Labatt Postgame Show: Penn State still uneven, but blows out Villanova

The Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Villanova Wildcats in front of a restless crowd at Beaver Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Nittany Lions offense once again looked uncomfortable against FCS Villanova. Join the BWI Live Labatt Postgame Show to discuss the win and what you thought of the game and the team’s performance through three games. We’ll be taking your questions and comments throughout the sixty-minute show.

Penn State puts up 21 points in the first half

Once again, the Penn State offense failed to look crisp and effective in the first half of the game. Quarterback Drew Allar had a 50% completion percentage and only 80 yards passing in the second quarter. Much of that came at the two-minute warning when he found receiver Trebor Pena on a 21-yard touchdown strike to cap the team’s two-minute drive.

The run game also struggled to blow away the crowd. Nick Singleton led the team with 20 carries before the backups came in for the fourth quarter. He rushed for 84 yards but failed to rip off long runs or break tackles. However, he did find the end zone twice.

The offense focused on the receivers early, with Pena leading the squad, tallying 60 yards on four catches, including seven targets. However, the big plays once again came from the tight ends. Luke Reynolds ripped off a 22-yard catch and run and caught four catches for 73 yards and a score.

Defense gives the Nittany Lions breathing room on offense

On the flip side, the Penn State defense was the dominant force that fans wanted from the team. They allowed just six yards in the first quarter and amassed 45 of their 69 yards in the first half on one 45-yard drive that ended in a missed field goal. The starting defense allowed just three drives that didn’t result in a three-and-out.

The linebackers were once again heavily involved in the action. Amare Campbell had three tackles for a loss, and Tony Rojas had two to lead the team. Both players were the leading tacklers with 5 and 7, respectively. The duo also tallied three combined sacks, thanks to suffocating coverage. The team used both to spy the Villanova quarterbacks, resulting in late-down pressures.

What’s next for the team?

Penn State enters its first bye week of the season and seems to have gone through the first three games with no major injuries to starters in game action. The team will need to sharpen its play on offense because top-five Oregon comes to town on Sept. 27 for the annual White Out game.