Then they went out and played that way Saturday, pushing around the Nittany Lions in a 42-39 victory to definitively let them know who runs this state.
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The Panthers built their 21-point lead over the game’s first 18 minutes, outgaining Penn State in yards, 221-67.
Pittsburgh running back James Conner carries the ball down the field as Penn State safety Malik Golden chases during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.
One that shouldn’t lack for juice when the two teams meet at Beaver Stadium next fall.
Penn State played the game without two key starters.
“Jordan Whitehead will play offense against us, I don’t think there’s any doubt about that”, Penn State coach James Franklin said. “We just went out there and beat them today”.
Over on the Pittsburgh side, the Panthers also bagged a win in Week 1, theirs against Villanova 28-7. Then, on a fourth-and-16, McSorley connected with redshirt sophomore wide receiver DeAndre Thompkins for a 34-yard gain. After rushing for 325 yards against Georgia State, Ball State managed just 371 yards in total offense and fumbled away its first scoring chance – at Indiana’s 3-yard line. For the first time since 2000, the Nittany Lions are set to travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Panthers at noon on Saturday. Barkley rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown last week against a solid Kent State defense.
In turn, they’ve become familiar with the big names and roles players like Dan Marino and Todd Blackledge played, Pitt’s dominance in the 20s and 30s when they met exclusively in the Steel City and Penn State’s after 1960.
Once they reach ACC play, they will have to deal with UNC, a Brad Kaaya led Hurricanes’ attack that put up 70 points in week one and DeShaun Watson and the Clemson Tigers’ offense, definitely an opportunity for some turbulent waters.
The secondary play helped keeping the Villanova offense out of the end zone (the lone touchdown was a defensive touchdown), and limited the opponent’s passing game to just 119 yards.
“It’s hard on Saturdays”, Pitt fan Bryan Ellis said. They dominated on the ground, taking advantage of Penn State’s costly turnovers.
Penn State QB Trace McSorley tossed for 209 yards and two scores in the win over Kent State. Coach Mike Riley is demanding more balance, so we’ll see if Armstrong can deliver against Wyoming. “I know you have to ask this question, and you guys get upset with me when I don’t answer the question”. Holes the size of the state parting in the middle of Penn State’s defensive front.
The state of Pennsylvania is home to two of the better running backs around the country, and this weekend they will be on the same field (albeit at different times, obviously).
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Pittsburgh is the slight favorite in this game, as the Panthers are getting odds of -5 points against Penn State. Look for Godwin and McSorley to hook up on one of them this weekend. Penn State almost made it all the way back from a 21-point deficit.
Ball State: The Cardinals have a long way to go to compete with college football’s big boys.
The history of the 123-year-old rivalry between Pittsburgh and Penn State is undeniable.
Nobody could ever remember a line of students snaking around Heinz Field, hours before kickoff, waiting for the gates to open. Pitt kicker Chris Blewitt missed a pair last week against ‘Nova. “We can’t settle for field goals in the red zone, there’s no doubt about that”.
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Lewis’ interception sealed the fate of an instant classic of a game, as, after a late comeback, Pitt defeated the Nittany Lions 41-38 in a game that set a Pittsburgh sporting event attendance record with 69,983 fans in the stands.
