Top 10 Most Iconic Penn State Football Plays of the James Franklin Era
Penn State Football has had an incredible number of single plays throughout its history. Today, we will look into the ten best plays in recent Penn State Football history.
As the Nittany Lions gear up for what has the potential to be the deepest, most dynamic roster of James Franklin’s tenure at Penn State, several moments have defined Franklin‘s tenure and this chapter in the program’s history.
Here are the 10 most iconic Penn State Football plays in the James Franklin era
Plays 10-7
No. 10 Saquon Barkley Walkoff Touchdown vs. Minnesota (2016)
A potential program-saving run from none other than Saquon Barkley, starts off the list.
In a game in which Penn State trailed Minnesota at home at the half, Penn State clawed all the way back and forced overtime. The play that ended that overtime? Barkley‘s legendary 25-yard touchdown to clinch the game.
This play was a walk-off touchdown that catapulted Penn State Football into their unbelievable run in 2016. There will be more from this game later.
No. 9 Amani Oruwariye Calls Game vs. App State (2018)
Coming in at number nine on this list, is another walkoff play.
In the opening game of the 2018 season, Appalachian State gave the Nittany Lions all they could handle in Beaver Stadium.
After being aided by a 52-yard KJ Hamler kick return to set up a Touchdown, Penn State forced overtime. After a Miles Sanders Touchdown to start overtime, Oruwaryie sealed the deal with a game-winning interception in the endzone.
Had Oruwaryie not picked off Zac Thomas of App. State, Penn State’s season could have spiraled completely out of control.
No. 8 Keyvone Lee Catches Clutch Touchdown at Purdue (2022)
In a thrilling game to start the 2022 season, Franklin and the Nittany Lions found themselves in a battle late in the game against Purdue.
A game that saw quarterback Drew Allar play his first-ever snaps, ended with a Sean Clifford to Keyvone Lee Touchdown. With just 53 seconds left on the clock, Sean Clifford capped off a masterful game-sealing drive.
The final play was caught in the endzone by Keyvone Lee to give Penn State a four-point advantage. The defense held on and Penn State escaped Ross Ade with a win.
This play set the stage for a very successful 2022 season.
No. 7 KJ Hamler Houses a 93 Yard Touchdown (2018)
In a game tainted by an epic late-game meltdown, KJ Hamler provided an electric 93-yard catch-and-run.
In a game that Penn State would go on to lose by just one point, against Ohio State, Trace McSorley connected with KJ Hamler for an epic 93-yard touchdown to put the Nittany Lions up 13 at the time.
Plays 6 and 5
No. 6 Marcus Allen and Grant Haley Team Up for Something Legendary (2016)
In an unreal comeback win in the 2016 Big Ten Championship, Marcus Allen and Grant Haley combined for a massive tackle.
With a seven-point Penn State lead over Wisconsin, Wisconsin was threatening late in the fourth quarter. On a 4th and 1 from Penn State’s 24-yard line, Grant Haley hit low, and Marcus Allen finished the tackle.
The two Penn State DB’s stopped Corey Clement for a no gain in that crucial situation. This ultimately won Penn State the 2016 Big Ten Championship.
No. 5 Mo Bamba (2019)
The play that solidified the Penn State Football Whiteout.
In the first play from scrimmage in the 2019 Whiteout, the Michigan Wolverines came out on offense. With the rockus crowd losing their mind, and Mo Bamba blaring in the background, Michigan lost track of the play clock and was charged with a delay of game.
This clip recirculates almost annually. The crowd is deafening, and then somehow gets even louder when the delay of game is called. This play certainly set up Penn State for an iconic 2019 Whiteout win.
Plays 4 and 3
No. 4 Tyler Warren Madness (2024)
In what turned out to be a season-defining game, Tyler Warren delivered in one of the most crucial spots.
Coming out of the half, Penn State Football found itself in a 14-point hole. They needed something.
In one of the most unorthodox plays you will ever see, Tyler Warren snapped the ball to Beau Pribula, who lateraled the ball to Drew Allar, before throwing a Touchdown to Tyler Warren. This play was one of the craziest things the football field has ever seen.
Tyler Warren’s legendary day in Los Angeles propelled Penn State to a massive overtime win on the road.
No. 3 Quieting Kinnick (2017)
This play was an absolute thriller.
In a tight game at night at Iowa, Penn State was able to prevail. Being down 4, with just 4 seconds left, Trace McSorley delivered a dart to Juwan Johnson.
The Nittany Lions beat Iowa on the very last play of the game. Escaping Kinnick Stadium unscathed was a gigantic momentum swing for Franklin and company in 2017.
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Plays 2 and 1
No. 2 Irvin Charles Turns the Tides vs. Minnesota (2016)
Ranking this play this high might be controversial.
However, I believe it has a case to be even higher.
In the previously mentioned 2016 battle against the Golden Gophers, James Franklin found himself being booed at halftime down 13-3. Penn State started the second half with a three-and-out.
After getting the ball back for a second drive of the half, Irvin Charles provided a huge spark for the Penn State program. Trace McSorley found Irvin Charles for an 80-yard Touchdown to get Beaver Stadium going.
In my opinion, this is the play that sparked the turnaround for Penn State Football.
No. 1 Super Reliable Inside of 40 (2016)
Everyone should know this play. This is the play that brought Penn State Football back to national prominence.
With about 4 minutes left in the game, Ohio State brought on Tyler Durbin to try to extend their lead to 7 points. As Chris Fowler infamously said “He’s super reliable from inside of 40”, Marcus Allen jumped up and blocked the kick. This led to Grant Haley running the kick back for a Touchdown.
This blocked kick will live forever in the Penn State Football history books as one of the most iconic plays in college football history.
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Purdy was born and raised in central Ohio and served for four years writing for his high school's newsletter. Currently studying Biblical Studies at Lancaster Bible College in Pennsylvania, Ian has been a lifelong Nittany Lion fan.