Everything Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith said after the Lions' win over Michigan State

EAST LANSING — Penn State football celebrated in its locker room following a 28-10 win over Michigan State that ended its six-game losing streak. The team dumped Gatorade on interim head coach Terry Smith, who won his first game as the leader of the Lions, and carried him to his postgame handshake. Later in the evening, Smith met with the media. You can watch what he said on BWI’s YouTube channel and read his remarks below.

Opening statement

“The one offensive drive, went 13 plays, 76 yards, all rushing,” Smith said. “That was a critical drive in the game, statement drive, big time drive. We hadn’t finished at all this season. And this was the first game we truly finished. And that drive right there was the statement to finish. Second half, defense had shut out. Offense ran for 240 yards. Kaytron, 181 yards. Our offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, and I thought they dominated the line of scrimmage and dominated the game. Thought our defense got after it. You know, we’re starting to take shape on the defensive side and create some havoc, get some takeaways, get some stops when you need them. So those are positive things defensively. T

“Third down, Michigan State was 1 for 12, which is outstanding for us. So we got to continue to improvein that. That was a true weakness early on. I thought Ethan [Grunkemeyer], in the first half, played so-so. But then I thought he made critical decisions in the second half, using his legs. It was some critical first downs and just led us to victory. He did a great job in the second half. Katron was just unbelievable. Happy for him for a career high.”

What does this win mean for Penn State?

“I’m just super happy for our kids, super happy for our program,” Smith said. “I’m super happy for our fans, and our following. We deserve this game. We know again what it feels like to win, and we just got to build on this with momentum.”

On the team celebrating for him and with him

“It’s always a special moment when people celebrate you that way,” Smith said. “It’s very humbling. I love those guys to death. I would do anything for them. They played so hard for us, and it was just a great moment. You know, I’m sitting here soaking wet. I’m just like hypothermia or something. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. It was just a great moment for Penn State football.”

On the thoughts going through Terry Smith’s head in the final minutes

“Yeah, so I was a little bit distracted,” Smith said. “I told the offense, they were asking me should we go in and score. I said no. Victory formation is the best football formation. Let’s end the game on our terms. Then Danny O’Brien, our QB coach, walked up to me and he said, ‘You know, I don’t normally get emotional,’ and I’m looking at him sideways, like, we don’t never have these conversations. that was the setup. So you know it was fun, it was good. As a coach, you relish in those moments, because you pour your heart and soul into the players, and you hope that they respect and honor you back by playing hard.”

On the success of the Penn State ground game

“Win by any means necessary,” Snith said. “Between Kaytron and Nick Singleton, they have to touch the ball. I don’t know the statistics. You guys will know however many touches they had, but I think it was close to 40. And I always say to you guys, if they’re touching the ball, it means we have a chance to win. And man, did we win today behind those guys. So we’re going to play Penn State football.

“This was an old school Big Ten game. We dominated up front, and we threw the ball when necessary. And it was efficient. You know, the touchdown pass to Devonte [Ross] was huge. It was critical, because it showed them that we can throw the ball down the field, and it backed them up just enough to allow us to run the

On the play of Dani Dennis-Sutton

“I’m super proud of him,” Smith said. “He’s been working really, really hard. He’s one of our leaders. In today’s times, on some teams, guys like that are opting out. And his effort today, two sacks, blocked punt, is incredible. His relentless pressure, he just plays so hard. He gives everything. I really appreciate it, and his leadership means everything to me, to us and to our defense.”

On where this win ranks on his list of Penn State memories

“I’m really happy,” Smith said. “I’m just happy for those guys in the locker room, like for all you that are parents, you understand exactly what I’m saying. These are my kids, and there’s nothing more than to make your kids happy, and the sacrifice we do as parents for our kids, that’s what I’m happy about. Obviously, this is a great moment for me, for my family. It’s just humbling to be honest.”

On his message to the team in the locker room

“Tonight, we celebrate,” Smith said. “Tomorrow, we reset. I’ve said that to you guys every Saturday I came in here after the losses. Nothing changes. We’re going to reset tomorrow. We’re going to learn from our mistakes, and we’re going to continue to improve and get better. We have Nebraska coming in. These games are pivotal. We’re playing for our life to make a bowl game, and we took a huge step today.”