Coming off a humbling, but all too familiar, loss to Ohio State last week, Penn State needed a statement victory against Washington. The White Out environment at State College, 110,000 strong, provided the backdrop. By the end of the game, Penn State was positioned well moving forward, their do-it-all star on offense kept building his resume, and the defense played one of their best games of the year. There is renewed College Football Playoff (CFP) intrigue for Penn State following the win over Washington. With the 35-6 victory, James Franklin rights the ship in time for the home stretch.
This victory was a decisive one, as Penn State scored on their first four possessions to jump out to a 28-0 halftime lead. The first three possessions ended in rushing touchdowns (interestingly, none by a running back), and the fourth was the first touchdown reception for Julian Fleming at Penn State. While the second half provided a chance for Penn State to coast to the victory, it was not all good. Starting the second half, running back and kickoff returner Nick Singleton returned the kickoff for a touchdown. However, it was called back on a holding penalty. Adding literal injury to insult, Singleton was not seen after that. Following the game, Franklin did not have an update on Singleton’s injury status.
Key Takeaways: Penn State Rights the Ship
CFP Implications
Despite having a loss on their resume, Penn State is still positioned well for the CFP. Entering the game ranked sixth, Penn State bolstered their chances while others ahead of them fell. There is renewed CFP intrigue for Penn State following this win over Washington.
The only loss for Penn State this season has been at the hands of their rivals, #2 Ohio State. While any loss is still a loss, falling to Ohio State will certainly not be the end of Penn State’s opportunity to make the 12-team playoff field. The remaining schedule is favorable, too. Following the win over Washington, Penn State travels to Purdue to take on the 1-8 Boilermakers. The next week, they go to Minnesota and face the currently 6-4 Golden Gophers. Minnesota is coming off a 26-19 loss to Rutgers. The regular season then ends at home against the currently 4-5 Maryland Terrapins.
Of the few teams ahead of Penn State in the CFP rankings, a few had a rough weekend. #3 Georgia lost to #16 Ole Miss by a score of 28-10. Additionally, #4 Miami fell to Georgia Tech 28-23. The two teams right behind Penn State also won, as Tennessee defeated Mississippi State, and Indiana beat Michigan. Indiana, an undefeated Big Ten team, is one to watch. Following a bye week, they will next face Ohio State. Indiana’s results will have a direct impact on Penn State’s CFP profile.
Tyler Warren Does It All… Again
There is not much more to say about Tyler Warren. The tight end continued to build his credentials for postseason awards, as well as the NFL draft. Drew Crabtree wrote about Warren’s current positioning for the Mackey Award, as he is a semifinalist. Warren continues to be the engine that makes coordinator Andy Kotelnicki’s offense go. With the postseason looming and the CFP intrigue for Penn State following the win over Washington, it will be important for Warren to continue to have his presence felt.
Against Washington, Warren was all over the stat books. He caught eight passes for 75 yards. He also rushed three times for seven yards. However, two of those carries were for touchdowns. This was Warren’s first multi-touchdown game of the season. He even attempted two passes. His two rushing touchdowns came at important points in the game, putting Penn State up 14-0, and then 21-0. With his strong production, Warren continues to give credence to Penn State’s evolution to Tight End U.
Defense: Reed Between the Lines
The Penn State defense, under coordinator Tom Allen, stepped up against Washington. After the Huskies took the opening drive down the field, and clanked the field goal attempt off the upright, the Penn State defense locked in. The defense gave up only 193 total yards, with 119 yards coming through the air and 74 on the ground. Washington was sacked five times. Two of those were at the hands of Abdul Carter. Carter had six total tackles on the game, with four tackles for loss and two sacks.
In the defensive backfield, Jaylen Reed continues to make a name for himself. Entering this season, the defensive backs, and safeties in particular, were the strongest part of the defense. The long-term injury to KJ Winston brought about questions. However, Reed has stepped up to become a leader of the defense. Against Washington, Reed had an interception to go along with a team-leading seven tackles.
By the Numbers: Penn State Beats Washington 35-6
Offense
Passing: Penn State threw for 220 yards, compared to 119 for Washington. Drew Allar completed 20 of 28 for 220 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions. Warren did not complete either of his two pass attempts. For Washington, starter Will Rogers completed 10 of 13 for 59 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception. He was replaced by Demond Williams Jr., who completed six of 10 attempts for 60 yards, with no touchdowns and no interceptions.
Rushing: Penn State had 266 yards, compared to 74 yards for Washington. Kaytron Allen led Penn State, and all players, with 98 rushing yards on 20 carries, and a touchdown. Corey Smith gained 95 yards on only five carries, including a 78-yarder. Backup quarterback Beau Pribula had one carry, which was an eight-yard touchdown. Warren had three carries for seven yards and two touchdowns. Williams Jr. led Washington with 38 yards on 10 carries. Jonah Coleman ran 11 times for 24 yards.
Receiving: Trey Wallace led Penn State with a game-high 84 yards on five catches. Warren caught a game-high eight passes for 75 yards. Fleming had two catches for 19 yards, including the touchdown. For Washington, Denzel Boston led the team with two receptions for 35 yards. Giles Jackson had five catches for 23 yards.
Defense/Special Teams
Defense: Reed led Penn State defenders with seven tackles and an interception. Kobe King also had seven tackles (for the second straight time) and a sack, while Carter had six tackles and two sacks. Carson Bruener led Washington with a game-high 11 tackles, while Alphonzo Tuputala added nine tackles.
Special Teams: For Penn State, Ryan Barker missed his only field goal try, with the 44-yarder being his first miss of the season. He converted all five of his extra-point attempts. Riley Thompson had a boring day, with Penn State not punting once. For Washington, Grady Gross converted two of three field goal attempts. Jack McCallister punted twice, averaging 43.5 yards per punt.
