Happy Valley, PA—On a sunny day at Beaver Stadium, Penn State overcame a halftime deficit to secure a 34-27 victory over Bowling Green in their home opener.
The game began with Bowling Green taking an early lead. After Penn State deferred the opening coin toss, Falcons quarterback Connor Bazelak connected with Harold Fannin Jr. on a couple of key passes, eventually setting up a 6-yard touchdown to put the Falcons ahead 7-0 just 2 minutes and 21 seconds into the game.
Penn State responded quickly on their first possession. Drew Allar led the Nittany Lions down the field, with key contributions from Tyler Warren and Kaytron Allen. Allar capped off the drive with a 5-yard rushing touchdown to tie the game at 7 with just over 10 minutes remaining in the first quarter.
Bowling Green regained momentum on their next possession. After advancing into Penn State territory, a Nittany Lion penalty extended their drive, leading to a 33-yard field goal and a 10-7 lead for the Falcons. Penn State’s next drive stalled after a holding penalty wiped out a key completion, and a dropped pass forced them to punt.
BGU continued to move the ball effectively and extended their lead to 17-7 early in the second quarter after Bazelak found Malcom Johnson Jr. for a touchdown. Penn State answered back as Allar connected with Omari Evans for a 29-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 17-14.
The Falcons kept pressing, but Penn State’s defense made a crucial stand, giving the offense a chance to tie the game. Sander Sahaydak kicked a 43-yard field goal to even the score at 17. Bowling Green, however, quickly retook the lead with a 41-yard touchdown run by Jamal Johnson, putting them up 24-17.
As halftime approached, Allar led another drive, hitting Warren for a big 30-yard gain, but the Nittany Lions had to settle for a 28-yard field goal, making it 24-20 at the break.
In the second half, both defenses tightened up. Penn State opened with a solid drive, but a sack and a reversed catch call forced them to punt. The Nittany Lion defense, however, held Bowling Green in check, and after a key fumble went out of bounds, Allar and Warren again connected to spark another drive. This time, Nicholas Singleton caught a short pass and ran it in for a touchdown, giving Penn State their first lead at 27-24 with just over six minutes left in the third quarter.
The fourth quarter saw both teams trade punts, but the momentum swung when linebacker Tony Rojas intercepted a Bazelak pass, stopping a Falcons drive. Penn State couldn’t capitalize, punting the ball back, but another interception by Zakee Wheatley set the Nittany Lions up for a decisive play. Singleton broke free for a 41-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 34-24.
Bowling Green mounted one final drive, but after failing to score a touchdown, they settled for a 42-yard field goal, cutting the lead to 34-27 with under a minute remaining. Penn State recovered the ensuing onside kick to secure the win.
Drew Allar finished the game completing 13 of 20 passes for 204 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Nicholas Singleton rushed for 119 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries, while Kaytron Allen added 101 yards on 14 carries. Tyler Warren led all receivers with eight catches for 146 yards, and both Singleton and Evans recorded receiving touchdowns. On defense, Jaylen Reed led with nine tackles, while Tony Rojas and Zakee Wheatley came up with key interceptions.
Though it was far from a flawless performance, Penn State improved to 2-0 and now heads into a bye week before facing Kent State on September 21st.
