Saturday night.

It was not necessarily Penn State OT Nolan Rucci, who transferred over from Wisconsin after the 2023 season. He saw limited action at right tackle in the Nittany Lions win and was far from the game’s deciding force.

The big reason that Penn State improved to 7-0 with the win over Wisconsin: Nittany Lions quarterbacks coach and former Badgers quarterback Danny O’Brien.

Related: Badgers fans dejected after hard-fought loss to No. 3 Penn State

O’Brien captains the Penn State quarterback room, which was arguably the biggest contributing factor to Saturday’s result.

Penn State star QB Drew Allar and backup Beau Pribula, each who played exactly one half, combined to go 25 of 31 passing (80% completion) for 246 yards,  two touchdowns and zero interceptions. The two also added 36 rushing yards on 10 total carries.

Allar’s injury in the closing moments before halftime appeared to tip the matchup further toward the Badgers’ sideline. Instead, Pribula was terrific in relief. He led the Nittany Lions on two critical late-game scoring drives to seal the victory.

O’Brien’s work with the room deserves credit. Not many top programs don’t miss a beat, let alone improve, when their starter goes down with an injury.

The rising coach played for the Badgers back in 2012. He transferred in after two years at Maryland, and actually entered that season as Wisconsin’s starter. Former Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema wound moving to Joel Stave early in the season after O’Brien struggled with turnovers. Stave later suffered an injury, though O’Brien remained on the sideline to backup to Curt Phillips.

O’Brien played only seven total games for Wisconsin in 2012, completing 52 of 86 passes for 523 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

He recently entered the coaching ranks following an abbreviated professional career, mostly in the CFL (2014-19).

The former Badger signal-caller joined the Penn State staff as an offensive analyst in 2021. He was recently elevated to the program’s quarterbacks coach entering the 2024 season after the team hired new OC Andy Kotelnicki.

His work with Allar and Pribula cannot be overlooked as Penn State inches closer to a possible trip to the Big Ten title game, and the expanded College Football Playoff.

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