Penn State football broke a program record in its 56-0 blowout win over Kent State.

The offense put up 718 total yards to beat its previous record of 711 yards, a record that was set in 1926 against Susquehanna.

The 409 yards through the air was a major contributor to the record as 11 different players saw targets. Of those targets, tight end Tyler Warren and wide receivers Omari Evans and Liam Clifford led the way for the Nittany Lions. Warren and Evans both had over 100 yards.

“It’s fun to see what I’ve known we’ve been capable of being able to do finally come into fruition,” Clifford said after the game. “It’s nothing that we haven’t practiced. It’s nothing that we didn’t know. It’s not like it was out of the ordinary.”

Clifford also brought in his first career touchdown reception on a 14-yard strike from quarterback Drew Allar. After the game, Allar couldn’t be happier for the redshirt junior receiver.

“Super happy because he’s one of the most consistent guys on our team with his preparation throughout the week and the way he practices,” Allar said. “For it to finally pay off in a game this year for him is huge.”

“Felt awesome,” Clifford added. “It’s a dream come true.”

It was also a breakout game for Evans out wide. After a quiet season in 2023, Evans showed that he can be a true deep threat for the Nittany Lions.

The junior receiver had his first career 100-yard receiving game as he hauled in four catches for 116 yards and a 59-yard touchdown.

Evans has made big plays in the past, most recently his 55-yard reception before halftime against West Virginia and his 29-yard touchdown against Bowling Green this season. But Evans hasn’t put together a big game until Kent State.

“It’s about consistency, and he’s practicing more consistently,” James Franklin said of Evans. “He’s competing more consistently. He’s gaining confidence, and…if he has some success, his career could go through the roof.”

As for Evans, he was just glad to see his teammates get involved in the offense too.

“It feels great getting the dub,” Evans said. “Everybody was eating.”

Of those who got more involved was Julian Fleming. The Ohio State transfer had just one catch for three yards before the game and ended with two receptions for 60 yards.

Evans and Clifford both spoke about Fleming’s work ethic and his overall presence in the receiver’s room since he arrived on campus in the spring, but now it’s starting to show on the field.

“It’s been surreal,” Fleming said about playing at Penn State. “Being on the home side now is a crazy thing – just hearing the fans chant. I’d say it’s been a great experience.”

The Nittany Lions host No. 24 Illinois at home under the lights next week, with its ranking bound to rise after defeating No. 22 Nebraska on Friday night. The Fighting Illini’s defense allows 188 yards through the air per game and Fleming is confident the offense can keep the momentum going.

“I think we’re ready for whatever team we play,” Fleming said “But we’re just gonna enjoy this one right now.”