3 & Out Rapid Reaction: Penn State football bulldozes UMass 63-0

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA. – Entering today’s matchup as a 42-point favorite over UMass, the Penn State football team was able to deliver on homecoming. After a few weeks away from home, this game was important ahead of the Ohio State matchup next week. James Franklin had this team prepared coming out of the bye week and Drew Allar returned to his normal form at home. The Nittany Lion defense showed up with the right mindset today, but it felt like the first half was sparked when Daequan Hardy returned a punt 61 yards for the first touchdown of the game. He returned a second punt for a touchdown from 68 yards out in the third quarter as well.

The Penn State defense suffocates the Minutemen

It was the defense led by Manny Diaz that set the tone in today’s matchup. The offense had a slow start but the defense was disruptive all day long. Penn State outgained UMass 210 to 26 in total yards during the first half. That was thanks to the Nittany Lions defense that collected 10 tackles for loss and 6 sacks in the first 30 minutes of play. The team finished the game with 7 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. Led by Adisa Issac added who had 2.5 sacks and Chop Robinson added 2 sacks himself. It’s safe to say the Nittany Lions defensively are prepared for Ohio State.

Welcome back Harrison Wallace III

The Penn State passing game lacked a go-to target over the past several weeks. KeAndre Lambert-Smith has been consistent but the rest of the receivers have not been since Harrison Wallace III has been out with an injury since the Delaware game. Today, Wallace was back on the field and Drew Allar found him early and often. He was the leading receiver at the half with 3 catches for 44 yards. He finished the day with that stat line, and most importantly he is healthy again. He is a much-needed weapon in this Nittany Lion offense.

Not an explosive but an efficient offense

Many fans might not be happy with the lack of explosive plays against a team like UMass, but the weather played a factor in that today. It was encouraging to see Drew Allar throw the ball down the field and look for those shot plays. The longest reception today was made by Theo Johnson for 30 yards, but the Nittany Lions were efficient on offense. They showed the ability to run the ball as Kaytron Allen finished with 68 yards and 1 touchdown. Meanwhile, Nicholas Singleton finished with 79 rushing yards. Drew Allar continues to play clean football as he finished the day with 162 passing yards and 3 touchdown passes against UMass.

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