Penn State entered Jordan-Hare Stadium and arrived absent with a assertion get more than an SEC team. Auburn’s “orange-out” resembled more of a creamsicle by the close of the game, as the Nittany Lions ran all in excess of the Tigers
Here are the biggest takeaways from Penn State’s 41-12 get in excess of Auburn:
Penn State flexes its floor attack
Penn State’s running activity — or lack thereof — was a important weakness final season, and a huge cause why a workforce led by a hobbled Sean Clifford fell off in the back half of the year.
The Nittany Lions have trapped with the exact shotgun, RPO offense they deployed in 2021. This time, although, they can run the ball and operate it well.
Freshman operating back Nick Singleton arrived in a huge way against Ohio last week. His 10 carry, 179 yard, two touchdown functionality was electrifying, but there have been doubts about if Singleton could make towards a considerably far better Auburn defense.
Singleton certainly came to perform, and he did not have to have the load by himself. Singleton built his initial career begin, primary the staff with 10 carries, 124 yards and two touchdowns. Fellow freshman Kaytron Allen experienced 9 carries, 52 yards and two scores of his individual.
In complete, Penn Condition ran 39 instances for 245 yards and five touchdowns — an typical of 6.3 yards a pop.
The operate-go ratio, 39 runs to 23 passes, was an absolute dream. A persistent, perilous managing game is likely to make this crew a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Sean Clifford performs intelligent and tricky
Sean Clifford isn’t the most beloved player in Pleased Valley. The polarizing quarterback has shouldered the blame for some rough losses the earlier handful of a long time, and now is remaining operate out of town by freshman Drew Allar.
Video games like this, having said that, clearly show that Clifford is not only a fantastic participant, but a challenging son of a gun.
On his initially drive, the sixth-12 months quarterback took a violent strike. Clifford took it like a champ and welcomed contact the rest of the day.
Clifford finished 14-of-19 for 178 yards with 15 yards and a score on the ground. Most importantly, he produced very good decisions and avoided turning the ball about.
Do not neglect about the offensive line
Of class, the offensive results would under no circumstances have been achievable if it weren’t for a banner day by the offensive line.
Tackle Olu Fashanu and center Juice Scruggs have been wonderful all 12 months and are a large rationale why the operating backs have experienced this kind of open lanes to run by means of.
No grievances from the move defense entrance both. Sean Clifford stayed upright in the pocket, as the Tigers protection could not manage a one QB strike.
Auburn only experienced a few tackles for reduction, as very well. The deficiency of disruption is a substantial testament to Penn State’s maulers up front.
Protection swarms
Manny Diaz loves two things as a defensive coordinator: force and turnovers. His protection presented him with both.
The Nittany Lions absolutely gained the turnover struggle, as they recovered two of their three forced fumbles and added a pair of interceptions.
The most important issue Penn Point out did was secure its conclusion zone. Auburn was compelled to settle for a pair of quick area targets and turned it over twice inside of the Penn State 30-yard line. Experienced any of all those drives finished in touchdowns, it could’ve been a incredibly different final rating.
Six sacks, nine quarterback hits and 11 tackles for loss surely didn’t make everyday living easy for the Tigers. Neither did solid protection all working day by the secondary.
Penn State’s group of athletes on defense suits flawlessly in the attacking plan that Diaz operates. The front seven is frightening rapid and has the depth to continuously hurry with fresh legs and convey new pressure.
Linebacker U is alive and nicely
When considering about #11 in blue and white, what names occur to thoughts? LaVar Arrington? Micah Parsons? Abdul Carter may shortly sign up for that club.
Freshman linebacker Abdul Carter dons the famous number 11 and has appeared a ton like all those famous Penn State linebackers in his to start with two game titles this 12 months.
Like Parsons, Carter displays elite speed and effort and hard work at the position, traveling around the industry. Carter’s speed broke into the backfield for a sack, TFL and a compelled fumble to go together with 6 tackles. His ability to constantly be close to the ball is impressive.
Sophomore Curtis Jacobs was also dynamic, including a sack of his own and threatening with his velocity.
The sheer athleticism in the linebacker room gives Penn Condition critical weapons in both run and go protection.
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