Penn State Escapes in Ugly Fashion over Northwestern 17-7
Written by Kyle Schmidt on October 2, 2022
The rain was pouring down in Beaver stadium and it put an effect on the game. Penn State was heavily favored coming into this match up, but the Northwester Wildcats came to play.
This low scoring affair had a little to cheer about but a lot to be upset about for both teams. Starting with the turnover margin. Northwestern forced five turnovers but could not score off any of them.
On the flipside, Penn State forced 3 turnovers and scored 14 of the 17 total points off them. Coach Franklin had a lot to say about the running backs combined 4 fumbles.
“We were number two in the country, in turnover ratio,” said Coach Franklin. “Well, we saved them all up for tonight.”
The turnovers for Penn State started with a Nick Singleton fumble followed by a Sean Clifford interception. The defense for Penn State really bailed the offense out throughout the game.
Running backs; Keyvone Lee and Kaytron Allen both fumbled out of the backfield as well.
“I’m never going to allow the weather to be an excuse,” said Franklin. “We have to protect the football.”
Clifford finished the game for Penn State throwing 10-20 for 140 yards and a single touchdown and pick. Penn State’s run heavy game plan totaled 58 rushes for 220 yards on the ground.
The defense stepped up big for Penn State, not just forcing turnovers, but also blowing up plays behind the line of scrimmage.
There was a huge play on the goal line for Northwestern. The Wildcats had a fourth and goal on the one-yard line and the Penn State defense stuffed the quarterback sneak.
The defense was led by PJ Mustipher totaling 8 tackles. Ji’Ayir Brown added to his interception total with today’s game and Nick Tarburton forced a fumble as well.
Penn State will go into the bye week with a 5-0 record. Ahead is a tuff stretch for the Nittany Lions.
Blue and White will come out of the bye and travel to Michigan to take on the Wolverines. After that game, Penn State’s whiteout will take place against Minnesota and the tuff slope will finish with Ohio State.
Penn State will need to fix the turnovers if they want any shot at beating number four ranked Michigan.
Feature Image By: Kyle Schmidt
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