HIGHLIGHTS: Penn State downs Maryland for 11th win, earns bid to Big Ten Championship

For the first time since 2008, Penn State football has its first 11-win regular season. And for the first time since 2016, the Nittany Lions will play for the Big Ten Championship.

Penn State secured its second conference title appearance of the James Franklin era with an 44-7 rout of Maryland on Saturday afternoon. The path was made possible by Michigan’s 13-10 upset of Ohio State in Columbus earlier in the day.

Lions shake off sloppy start, go on offensive blitz in the second quarter

What became a historic day couldn’t have started much worse for Penn State.

Running back Nicholas Singleton fumbled on the Nittany Lions’ opening play from scrimmage, which Maryland capitalized on with one quick shot to the end zone. Less than 15 seconds into the first quarter, the Terrapins took a 7-0 lead.

Singleton quickly redeemed himself with a 66-yard kickoff return, setting the Nittany Lions up in prime scoring position. But more miscues, this time a botched snap from Kaytron Allen, stalled the possession, forcing a Ryan Barker 49-yard field goal.

© Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

While the offense struggled to get jump started, the defense pinned its ears back against a Maryland offense without starting quarterback Billy Edwards. The Nittany Lions held the Terrapins to -5 yards over their next three drives in the first quarter, racking up three sacks of quarterback MJ Morris in the process.

Want to stay informed on all the latest news in Penn State athletics? Subscribe to the free Basic Blues Nation newsletter for breaking news, videos, and editorials sent directly to your inbox!

It took two quarters and five series, but the Penn State offense finally heated up in the brutal cold of late November in State College. Drew Allar led a 13-play, 60-yard scoring drive, capped off by a Singleton touchdown run.

© Chris Eutsler / Basic Blues Nation, 2024

Forcing a turnover on downs at the Terrapins’ 21-yard line four plays later, Penn State football quickly extended its lead to 10 off an Allar quarterback keeper. The 35-second drive was sparked by a 23-yard strike from Allar to Khalil Dinkins down the sideline.

The lead was extended to 24-7 off a Beau Pribula one-yard rush, aided by quick maneuvering rushes of Warren and Singleton.

Tyler Warren is the greatest TE to ever do it at Penn State

pic.twitter.com/u20way6B3j

— LandonTengwall (@landon_tengwall) November 30, 2024

Flipping the field again with an interception from Audavion Collins, Allar found his do-it-all tight end in the end zone to increase the lead to 24. The touchdown toss to Warren capped off a six-play, 46-yard drive and gave Penn State football a 31-7 lead heading into halftime.

© Chris Eutsler / Basic Blues Nation, 2024

Penn State football cruises to Big Ten Championship berth

After a defensive-dominant third quarter, Penn State football got on the board again with its fifth touchdown of the day to start the fourth quarter. Singleton found the end zone, his second of the day, on an 18-yard dash, capping off six-play, 52-yard drive.

© Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

Off a Dejuan Lane interception, the Nittany Lions were able to punch their ticket to Indianapolis with one final score. Beau Pribula connected with Tyseer Denmark for a 15 yard touchdown as time expired to put Penn State football into the Big Ten title game.

Less than a month ago, James Franklin faced boos as he left Beaver Stadium. Tonight, he leaves on his way to Indianapolis #WeAre #PennState pic.twitter.com/RoeIGk7VFk

— Basic Blues Nation (@BasicBlues) December 1, 2024

Final Stats

Penn State:

• Total yards – 412
• Rushing yards – 219
• Passing yards – 193
• Average yards per play – 5.2

Individual leaders:

• Passing – Drew Allar: 17-26, 171 yards, 1 touchdown
• Rushing – Nicholas Singleton: 13 carries, 87 yards, 2 touchdowns
• Receiving – Tyler Warren: 6 receptions, 68 yards, 1 touchdown
• Tackles – Abdul Carter: 6 tackles (3 solo), 2 sacks, 1 QBH

Maryland:

• Total yards – 194
• Rushing yards – 72
• Passing yards – 122
• Average yards per play – 3.4

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation, one of the fastest-growing outlets covering Penn State athletics. Part of the Full Ride network, we are an alumni-owned and operated, credentialed media outlet dedicated to providing you with updated and reliable insights for all your favorite Nittany Lion sports. Whether it’s Penn State football, basketball, wrestling, or anything in between, you can find it all on Basic Blues Nation!

Please follow us on our social channels, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our newsletter on Substack for breaking news and notifications. For feedback, questions, or concerns, please email us at [email protected] or direct message us on social media.