It was certainly nerve-racking at times; yet Penn State held rallied in the second half of their Week 2 football game to defeat a game Bowling Green team, 34-27. Penn State moves to 2-0 on the season heading into the first of two byes weeks. Let’s go back and recap some of the highlights from what was a nailbiter for the Lions.
Drew Allar gets Penn State on the board early
After Bowling Green scored on their opening possession, Penn State quickly answered with a 75-yard drive of their own, culminating in a five-yard touchdown run from quarterback Drew Allar. Allar was responsible for three of Penn State’s touchdowns Saturday — two passing, one rushing.
The QB Keeper 🏈
📺 @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/vk73IIQ7f3
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) September 7, 2024
Early in the second quarter, facing a 17-7 deficit, Allar didn’t waste any time getting Penn State back within three.
Starting at their own 25-yard line, the Lions needed just three explosive plays to drive 75 yards. First, Allar hit tight end Tyler Warren for 22 yards. Next, running back Nick Singleton ran 24 yards to get inside the Falcons’ 30-yard-line. Finally, Allar took care of the remaining 29 yards. The quarterback would hit wide receiver Omari Evans in the end zone for a touchdown, putting Penn State within three with a 17-14 score.
Speed, speed, speed! 💨 @_RealMar13
📺 @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/aIsI8pybnG
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) September 7, 2024
Penn State takes first lead of game in third quarter
It took almost 40 minutes of game time, but Penn State finally found themselves on the right side of the scoreboard. Down 24-20 in the third quarter and following a punt from each team, Penn State went 85 yards on eight plays in just over four minutes. They even overcame a sack of Allar after getting into Bowling Green territory. The Nittany Lions took the lead with just over six minutes left after Allar hit Singleton for a 14-yard touchdown. Penn State went in front, 27-24 to take the lead in the football game.
DREW ALLAR WITH A DART AND PENN STATE TAKES THE LEAD! 🚀 @PennStateFball pic.twitter.com/b0GccLmvK6
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 7, 2024
Following a pair of interceptions, Penn State ends any upset hope
Penn State’s defense turned on the jets right when they needed it. The group recorded not one, but two interceptions of Bowling Green quarterback Connor Bazelak.
AN INCREDIBLE PICK FOR PENN STATE!!! 🔥 @PennStateFball pic.twitter.com/eLbG1KqnF5
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 7, 2024
Following the second interception, Penn State needed just one play to find the end zone. A 41-yard scamper from Singleton all but ended Bowling Green’s upset bid.
HE IS GONE!!! 💨
Nick Singleton breaks away and gets the TD for @PennStateFball! pic.twitter.com/yZMkgFPbhj
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 7, 2024
Penn State would go on to win 34-27 to move to 2-0 on the year. They are now 3-0 all-time against Bowling Green. The Lions have a bye this week before welcoming Kent State to Happy Valley on September 21.
The Golden Flashes are 0-2 in college football play. They lost their opener at Pittsburgh, 55-24, and were upset by FCS St. Francis (PA) at home, 23-17.
