Got Our Groove Back
What a game! Make all the qualifications you want, we don’t care because we are choosing our focus, and that is how you finish a season strong. Who doesn’t love a 42-0 dismantling of the Spartans and the good ol’ Land Grant Trophy?
Our first year starting quarterback finished the regular season with 23 touchdowns and only one interception on 349 passing attempts and a grand total of 2,436 yards. Friday night he completed 17 of 26 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns, including a highlight worthy 60-yard dime to Omari Evans. Beau Pribula scored two TDs of his own. Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton finally displayed their potential, each with 100+ yards and a combined 255.The offense put up an impressive 586 total yards
And as if that’s not enough to celebrate, both Drew Allar and Nick Singleton reiterated their commitment to Penn State and James Franklin and promised they’re not going anywhere next season.
The ever-dominating defense held Michigan State to just 53 total yards, -35 rushing yards, and our third shutout of the season. The last time we recorded three shutouts in a season was in 1978. Adisa Isaac had seven tackles, two for a loss. Abdul Carter and Curtis Jacobs had multiple sacks. Detroit native Jaylen Reed picked off an interception on Michigan State’s opening drive, even.
We might be disappointed we’re not going to make it to the playoffs but our statistics are top notch.
Penn State has not allowed a first-drive touchdown in the last 26 games, the last one scored by Michigan State in 2021, which is the nation's longest active streak.
In Penn State Football history, the Lions have had 21 10-win seasons. Twice under James Franklin’s leadership, Penn State has won 10 in consecutive seasons; a feat managed just two other times since the 1980s.
If and when we win our bowl game, Penn State will be one of only six teams with five seasons of at least 11 victories since 2016, joining the likes of Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Clemson. How impressive is that?
The Nittany Lions owned the night from start to finish. True, we're not contending for a national championship. And yes, Michigan State had a disaster of a season, but we all know a BigTen game is never a guaranteed win, no matter our opponent’s record. I think I can choose to remember this season as a success and not feel like I'm settling for less than expected, can you?
Nothing left to do this season but celebrate and wait for that bowl game invitation. Happy Holidays to you and yours! See you again in the New Year! Let’s go State!
