Morgantown, WV
Aug 31, 2024
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No. 8 Penn State Nittany Lions began their 2024 campaign with a formidable 34-12 triumph over the West Virginia Mountaineers in front of a sold-out crowd at Milan Puskar Stadium. Drew Allar commanded the offense with precision, completing 11 of 17 passes for 216 yards and three touchdowns. His primary target, Harrison Wallace III, amassed 117 receiving yards with two touchdowns, including a striking 50-yard reception that set the tone for the game. Nicholas Singleton added explosiveness to the ground game with 114 rushing yards and a 40-yard touchdown run.
West Virginia's offense faced challenges but managed a couple of field goals by Michael Hayes II in the first half, capped by a 1-yard touchdown run from CJ Donaldson Jr. in the final quarter. However, any hopes for a rally were thwarted by the Nittany Lions' resilient defense, highlighted by an interception from Elliot Washington II. Despite a lengthy weather delay at halftime, Penn State reasserted their dominance in the second half, swiftly putting the game out of reach with Singleton's touchdown. The Nittany Lions' potent mix of defensive stops, offensive versatility, and special teams' efficiency ensured a comfortable victory in their season opener.
Harrison Wallace III (Penn State Nittany Lions)
Drew Allar connected with Harrison Wallace III on a perfectly timed 50-yard touchdown pass, marking Penn State's first points of the game. Wallace's route running and speed left the West Virginia defense in the dust, showcasing the Nittany Lions' aerial threat right from the start.
Kaytron Allen (Penn State Nittany Lions)
Drew Allar executed a precise 20-yard touchdown pass to running back Kaytron Allen, who caught the ball in stride and powered into the end zone. This play extended Penn State's lead to 13-0, demonstrating Allar's versatility and the depth of the Nittany Lions' offensive weapons.
Michael Hayes II (West Virginia Mountaineers)
Michael Hayes II provided West Virginia's first points with a 38-yard field goal. This came after a 10-play drive that stalled in Penn State territory, highlighting the Mountaineers' struggles to finish drives with touchdowns.
Michael Hayes II (West Virginia Mountaineers)
Michael Hayes II added a 39-yard field goal for West Virginia just before halftime, narrowing the score to 13-6. This field goal followed a critical fourth-down conversion by CJ Donaldson, but failed attempts at the end zone forced the Mountaineers to settle for three points.
Harrison Wallace III (Penn State Nittany Lions)
With just seconds remaining in the first half, Drew Allar fired an 18-yard touchdown pass to Harrison Wallace III. Wallace made an acrobatic catch under tight coverage, securing Penn State's lead at 20-6 and demoralizing the Mountaineers right before the break.
Nicholas Singleton (Penn State Nittany Lions)
Nicholas Singleton exploded for a 40-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter, evading several defenders with a dazzling display of speed and agility. This run extended the Nittany Lions' lead to 27-6, immediately reaffirming their dominance after a lengthy weather delay at halftime.
CJ Donaldson Jr. (West Virginia Mountaineers)
CJ Donaldson Jr. managed to break through Penn State's defense with a 1-yard touchdown run, providing a late glimmer of hope for West Virginia. Though the Mountaineers failed the ensuing two-point conversion, Donaldson's effort showcased his resilience and West Virginia's determination to fight back.
Tyler Warren (Penn State Nittany Lions)
Backup quarterback Beau Pribula capitalized on a well-executed play-action fake, finding Tyler Warren for a 19-yard touchdown pass. This final scoring play of the game capped off Penn State's commanding performance, pushing their lead to 34-12.
Elliot Washington II (Penn State Nittany Lions)
Elliot Washington II intercepted a pass with just under three minutes left in the game, thwarting any last-ditch efforts by West Virginia to close the gap. The interception sealed Penn State's victory and highlighted their defensive prowess, ensuring a solid start to their season.
Drew Allar (Penn State Nittany Lions, QB)
Drew Allar showcased his deep-ball accuracy by completing 11 of 17 passes for 216 yards and three touchdowns. His ability to navigate the pocket and make precise throws, including a 50-yard strike to Harrison Wallace III, set the tone for Penn State's offense while also adding 44 rushing yards on six carries.
Nicholas Singleton (Penn State Nittany Lions, RB)
Nicholas Singleton demonstrated his explosive playmaking skills by rushing 13 times for 114 yards, including a spectacular 40-yard touchdown run. Singleton's ability to break tackles and find open space was crucial in maintaining Penn State's offensive momentum throughout the game.
Harrison Wallace III (Penn State Nittany Lions, WR)
Harrison Wallace III emerged as a key target, catching five passes for 117 yards and two touchdowns. His stunning 50-yard touchdown catch exemplified his downfield threat, while his final-minute 18-yard grab demonstrated his ability to make clutch plays under pressure.
CJ Donaldson Jr. (West Virginia Mountaineers, RB)
CJ Donaldson Jr. was a bright spot for the Mountaineers, rushing 12 times for 42 yards and punching in a touchdown. His short-yardage power running provided West Virginia's only touchdown, showcasing his grit and determination in the face of a tough Penn State defense.
Kevin Winston Jr. (Penn State Nittany Lions, S)
Kevin Winston Jr. was instrumental in Penn State's defensive stand, recording six solo tackles and five assisted tackles. His presence in the secondary and ability to come up and make stops provided stability to the Nittany Lions' back end.
Michael Hayes II (West Virginia Mountaineers, K)
Michael Hayes II delivered by making both of his field goal attempts, scoring all of West Virginia's points in the first half with successful kicks from 38 and 39 yards. His accuracy provided the only consistent scoring option for the Mountaineers.
Elliot Washington II (Penn State Nittany Lions, DB)
Elliot Washington II made a crucial interception in the fourth quarter, sealing Penn State's victory. His ability to read the play and secure the turnover was a testament to the Nittany Lions' defensive prowess.
Jaylen Reed (Penn State Nittany Lions, S)
Jaylen Reed showcased his versatility and agility, recording nine tackles, one tackle for loss, and two pass breakups. His significant contributions on defense helped stymie West Virginia's offensive efforts and maintain Penn State's dominance.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. West Virginia Mountaineers - Final Score - August 31, 2024 | FOX Sports
Penn State Nittany Lions vs West Virginia Mountaineers Box Score - August 31, 2024 - The Athletic
Instant recap: Penn State football impressive in balanced win at West Virginia - Yahoo Sports
Penn State West Virginia Football Recap Drew Allar Harrison Wallace - Black Shoe Diaries
West Virginia’s upset hopes drenched in weather delayed opener against No. 8 Penn State - The Smoking Musket
Penn State Nittany Lions
0
20
7
7
34
West Virginia Mountaineers
0
6
0
6
12
