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BWI Live Postgame Show: Penn State puts together first complete game of the season

Headshot 5x7 reduced qualityby:Thomas Frank Carr11/04/23

ThomasFrankCarr

Drew Allar Penn State Football On3
Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) looks to throw during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Penn State Nittany Lions finally got the complete-game effort from their offense that they’ve been looking for. The team defeated Maryland on Saturday in a complete-team shutdown that featured another dominating defensive performance and a breakout game from quarterback Drew Allar. 

Join the BWI Live Postgame show to discuss the win and how the team performed on Saturday. We’ll be discussing the schemes and plans by both teams that determined the game. If you haven’t, subscribe to the Blue White Illustrated YouTube Channel so you don’t when we go live after every Penn State football game. 

Penn State pass game grows up

After a late-game surge that helped the Nittany Lions defeat Indiana, Allar picked up right where he left off. The 6-5 passer looked calm and poised in the pocket against Maryland. That confidence resulted in three first-half touchdowns for the Nittany Lions. Allar completed 76% of his passes in the first half, and the offense converted 80% of its first downs on the way to 21 first-half points. 

Penn State head coach James Franklin has been happy with the way his young quarterback has progressed this season but was still looking for more heading into this matchup. 

“I’m pleased with how it’s going, but there is obviously a lot of room for growth there, not just specifically with him, but the pieces around him as well.”

“The last thing I’ll say, because we’ve talked about this a lot, is I also think the explosive plays help. You know, when you’re able to complete a ball like we did with KeAndre, the more times you can put that on tape, that affects the defense very similar to a mobile quarterback.”

Penn State completed those explosive plays against the Maryland defense and got support from players not named KeAndre Lambert-Smith. Receiver Dante Cephas had a breakout performance in the win with his most yards and catches of the season. Cephas had two touchdowns on the day and six catches for 53 yards. 

Defense rebounds for lights-out performance

Aside from one drive, aided by a roughing of the punter penalty, the Penn State defense locked down the Maryland offense. Yes, Taulia Tagovailoa started the game 17-17, but the defense also sacked the Maryland quarterback four times.

Also, halftime was good for the Nittany Lion’s defense again, who shut out another opponent in the third quarter. Penn State allowed -51 yards rushing through three quarters and allowed only 15 yards in the third frame. 

We’ll be discussing these topics and more on tonight’s show. 

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