HIGHLIGHTS: Penn State handles UCLA to improve to 2-0 in Big Ten play

The Penn State football team took care of business on Saturday afternoon against UCLA. In a game where the Nittany Lions were 28-point favorites, they took advantage of the UCLA quarterback situation which featured the first career start for Justyn Martin. In the end, Penn State won 27-11 but how did we get to the final score in this Big Ten matchup?

Penn State 7 UCLA 0

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It took a quarter and a half for the game’s first points. But after a 16-play drive that took over eight minutes, the Penn State football offense used the brotherly shove to assist Drew Allar on a one-yard quarterback sneak.

Penn State 7 UCLA 3

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A response from UCLA was quickly turned around. Due to a Justyn Martin 53-yard pass to running back TJ Harden. The Penn State defense was able to stand strong in the red zone holding the Bruins to three points. Kicker Mateen Bhaghani connected on the 25-yard field goal attempt.

Penn State 14 UCLA 3

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Before halftime, the Nittany Lions successfully capped off an eight-play 75-yard touchdown drive. Where Drew Allar connected with Tyler Warren on a five-yard out route for an 11-point lead at halftime.

Penn State 17 UCLA 3

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After the defense forced UCLA into a punting situation, the Nittany Lion offense was able to get into field goal range. It was Ryan Barker who connected from 25 yards out.

Penn State 24 UCLA 3

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UCLA’s defense could only hold on for so long. Before Kotelnicki started to dial up his mixture of run and pass. Drew Allar connected with Julian Fleming on what was almost his first career touchdown at Penn State. However, he was ruled down at the one-yard line where Kaytron Allen punched it in to extend the third-quarter lead to 21 points.

Penn State 27 UCLA 3

It was Penn State kicker Ryan Barker who connected on a 40-yard field goal halfway through the fourth quarter that extended the lead to 24 points.

Penn State 27 UCLA 11

With 16 seconds left in the game, Justyn Martin connected with Logan Loya from one yard out for a late touchdown. UCLA went for two and connected to cut the final lead to 16 points. But the Bruins fell to 0-3 in Big Ten play.

Penn State:

Total yards – 324

Rushing yards – 88

Passing yards – 237

Individual leaders:

Passing – Drew Allar: 17-24, 237 yards, and one touchdown

Rushing – Kaytron Allen: 21 carries, 78 yards, and one touchdown

Receiving – Liam Clifford: 3 receptions, 107 yards

Tackles – Tony Rojas: eight tackles (five solo)

UCLA:

Total yards – 260

Rushing yards – 93

Passing yards – 167

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