After an impressive showing to open the season a week ago, Penn State football returns to Beaver Stadium Saturday afternoon to battle FIU. The second-ranked Nittany Lions come into the contest as a 42.5-point favorite over the Panthers, who took down Bethune-Cookman 42-9 last Friday.
Saturday’s action will begin at noon and will air on the Big Ten Network. Follow along with this blog for photos, videos, and live updates before, during, and after the game.
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Gameday Updates: Penn State battles FIU inside Beaver Stadium
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James Franklin acknowledges slow start
The box score shows a dominant win, but the tale of the tape will show a sleepy start for Penn State football. After the game, James Franklin recognized that the Nittany Lions still have work to do.
“I would have liked to see us start stronger and faster,” Franklin said. “…I was not happy with how we started. Starting fast on offense, defense, and special teams – we did not do that today.”
Final Score: PSU 34, FIU 0
While it may have been an ugly start for the Nittany Lions, they ended game 2 with an impressive finish. After a Chaz Coleman strip sack, Nicholas Singleton seals the deal with a 5-yard rushing touchdown.
4th Quarter: PSU 27, FIU 0
Kaytron Allen scores a 67-yard rushing touchdown to extend the Nittany Lions’ lead late in the 4th quarter.
3rd Quarter: PSU 20, FIU 0
Drew Allar throws a 42-yard pass to Devonte Ross, giving Penn State a commanding lead. This is Ross’s first touchdown as a Nittany Lion and 3rd catch of the day.
Halftime: Penn State 10, FIU 0
For the first time in roughly eight months, it feels like there could be some slowing to the Nittany Lions’ hype train. Andy Kotelnicki and the Penn State offense moved the ball through two quarters – picking up 190 yards – but struggled in key moments, going 2-8 on third down. After an impressive showing a week ago against Nevada, the passing attack has left much to be desired in Week 2. So far, Drew Allar is completing just 57% of his passes for 97 yards and a score.
Dominic DeLuca comes up big on special teams
Dominic DeLuca comes in clutch with the 3rd blocked punt of his career.
Alonzo Ford Jr. starts the 2nd Quarter with a pick
Last week it was Zane Durant; this week it’s defensive tackle Alonzo Ford Jr. with an interception. Penn State has 4 turnovers on the season so far. It marks the first time that Penn State football has multiple interceptions from defensive tackles in a single season since 1990.
1st Quarter: Penn State 7 – FIU 0
After a slow start in the pass game, Allar finds two key connections with tight ends Luke Reynolds on 3rd-and-7 and Khalil Dinkins on a 9-yard pass to get the Nittany Lions on the board.
10:00 AM: Injury report shows key Nittany Lions expected to return
Today’s injury report shows 19 total Nittany Lions sidelined for Week 2. However, as James Franklin alluded to earlier this week, defensive end Zuriah Fisher and cornerback Zion Tracy should both make their debuts against the Panthers.
7:00 AM: Get ready for kickoff with Basic Blues Nation
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