3 & Out Rapid Reaction: Penn State football loses star wide receiver in Indiana win

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA. – The Nittany Lions entered today’s matchup against Indiana as 31-point favorites. But they did not come out with that same fight, as they snuck across the finish line winning 33-24. The Penn State football team was looking to get back to their winning ways and putting that Ohio State loss in the rearview mirror. Drew Allar was able to rebuild his confidence today and looks to finish the last four games of the season on a high note.

Penn State football loses star wide receiver in Indiana win

Early in the game when the offense was unable to find their groove, Drew Allar targeted Harrison Wallace III and the pass was broken up. Wallace was lying on the ground after the play in pain and went into the locker room. Later, he returned to the sideline in a sling. His exact injury isn’t clear right now, but either way, Penn State has lost an important weapon in this victory.

If we get an update on Wallace’s status we will update you as the news becomes public. A key player lost who just returned to full health a few weeks ago against UMass.

Penn State Offense & Mike Yurcich continues to struggle

After the awful performance against Ohio State, many fans were hopeful that the Penn State offense would get back on track today. Unfortunately, they looked the same at the start of the Indiana game as well. At the half, Penn State led 17-14 but trailed Indiana in total offense. The Hoosiers had 220 yards while Penn State only produced 175 in the first half. It was ugly and Drew Allar continued to look indecisive with the ball. The blame isn’t all on Allar, his wide receivers did not help but it’s safe to say his confidence was not with him in the first half.

After halftime, Allar and the Nittany Lions picked things up. Allar finished with 210 yards passing and 3 touchdown passes. He ended up throwing his first career interception after 311 career pass attempts, but it might have been the best thing possible for him. The very next series he delivered a 57-yard touchdown pass to KeAndre Lambert-Smith. A huge development with this offense and their lack of big plays.

The defense made unusual errors

We have not seen the Penn State defense allow many big plays this season. But it was tough in the first half against Indiana. The Penn State secondary allowed one score on a 90-yard touchdown pass and another for 69 yards. Unusual errors from a typically sound defense. It was clear without Chop Robinson, the pass rush felt more weak. Jaylen Reed had the line takeaway with an interception in the first half.

After halftime, the Nittany Lions’ defense was able to rebound. But still allowed 349 yards for the game and 24 total points. They were able to seal the game with a strip sack safety that put the team up 9. They have a lot to clean up before their next game against Maryland.

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