Bowling Green stuns Penn State's defense with 24 first-half points to take a halftime lead over the Nittany Lions.
No. 8 Penn State looked shockingly rusty on defense in the first half of its home opener Saturday, giving up 24 points to Bowling Green, including a streak-ending touchdown. However, the Nittany Lions' offense managed to keep the game in sight with four scoring drives The Nittany Lions trailed Bowling Green 24-20 at the break.In 2023, Penn State did not allow more than 20 first-half points or more than 24 in a regular-season game.
Bowling Green combined finesse and physical play in the first half. Frankly, the Falcons' offense looked tougher than Penn State's defense, which missed tackles or got dragged for extra yardage. Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has been a tough matchup for Penn State, catching seven passes for 110 yards and a touchdown. He has 56 of the yards after contact. In fact, Bowling Green has compiled 89 of their 192 passing yards after contact.
Despite not having running back Terion Stewart in the lineup, Bowling Green also has run effectively and with power. Backs Jamal Johnson and Jaison Patterson combined for 92 first-half yards, with Johnson gashing the Lions for a 41-yard run. Penn State's lone defensive highlight game when defensive end Abdul Carter was given a free release on fourth down to break up a pass. Otherwise, Bowling Green scored on four of its five first-half possessions .Penn State had not allowed an opponent to score on its opening drive in 28 games, dating to a loss to Michigan State in 2021.
However, Penn State got away from the pass after that touchdown toss. The Nittany Lions attempted just two passes on their last two possessions of the half. One was broken up, the other went for 30 yards to tight end Tyler Warren. Bowling Green's defense stuffed Penn State twice on third downs to force field goals.Penn State on SI is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network.
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