It didn't take long for Christian Hackenberg to make a statement this year. The true sophomore threw his way into the record books, setting the Penn State single game passing yards with 454, breaking Zach Mills' record of 399 set against Iowa in 2002.
On Saturday morning, Sam Ficken confidently drilled four field goals on four attempts (and two extra points) to carried Penn State to 26-24 victory.
The James Franklin Era is off with a bang. Thanks to the right foot of kicker Sam Ficken, the Nittany Lions leave Dublin with a victory over UCF and start off the season 1-0.
Franklin may be able to breathe a little easier after Saturday's 26-24 thrilling victory over Central Florida which featured a breakout performance by one receiver, and a career day by a junior receiver now taking on a larger role.
The first half of Penn State football has come to an end, and there is a lot to be excited about. Christian Hackenberg looked every bit of the 2013 Big Ten Freshman of the Year we remember from last year. Despite feeling constant pressure from the UCF front seven, he was able to make some great throws. In the first quarter, he went 8-10, with 103 yards and an interception.
Live blog for the Croke Park Classic between Penn State and UCF.