In a somewhat unexpected turn of events, Penn State will play for its first Big Ten title since 2016 this coming Saturday against Oregon after beating Maryland 44-7. With Michigan beating Ohio State in a 13-10 thriller, the stage was set for Penn State to claim their spot opposite Oregon. They accomplished the feat with the decisive win over Maryland. There is an argument that the better alternative would have been to take an off week next week instead of playing Oregon. While this would have meant a home playoff game in Happy Valley with a few weeks to prepare, the point is moot with the Michigan and Penn State victories. Instead, Penn State’s focus is now the Big Ten Championship Game and a potential first-round bye in the playoffs.
Maryland forced a Nick Singleton fumble on Penn State’s first offense play. The Terps then scored a touchdown on their first offensive play before order was restored. Entering halftime, Penn State put up 31 unanswered points following Maryland’s initial touchdown. The second half saw Penn State get their reserves some valuable playing experience while wrapping up the regular season with an 11-1 record.
Key Takeaways: Penn State to Play for Big Ten Title After Beating Maryland 44-7
In beating Maryland 44-7, the Penn State Nittany Lions punched their ticket to the Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis. Penn State’s star tight end set a few records, while the defense stepped up as needed.
May the Record Show
It was a record-setting day for tight end Tyler Warren. Warren recorded his 76th catch of the season to set the Big Ten single-season record for tight ends. He then set another record, with his 17th career receiving touchdown setting the school tight end record. Additionally, Warren set the Penn State tight end record with 130 career receptions. He is five yards short of the Big Ten tight end single-season receiving yards record.
Warren’s talents were on full display in this matchup. As he has done all season, Warren was the main security blanket for quarterback Drew Allar. Additionally, Warren ran the ball out of the Wildcat formation. He even threw the ball and completed a pass for nine yards. Warren continued to do it all for coordinator Andy Kotelnicki’s offense.
At this point, Warren should have the Mackey Award clinched. Still open for discussion is if he gets any consideration in the Heisman conversation. Regardless, Warren has left his mark on the Penn State football program. His production, football IQ, and leadership will be sorely missed. Warren is the main reason that Penn State might be moving from Linebacker U to Tight End U.
Championship Defense
The defense has been a constant all season for Penn State. With talents like Abdul Carter, Zane Durant, and Jaylen Reed, that is not a surprise. Coordinator Tom Allen, in his first season in Happy Valley, has done well in getting solid production from his charges. As head coach James Franklin said while exiting the field at the end of the first half, “Our defense has been playing lights out all year.”
Against Maryland, the defense was stout. That type of performance was needed in order to set the tone, as the offense started soft. In a repeat of the formula seen a lot through the early part of the season, the defense held firm until the offense caught up. After Singleton fumbled on the first offensive play of the game, first-time Maryland starting quarterback MJ Morris threw a touchdown on their first offensive play. From there, the Penn State defense clamped down.
Carter entered the game leading the Big Ten with 17.5 tackles for loss. In this contest, he added six tackles and two sacks. His production was representative of the entire defense. Maryland produced only 97 yards in the first half when the game was still somewhat in question. To help the offense hit their stride, Penn State’s first-half defense had three sacks and two interceptions. They finished the game with six sacks and three interceptions.
In anticipation of facing a high-powered Oregon offense in the Big Ten title game, the defense seems ready. Allen, along with leaders like Carter, Durant, and Reed, will need to put their best forward to win the Big Ten. From there, the tests will continue in the CFP.
By the Numbers: Penn State to Play for Big Ten Title After Beating Maryland 44-7
Offense
Passing: Penn State threw for 193 yards, compared to 122 for Maryland. Allar completed 17 of 26 for 171 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions. Beau Pribula completed two of three passes for 13 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions. Warren completed his only pass attempt, for nine yards. For Maryland, MJ Morris completed 14 of 24 for 112 yards, with one touchdown and three interceptions. Champ Long completed one of two attempts for 10 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions.
Rushing: Penn State had 219 yards, compared to 72 yards for Maryland. Singleton led Penn State, and all players, with 87 rushing yards on 13 carries, and two touchdowns. Allar and Pribula had the other Penn State rushing touchdowns. Maryland was led by Roman Hemby, who had 64 yards on 13 carries. Nolan Ray rushed nine times, gaining 51 yards.
Receiving: Warren led Penn State with a game-high 68 yards on six catches including a touchdown. Tyseer Denmark had the other Penn State receiving touchdown. For Maryland, Tai Felton led the team with four receptions for 27 yards. Kaden Prather had one catch for 25 yards, which was Maryland’s only touchdown.
Defense/Special Teams
Defense: Carter led the Penn State defense with six tackles and two sacks. Reed had five tackles. Dani Dennis-Sutton, Zion Tracy, and Jordan Mayer had one sack each, with Durant and Amin Vanover contributing a half-sack each. Penn State’s three turnovers were courtesy of interceptions by Tony Rojas, Dejuan Lane, and Audavion Collins. Daniel Wingate led Maryland with a game-high 13 tackles, while Ruban Hyppolite II added 11.
Special Teams: For Penn State, Ryan Barker converted one of two field goal attempts (the miss was blocked), including a season-long 49-yarder. He converted all five of his extra-point attempts. Riley Thompson punted four times, averaging 42.5 yards per punt. For Maryland, Jack Howes converted his only extra-point attempt. Bryce McFerson punted seven times, averaging 42.0 yards per punt.
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