Penn State lacks discipline, poise, precision in another big-game loss [opinion]
INDIANAPOLIS – The most remarkable thing about Saturday night was that Penn State had a chance to force overtime against No. 1 Oregon, considering the preponderant number of mistakes the Nittany Lions made.
They committed four 15-yard penalties, including two ridiculous personal fouls. Mental lapses allowed wide running lanes for the Ducks, and a questionable 2-point conversion attempt proved costly. Quarterback Drew Allar threw two interceptions, with the second sealing Penn State’s fate in a 45-37 loss in the Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium.
“It stings,” linebacker Dominic DeLuca said. “We beat ourselves. We’re capable of winning these games.”
The Lions, however, have frequently faltered in critical matchups. While they have achieved six seasons of at least 10 wins in the last nine years and have consistently defeated teams they were favored to beat, their track record against rivals like Ohio State and Michigan tells a different story, with eight straight losses to the Buckeyes and three in a row to the Wolverines.
James Franklin elevated Penn State to a top-10 program after the Jerry Sandusky scandal, yet the lack of victories in significant games remains a concern, reflected in his 1-14 record against top-five opponents where the margin for error is minimal.
After falling behind Oregon 28-10 early in the second quarter due to penalties and Allar’s first interception, Penn State made commendable efforts to fight back, closing the gap to a one-score game three times.
“I can deal with the (two) facemask penalties,” Franklin stated. “Those are going to happen sometimes when you’re playing. But the other things (the personal fouls on Tyrece Mills and Vega Ioane) we’ve got to eliminate. And the turnovers.”
Mills’ penalty occurred on a kickoff that resulted in a touchback, while Ioane’s came after a 6-yard rush. Both infractions showcased a glaring lack of discipline and poise.
Oregon’s backs were able to find massive holes due to the Lions not being gap sound, and Ducks receivers often appeared wide open downfield because of miscommunication within the secondary. Tez Johnson exemplified prowess as one of the best receivers in the country, making 11 catches for 181 yards, setting a record for the Big Ten title game.
Despite their struggles, Penn State managed to stay competitive thanks to Allar’s moments of brilliance and the formidable rushing attack of Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton, which combined for 292 yards.
“They’re two special backs,” Allar noted. “They’re special players and special teammates and humans in general. It’s credit to the offensive line as well, especially getting the engine going and allowing Nick and Kaytron not to get hit until they were on the second and third level.”
The performance of the offensive line was the most encouraging aspect for the Lions. After a disappointing outing against Ohio State, they dominated one of the nation’s top defenses, accumulating 518 total yards.
This led to a crucial moment on the Lions’ final possession. After cutting Oregon’s lead to eight points, they forced a three-and-out, giving them one final opportunity. Singleton rushed for 9 yards to the Penn State 46 as they approached the two-minute warning. On second-and-1 with two timeouts left, offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki aimed to surprise the Ducks with a deep pass.
Oregon’s Nikko Reed matched up with Harrison Wallace III and intercepted Allar’s slightly underthrown pass along the sideline.
Game, set, and match.
Given the success of Singleton and Allen against the Ducks, opting to remain on the ground may have been a more strategic choice. While Kotelnicki has largely excelled in play calling during his first season, this particular decision, alongside some others from recent games, marked a departure from his best work.
“I tried to give Tre a chance,” Allar reflected. “I’ve got to do a better job of throwing it to him or nobody. I’ve got to give him more of a back shoulder.”
This unfortunate result adds to the growing list of gut-wrenching losses to highly ranked opponents. As Penn State looks ahead to their first College Football Playoff appearance, the pertinent question remains: what will it take for the Lions and Franklin to finally overcome these hurdles?
Discipline. Poise. Wisdom. Precision.
“Yeah, for sure,” Singleton affirmed when asked if he believed Penn State matched Oregon’s caliber. “We just can’t make the mistakes we made against a team like that. It’s going to cost us.”
