Drew Allar shines as Penn State dominates Maryland 44-7

On December 1, 2024, Penn State achieved a significant victory over Maryland in their football matchup held at State College, Pennsylvania. The game marked a critical moment for Penn State, as they advanced to their first Big Ten championship game since 2016. Drew Allar, the starting quarterback for Penn State, had a standout performance by throwing for one touchdown and rushing for another, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities and contributing directly to the team’s scoring efforts. The Nittany Lions managed to score on four out of five possessions during the second quarter, effectively capitalizing on turnovers committed by Maryland to control the momentum of the game. Nick Singleton also made his mark by rushing for two touchdowns, reinforcing the team’s offensive strategy. In addition, Beau Pribula entered the game, rushing for a touchdown and also throwing a scoring pass to Tyseer Denmark, exemplifying the depth and versatility of the Penn State roster. The team overall demonstrated strong execution and relentless pressure on defense, which was a key factor in their overwhelming victory. The match started with a promising lead for Maryland, as they forced a fumble on the game’s first play, allowing them to score a touchdown through a 25-yard pass from their quarterback, MJ Morris, to Kaden Prather. However, this early success did not set the tone for the rest of the game as Maryland struggled to maintain any offensive rhythm against the formidable Penn State defense. Morris ended the game with three interceptions, highlighting the issues he faced while on the field. The defensive efforts by Penn State included forcing punts, a turnover on downs, and securing two interceptions, which stifled any hope Maryland had of mounting a comeback. In the latter part of the game, star tight end Tyler Warren became Penn State’s all-time leader in touchdown catches by a tight end as he caught a 7-yard touchdown from Allar, further extending Penn State’s lead to 31-7 by halftime. This record-breaking achievement added another layer of motivation for the Nittany Lions, who were determined to showcase their strengths as they prepared for their upcoming matchup against Oregon for the Big Ten title. With this victory, Penn State improved to an impressive 11-1 record and solidified their position for a potential high seed in the College Football Playoff, giving them an opportunity for a successful postseason. Maryland's season concluded with this game, leaving them with a disappointing five-game losing streak. The head coach, James Franklin, maintained a strong record against Maryland, improving to 9-2 since they joined the Big Ten. Overall, this decisive win not only served as a significant morale booster for Penn State but also positioned them favorably for their future endeavors in the postseason, including aspirations to claim the Big Ten championship title.