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PISCATAWAY, NJ – – After the worst start in school history, Penn State is starting to play like the Nittany Lions of old.
Sean Clifford threw a 29-yard touchdown and the Penn State defense posted three saves or takeaways on Saturday in a 23-7 win over Rutgers that gave the program its 900th victory.
Penn State (2-5, 2-5 Big Ten) dominated both sides of the ball, edged Rutgers 381-204 and kept the Scarlet Knights at their season low for points. The victory was the Nittany Lions’ second in a row and their 14th in a row against the Scarlet Knights (2-5, 2-5).
“This program is not a losing program, it is not who we are,” said Clifford, who was 15 of 22 for 133 yards and an interception on a cold and windy day. “We had a rough start and a lot of stuff goes into it, but we know we’re not a losing program. We did not come here to lose. It’s just a matter of coming back to ourselves. It was five consecutive weeks that we were completely out of control. “
Clifford opened the scoring with a 29-yard touchdown pass to a true rookie Parker Washington with 3:32 left in the first quarter. It came after the Nittany Lions stuffed Johnny Langan on a fourth and a Rutgers 45 on the Scarlet Knights opening possession.
A second save on a fourth and a Rutgers 45 in the second quarter led to a 7-yard touchdown by Devyn ford for a 17-0 lead at halftime.
Coach James Franklin has seen improvement over the past two weeks, especially in his defense, especially in short-lived situations.
“I just think we went back to playing like we played for six years, which means, you know, making sure we limit the explosive games. he said.
Rutgers coach Greg Schiano had no problem with fourth place betting.
“I was good with the decision to do it, good with the play call,” said Schiano. “I believe in our guys. We can convert them. We just haven’t done it. We have done it a few times. It didn’t happen this time.
Jordan Stout added a 47-yard basket early in the third quarter after Rutgers quarterback Noah Vedral escaped in the second play of the half.
Vedral threw a fourth touchdown pass from 3 yards to Bo Melton with 4:56 left in the third quarter. An interception by security Christian Izien at Nittany Lions 36 made it possible to score the score.
Pinegar added a 27-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
Rutgers entered the game averaging 30.8 points. He was limited to 12 first downs, 83 rushing yards, 3 of 15 on third down conversion attempts and 1 of 4 on fourth down.
And that was a game Rutgers thought he had a chance of eventually beating Penn State.
“We not only have to catch up with people, we have to get them through,” said Schiano. “Sure, Penn State is one of those programs. Today we haven’t shown it.
THE TAKEAWAY
Penn State: The Nittany Lions ultimately looked like the No.7-ranked team in the preseason poll. The ineptitude of the first five games seems to have been dispelled.
Rutgers: By far Scarlet Knights’ worst performance of the season. The gap with Penn State is bigger than ever.
NEXT
Penn State: plays host to Michigan State
Rutgers: in Maryland
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More AP College Football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP–Top25
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