PSU's Franklin: Win over Pitt 'like beating Akron'
Penn State coach James Franklin may have added some fuel to a once-heated rivalry, saying the Nittany Lions' win over old foe Pitt on Saturday "was just like beating Akron."
Penn State coach James Franklin may have added some fuel to a once-heated rivalry, saying the Nittany Lions' win over old foe Pitt on Saturday "was just like beating Akron."
Saquon Barkley on all three phases contributing to a win at Penn State today: "It was beautiful. It's like a musical."
James Franklin on beating Pitt: "Last year for their win it was like the Super Bowl. For us this was just like beating Akron."
Trace McSorley threw for three touchdowns, including Saquon Barkley's 46-yard catch-and-run, and No. 4 Penn State pulled away from Pittsburgh for a 33-14 win on Saturday.
Penn State isn't exactly spreading the wealth today. Through more than three quarters only four players (McSorley, Barkley, Gesicki and Hamilton) have multiple touches on offense. Then again, that's a pretty good foursome.
Penn State's average scoring drive today has taken just 1 minute 22 seconds. The quick-strike ability is great, but you have to wonder if the Lions' defense will wear down against better competition if the offense doesn't stay on the field a little longer.
Shareef Miller's second sack of the day to force a punt is a good sign for Penn State. One of the biggest question marks heading into the season was how they would replace one of the Big Ten's best pass rushes. Miller looks like a good answer.
Pitt's offense ran 46 plays and controlled the clock for most of the first half (21:51 time of possession), but was unable to get into the end zone. Two 15-play drives resulted in a punt and a field goal for the Panthers.
Penn State tight end Mike Gesicki has eight catches so far this season and four touchdowns. He's scored on both of his receptions during the first quarter against Pitt.
Penn State's high-powered offense needed one play and four seconds to get on the scoreboard. The Nittany Lions cash in on a long interception return from Grant Haley to get a quick 7-0 lead over Pitt.
Talk about the ultimate tailgate. After getting married on Friday, two Penn State fans turned their Saturday tailgate into a wedding reception.
NAME | POS | STATUS | GRADE |
---|---|---|---|
Justin Shorter | WR | Committed | 90 |
Ricky Slade | RB | Committed | 88 |
Fredrick Scruggs | OG | Committed | 84 |
Dorian Hardy | DE | Committed | 83 |
Isheem Young | S | Committed | 83 |
East | CONF | OVR |
---|---|---|
Ohio State | 1-0 | 1-0 |
Maryland | 0-0 | 2-0 |
Michigan | 0-0 | 2-0 |
Michigan State | 0-0 | 2-0 |
Penn State | 0-0 | 2-0 |
Rutgers | 0-0 | 0-2 |
Indiana | 0-1 | 1-1 |
West | CONF | OVR |
Iowa | 0-0 | 2-0 |
Wisconsin | 0-0 | 2-0 |
Minnesota | 0-0 | 1-0 |
Illinois | 0-0 | 1-0 |
Nebraska | 0-0 | 1-1 |
Northwestern | 0-0 | 1-1 |
Purdue | 0-0 | 1-1 |
AP | COACHES |
---|---|
4 | 4 |