In a day full of upsets, Penn State Football cruised to a relatively easy win over UCLA Saturday.
While Penn State did not cover the spread, the win was never in doubt and the 16-point margin looks closer than the game actually was.
A number of players stepped up for the Nittany Lions this week, but there can only be three that get NittanyCentral’s coveted game balls and MVP.
Penn State Football’s Game Balls from UCLA Win
Offense: Kaytron Allen
Penn State running back Kaytron Allen did not have his most impressive statistical performance of the season against the Bruins, however, because of the circumstances surrounding the game, he earns the offensive game ball for Penn State Saturday.
Minutes before Penn State kicked off against UCLA, Penn State, and head coach James Franklin learned that star running back Nick Singleton would not be available for the Nittany Lions. Allen stepped up in Singleton’s absence, shouldering the load in carries rushing 21 times for 78 yards and a touchdown against the Bruins. Allen averaged only 3.7 yards per carry on the day, but his steadiness and ability to handle a lion’s share of carries in Singleton’s absence earns him offensive game ball honors this week.
Defense: Zakee Wheatley
Safety Zakee Wheatley almost didn’t have the opportunity to play most of the game for Penn State, after being called for a targeting penalty on the first UCLA drive.
However, after the penalty was reversed, Wheatley had himself a day, recording seven tackles (three solo) and a tackle for a loss. While not credited with any passes defended, Wheatley broke up at least one pass on the day (the pass he was originally flagged for targeting for). Wheatley also combined with Coziah Izzard for a critical fourth down stop in the first half.
Special Teams: Ryan Barker
I don’t typically give a game ball for special teams, but this one seemed particularly relevant this week. Ryan Barker got his first start of the season at placekicker in relief of Sander Sahaydak after Sahaydak missed two field goals last week against Illinois.
Barker made the most of the opportunity, hitting all three extra points and both of his field goal attempts from 25 and 40 yards. Barker was a major relief for Penn State fans Saturday who came into the game extremely nervous about Penn State’s kicking game.
MVP: Drew Allar
Drew Allar returned to form this week, averaging 9.9 yards per pass and passing for 237 yards and a touchdown (and rushing for a touchdown) against the Bruins. Allar was accurate and in control of the game Saturday for the Nittany Lions.
While Allar and the offense did not put-up eye-popping passing numbers, Allar was efficient and effective in moving the ball and scoring for the Nittany Lions Saturday. Allar’s completion percentage has increased 11 percent from last season, a big reason why Penn State’s offense has been able to stay on the field and stay in control in games this season.
Allar was the best player on the field for Penn State today and has lead the Nittany Lions to a 5-0 start this season.
MORE: Drew Allar Report Card From Penn State Win Over UCLA
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