STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — No. 2 Penn State shook off a slow start and leaned on its defense and big-play ability to blank Florida International 34-0 on a rainy Saturday at Beaver Stadium.
Quarterback Drew Allar threw for 200 yards and two touchdowns on 19-of-33 passing, while running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton each added rushing scores. Devonte Ross and Khalil Dinkins hauled in touchdown receptions, and kicker Ryan Barker contributed a pair of field goals to keep the Nittany Lions perfect at 2-0.
“Two games in, we’re still building,” Allar said postgame. “We’ve moved the ball well, but we’re not satisfied unless we’re finishing every drive with points.”
After an unsteady first half in sloppy weather, Penn State gradually imposed its will. The Lions opened the second half with a 34-yard field goal from Barker, then followed up with a statement play — a 42-yard touchdown strike from Allar to Ross. Battling through pass interference, Ross contorted his body and reeled in the pass with one hand for the highlight-reel grab.
“I didn’t even know I was playing this week until a few days ago,” said Ross, a Troy transfer returning from a preseason injury. “It felt special to be out there, earning my place.”
Allen was the offensive workhorse, piling up 144 yards on 16 carries, capped by a 67-yard touchdown gallop in the fourth quarter. Singleton closed the scoring with a 5-yard plunge with under two minutes to play.
Meanwhile, the Penn State defense dominated. Tony Rojas led the team with 10 tackles, and Alonzo Ford snagged a key interception that ended a rare FIU scoring threat. The Nittany Lions recorded their first shutout since a 56-0 victory over Kent State in 2023.
Despite being outgained and outmatched, FIU (1-1) hung tough in the first half. The Panthers limited Penn State to just 10 points at halftime, blocking a field goal and forcing multiple stalled drives. Running back Chavon Wright churned out 90 hard-earned yards on 27 carries, and the defense made the Nittany Lions work for every yard.
“I told our guys, this game would reveal our character,” FIU head coach Willie Simmons said. “For much of the first half, I think we proved we could go toe-to-toe with anybody.”
Still, Florida International couldn’t overcome offensive miscues. They punted multiple times, turned the ball over on downs, and had a key screen pass intercepted in the red zone.
“We made it harder than it needed to be,” Penn State head coach James Franklin admitted. “We’re playing a lot of young guys, and you could see the growing pains.”
The Nittany Lions now turn their attention to FCS opponent Villanova, while FIU regroups before facing in-state rival Florida Atlantic.
Up Next:
Penn State: Hosts Villanova next Saturday.
FIU: Returns home to face Florida Atlantic.
