Highs & Lows: Lethargic Nittany Lions pull away late

highs-lows-lethargic-penn-state-pushes-past-fiu-20-0 — Sep 6, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Khalil Dinkins (16) celebrates with wide receiver Kyron Hudson (1) in the end zone after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Florida International Panthers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

By Nate Bauer

Penn State showed few signs of life on Saturday afternoon at Beaver Stadium, scraping past FIU with a late burst to win, 34-0. The victory improved the Nittany Lions to 2-0 on the 2025 season.

Highs and lows from the game, here:

Player of the Game

Senior running back Kaytron Allen had been steady all afternoon, helping pace Penn State’s plodding offensive performance en route to a 20-0 advantage. With under four minutes left, his burst through the FIU defense changed the tone. Taking Drew Allar’s handoff to the sideline, Allen galloped for a 67-yard touchdown that capped his day at 16 carries for 144 yards and a score.

Play of the Game

James Franklin suggested earlier in the week that senior receiver Devonte Ross could provide the explosive plays missing in Week 1 against Nevada. On Saturday, he delivered. Ross reeled in a 42-yard touchdown late in the third quarter, stretching a shaky 13-0 lead into a more comfortable 20-0 cushion.

Offensive Superlatives

Best Pass

The throw was simple, and the catch wasn’t extraordinary, but Trebor Pena’s 30-yard catch-and-run midway through the third quarter gave Penn State’s offense life. The play sparked the drive that led to a much-needed score.

Best Run

Allen’s 67-yard touchdown was the clear highlight of the game, but FIU’s Kejon Owens deserves recognition. He ripped off a 21-yard gain in the first half and followed it with a 16-yarder in the second. Owens finished with 15 carries for 78 yards, showing burst against the Nittany Lions’ defense.

Best Catch

Ross’s touchdown grab was the most impressive of the day. Fighting through interference, the transfer receiver extended his right arm to reel in an off-target throw.

Worst Drop

The wet ball may have been a factor, but senior tight end Khalil Dinkins couldn’t finish a sideline reception in the first quarter. Allar delivered the throw, but the tight end failed to complete the catch.

Defensive Superlatives

Best Sack

Penn State’s pass rush was quiet until the fourth quarter. Then redshirt junior defensive tackle Enai White broke through, bringing down FIU quarterback Keyone Jenkins for a 9-yard loss deep in Panthers territory. The sack helped put the game away. With Penn State holding a 27-0 advantage and only 1:22 left to play, freshman defensive end Chaz Coleman made the first big play of what’s expected to be an impactful 2025 season with a strip sack and fumble return to help pad the Nittany Lions’ lead.

Best Hit

Redshirt junior cornerback Audavion Collins shed his block quickly and leveled Owens on a first-quarter run. The play went for 5 yards, but Collins’ hit sent a message.

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Best Effort

Sophomore tight end Luke Reynolds kept Penn State’s early scoring drive alive by fighting through contact on third down. His extra yards set up a 9-yard touchdown from Allar to Dinkins on the next play.

Special Teams Superlatives

Best Kick

Senior punter Gabe Nwosu earned Franklin’s praise earlier this month, and his first attempt of the season justified it. With Penn State facing fourth-and-7 near midfield, Nwosu pinned FIU at its own 2-yard line with a perfectly placed punt. Later, he blasted a 67-yarder from inside his own 5-yard line to flip the field position.

Worst Kick

The Penn State special teams nearly turned the game around in the second quarter when senior linebacker Dominic DeLuca blocked a punt. DeLuca gave the Nittany Lions prime field position, but the opportunity went to waste.

Odds and Ends

Best Decision

On FIU’s second possession, head coach Willie Simmons passed up a field goal attempt on fourth down inside the red zone. The conversion failed, but the aggressive call reflected the underdog mentality his team needed.

Worst Decision

Trailing but driving deep into Penn State territory, FIU quarterback Keyone Jenkins tossed a soft pitch directly to senior defensive tackle Alonzo Ford Jr. The interception killed momentum and ended the Panthers’ best chance at points.

Most Telling Moment

Midway through the second quarter, FIU linebacker Johnny Chaney Jr. stuffed Allen on fourth-and-2. Penn State turned the ball over with only a 7-0 lead, highlighting the offense’s struggles and leaving Beaver Stadium uneasy.

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