Watch: Penn State head coach James Franklin recaps 45-17 win over Minnesota
Penn State got back on track Saturday night against Minnesota. After last weekend’s loss to Michigan, many wondered how the Nittany Lions would respond. Sure, a win was expected, but you won’t find many that predicted a blowout. Sure enough, that’s exactly what happened.
While Minnesota was without starting quarterback Tanner Morgan, it was the Gophers’ run game that the Nittany Lions had to stop if they were going to pull out the win. Minnesota totaled a respectable 165 yards on the night, but sixth-year senior Mohamed Ibrahim was largely held in check, totaling 102 yards on 30 carries. Ibrahim’s 3.4 yards per carry was his lowest since they played Iowa in 2019.
Maybe just as importantly, Penn State got its ground game going Saturday night, totaling 175 yards on 34 rushes for 5.1 yards per carry. Freshman Nick Singleton led with 79 yards, while classmate Kaytron Allen was just behind him with 77 yards.
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Highs & Lows: Penn State pushes past early miscues, rocks Minnesota
Defensively, the Penn State played well, too. Backup quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis was forced into a very difficult role starting his first game on the road, but the Nittany Lions gave him little time to find his receivers, totaling six quarterback hurries and one sack. Penn State also had seven tackles for loss on the night and six pass breakups. Linebacker Curtis Jacobs played one of the best games of his career, totaling 14 tackles, including two for a loss of yards.
Before turning the page to Ohio State, which is set for a Noon ET kickoff next weekend on FOX, Penn State fans can watch James Franklin’s complete press conference above.
