Here are 3 takeaways from Penn State football’s 28-0 Senior Day win over Rutgers
Penn State (7-4) got back onto the win column with a 28-0 victory over Rutgers (5-6) on Saturday.
The Nittany Lions saw the loss of a few starters, including quarterback Sean Clifford and right tackle Caedan Wallace. Christian Veilluex slid into Clifford’s place and Penn State rearranged its offensive line with freshman Landon Tengwall playing left tackle and fought through the blows throughout the day for 149 rushing yards. The defense had two forced fumbles and an interception.
Here are three takeaways from Penn State’s seventh victory of the season.
A Veilleux into the future
Clifford reportedly dealt with flu-like symptoms heading into the Rutgers game.
The senior didn’t take first-team reps during warmups, making it seem as though Veilleux may get his first collegiate start. That didn’t happen, as Clifford took the field in Penn State’s opening drive on Saturday. Clifford went 1-for-3 in the first drive with his one completion resulting in a 6-yard completion to tight end Theo Johnson. The Nittany Lions second drive with Clifford saw a screen completed to running back Keyvone Lee for 17 yards. Clifford’s three other passes went incomplete.
Two drives later, Clifford went down, left the game and didn’t return. Veilleux would finally get his chance to shine for Penn State. The freshman picked up a first down on a 14-yard scramble and completed a 15-yard play to wide receiver Parker Washington on his third play, but the drive stalled out. While he’d have two more drives ending with a Jordan Stout punt, he was finally able to capitalize late in the second quarter. Starting on Penn State’s 33-yard line, Veilleux and company marched down the field and capped off the drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Jahan Dotson.
Veilleux struck twice more with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Washington with 3:32 remaining in the third and a pass to Malick Meiga, who took it 67 yards for a touchdown with 1:31 left in the third for a 21-0 lead following the Stout extra point. Veilleux finished 15-for-24 on passes for 235 yards and three touchdown passes. He could be a key to Penn State’s offensive future, or at least until 5-star quarterback prospect Drew Allar is ready in years to come.
Defense stands up once more
Penn State’s defense has been the strong spot of the team from Day 1 of the season. Saturday’s victory over Rutgers proved no different, as it shut out the Scarlet Knights for their second shutout of the season (Oct. 2 vs. Indiana). Both Arnold Ebiketie and Coziah Izzard had a forced fumble and the team had three quarterback hurries. They won in the trenches consistently and bullied Rutgers’ offensive line.
The defensive backs had the game on lock for the Nittany Lions. Jaquan Brisker continued his strong year with seven total tackles (two solo) and a pass breakup. Jonathan Sutherland had an interception late in the fourth quarter and delivered punishing blows throughout the game. Statistically, Rutgers was held to 93 passing yards, 72 rushing yards and went 4-for-15 on third down plays. The Scarlet Knights completed just 48% of their passes. Penn State was draped all over them at all points of the game.
Much-needed victory
The Penn State faithful were reeling following last week’s 21-17 loss against Michigan. The team still had high hopes for a warm-weather bowl game prior to that point and the loss all but nixed it. The seniors could’ve folded and the younger players easily could’ve followed suit. Neither caved in and they showed that they are capable of rebounding off of a tough loss against a strong opponent.
This story was originally published November 20, 2021 at 3:56 PM.
