Key stats from Penn State’s lopsided road win over Maryland
After surviving a scare last weekend against Indiana, it was imperative that Penn State returned to form against Maryland to keep themselves in the picture for their ultimate goal of making the College Football Playoff.
Despite the negativity that surrounds the offense, they still only have one loss to the No. 1 team in the country.
The Nittany Lions left no doubt on Saturday and destroyed Maryland 51-15 in what was their most complete game of the season.
Here are the key stats from Penn State’s dominant victory.
51
Penn State put up their second-most points of the season in this contest and the most against a Power-5 opponent. They rallied last week to score 33 points against Indiana but there was a lot left on the table.
They righted those wrongs in this one and decimated Maryland on the road, scoring 27 in the fourth quarter alone enroute to 51 total points.
-49
The run defense, that has been seen as an issue in the past and for parts of this season, completely stifled Maryland’s rushing attack, holding them to -49 yards on the ground. Penn State held the Terrapins’ running backs to -6 yards on seven carries.
This was the fewest rushing yards they had given up in a game since 1947.
6
There was a major Dante Cephas sighting on Saturday!
After struggling this season and getting playing time sparingly, the transfer wide receiver had a breakout game with six catches for 53 yards and two touchdowns.
That’s a much needed performance for Penn State.
9
Drew Allar played his best game in a Penn State uniform. He was completely sensation overall, finishing with only nine completions after going 25/34 with 240 passing yards and four touchdowns.
He looked relaxed, poised and calm in the pocket, which allowed him to show off that highly touted arm that shredded up Maryland’s defense.
That’s the type of player he can become.
39
Sticking with the Allar theme, he actually ran the ball today and in some designed sets. What seems to be missing from this offense and running game is the lack of mobile threat from the quarterback position.
The sophomore showed that he can move when needed and actually looked pretty good doing it when it was asked of him on his way to 39 total rushing yards.
4
Penn State continues to take the ball away and added four more to their total that is the highest differential in the country.
This defense is full of ballhawks and have shown their ability to turnover opposing teams through the air or by stripping the football.
2
The Nittany Lions showed some creativity on the offensive side of the ball. They called two gadget plays with one ending up in a touchdown during a third and goal look.
It feels like there has been no imagination with this offense for the entire season. Having some of these plays sprinkled in was certainly a welcome sight.
6
Penn State’s defense came to play on Saturday after giving up some uncharacteristic big plays against Indiana.
They had six sacks against Maryland, getting after Taulia Tagovailoa early and often.
