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Penn State Football’s Post-Boise State Report Card

Penn State football is still dancing.

The Nittany Lions took care of business with a 31-14 victory over Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on Tuesday to advance to the College Football Playoff semifinals. There were some iffy moments, but almost every group had a good outing.

Before the Nittany Lions face the Sugar Bowl champion next week in the Orange Bowl, let’s analyze how each position group played in Arizona.

Quarterbacks: A-

Drew Allar went 13-of-25 for 171 passing yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. His completion percentage was subpar for the second consecutive game, but he still had a good outing. He’s been referred to by teammates as a “ball placement expert,” which was true against Boise State. Watch his three touchdown passes to see why.

Running Backs: A+

Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen were arguably the best parts of Penn State’s offense. Allen led the way with 134 rushing yards, while Singleton had 87 yards, including a 58-yard touchdown run that essentially called game in the fourth quarter. Allen’s physicality was on full display during all of his 17 carries, while Singleton’s explosiveness was evident with 7.3 yards per carry.

Both running backs appear to be at their best right now, and that’s a massive deal for the Nittany Lions.

Wide Receivers: B-

Omari Evans’ 38-yard touchdown reception in the end zone was beautiful. He doesn’t do much, but when he does, it’s almost always a highlight-reel play. Evans’ only other reception was for 17 yards, while Trey Wallace had three for 37 yards. The wide receivers haven’t done much this season, and while the Fiesta Bowl wasn’t an exception, Evans’ touchdown catch is a sign of what this group is still capable of.

Tight Ends: A+

Tyler Warren didn’t rush or pass, but he caught two touchdown passes and had 63 receiving yards. Both touchdown catches were tough grabs in bounds, but ones he’s proven capable of making time and time again. Luke Reynolds also had two catches for 16 yards, including Allar’s first pass of the game.

Offensive Line: B+

Penn State’s offensive line paved the way for all of the above. It did allow seven tackles for loss, four sacks, and took five penalties in the process, though. That’ll need to be cleaned up ahead of the semifinal, but this was still a solid performance.

Front Seven: A+

Holding Ashton Jeanty to a season-low 104 yards and no touchdowns is a massive achievement. He’s the best player the Nittany Lions have faced and will face the rest of this season, and if they can stop him, they should be able to stop anyone.

In addition to containing Jeanty, Penn State’s front seven had seven tackles for loss and two sacks. All of this happened despite losing Abdul Carter and Dani Dennis-Sutton to injuries during the game, which makes it even more impressive.

Secondary: D

Penn State’s secondary allowed 304 passing yards and a touchdown. Matt Lauter led the way with 96 receiving yards and a touchdown, while former Hoosier Cameron Camper had 66 yards. The group had two tackles for loss and a sack, but this performance left plenty to be desired.

Special Teams: A

Riley Thompson had six punts for 283 yards, and Ryan Barker’s lone field goal attempt was successful.

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About the Author

Nolan Wick

Nolan is a senior journalism major from Silver Spring, Maryland. He's an avid D.C sports and Liverpool fan who loves going to games in his free time. Nolan mainly writes about Penn State football, men's hockey, and baseball. You can follow him on Twitter @nolan_wick or email him at [email protected].

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