Pasadena, California | Consider this statistic. In the past nine seasons, Penn State is 3-1 in the New Year’s Six Bowl. The Lions’ most recent game was an impressive 35-21 victory over Utah in the 2023 Rose Bowl.
During that same stretch, only Alabama (6-0) and Clemson (5-1) have a higher winning percentage than Penn State among teams with at least four appearances in the NY6 Bowl (also in the CFP title game). regardless of). The Lions (11-2) are knocking. Perhaps they’ll open their doors in the next two seasons.
Meanwhile, Penn State celebrated its first Rose Bowl victory since 1995. It was a victory in which the team completed a 5-game finishing run averaging 27.8 points over their opponents.
Penn State capped off an impressive run with a signature finish. on the report card.
Offense: A
Utah, who entered the game with the Pac-12’s top-ranked rushing and scoring defense, hadn’t allowed more than 80 yards of offensive play since 2018. Nicholas Singleton’s 87-yard touchdown run was phenomenal against the run-stopping front, and Shawn his Clifford 88-yard touchdown. Combining knowledge and speed.
The Lions became the first team in Rose Bowl history with an 80-yard rushing and passing touchdown, and also collected Clifford’s season-best 12-play touchdown drive. is.
Defense: B+
The Lions gave up their longest play, a completion of 47 yards, in the 3rd and 10th blitz that didn’t go home. They also missed several tackles, especially from linebackers, helping Utah rush for 184 yards. And they didn’t fare well on third down. Utah made 11 third-down attempts, the second-most in bowl history.
That said, Penn State produced two turnovers (picks for Karen King and Jair Brown), made six sacks, and went down with nine tackles. “What a moment,” Brown reiterated before being named the game’s defensive MVP. Linebacker Curtis Jacobs had two sacks against backup quarterback Bryson Barnes, who replaced injured Utah starter Cam Rising.
Special Team: B
Punter Bernie Amor interrupted his career with three attempts that were downed within 20, including one at the 1-yard line. The press team was solid as usual, and this year’s National Long Snapper, Chris Stoll, finished his career as “Mr. Consistent,” as Franklin called him. Kicker Jake Pinnegar scored his extra points in his career with 195, ranking him fourth in the Big His Ten history.
Coaching: A.
You can pick the nitty-gritty with some small decisions, such as the timeout Franklin called to begin reviewing Utah’s touchdown catch. But it’s vulgar. Penn State executed an exceptional offensive game plan in Utah, allowing Clifford to play controlled football, occasionally trying to execute tempo, and executing two big plays: Defensively he coordinator Manny Diaz put Utah in a mess of his 40-for-18 passing.
Ultimately, the Lions beat Utah 21-0 in the 3rd and 4th quarters, turning a 14-14 halftime tie into a pretty comfortable win. This is thanks to his approach to the big picture since November and his focus on the ball against Ute.
scroll to continue
Overall: A
Franklin’s team wasted several bowl games, especially in last year’s Outback Bowl, with the Lions playing without half of their first defense. This year’s opt-in buy-ins echoed across the roster, leading to strong performances from veteran and younger players.
Doing it all while paying tribute to Franco Harris created a night to remember in Pasadena. increase.
Penn State Fans: SI Tickets is your one-stop shop for tickets to a variety of Penn State sporting events, from football to basketball to hockey to volleyball. Need tickets to a Penn State game? Check out SI Tickets.
read more
Penn State University Landed Portal Receivers After Rose Bowl
The story behind the longest touchdown catch in Rose Bowl history
Pennsylvania State University thrives in Rose Bowl
Nation meets Penn State linebacker Abdul Carter in Rose Bowl
After the Rose Bowl, Sean Clifford turns to the NFL.
ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit says Penn State is ‘right around the corner’ and ready to fight for a playoff spot
Meet Penn State’s newest cornerback, Storm Duck
The Remarkable Story of Penn State’s First Rose Bowl
all pen states The SI.com network is your go-to place for news, opinions, and perspectives from Penn State University. Publisher Mark Wogenrich says he’s been at Penn State University for more than 20 years, tracking his staff of three coaches, three of his Big Ten titles, and a catalog of great stories. follow him on twitter @Mark WogenrichAlso consider subscribing (button on home page) to get more great content across the SI.com network.