Penn State West Virginia Football Recap Drew Allar Harrison Wallace

So about the hornet’s nest that was to be Milan-Puskar Stadium in a season opener?

It became more like that annoying wasp that gets caught between your storm door and front door.

The “buzz” was that Penn State was on major upset alert with plenty of Saturday morning national prognosticators picking the No. 8 Nittany Lions to lose to West Virginia.

Nope. Nevermind. Squashed. Even with a shaky first quarter and a 2017-esque storm delay, Penn State rolled to a 34-12 win against a darkhorse Big XII title contender.

The Lions, who are now 50-9-2 all time against the Mountaineers, did a lot of things that Penn State fans wanted to see on Saturday.

About this new-look offense under “the big zamboni”? Well, Harrison Wallace III (he of two touchdowns) looked the part of No. 1 receiver and Drew Allar (he of three touchdown passes) was great. Meanwhile, Nicholas Singleton looked plenty explosive again and Beau Pribula even jumped in with a touchdown pass and a couple of gritty runs.

About that defense under Tom Allen? They were fast. They were aggressive. They forced turnovers (what a grab Elliott Washington!). They – another flying insect metpahor – swarmed to the ball. West Virginia moved the ball some, but both of their scoring drives were aided by very questionable short-yardage spots.

The long storm delay did seem to rain on the momentum of Drew Allar – who passed for 216 yards and three scores. He also showed the ability to step up in the pocket and scramble in key situations, running for 44 yards on six carries.

At the same time, the 2 hour and 19 minute delay that came as the teams went into the half, also emptied out a stadium – a stadium that seemed really ready to roll once Singleton burst 40 yards for a third-quarter score to put Penn State up 27-6.

Overall, it was a satisfying win for the Lions, who are now 1-0 and head back home to Beaver Stadium for four straight home games.

Some old coach said that the best improvements come between Week 1 and Week 2. There are obviously things that needed cleaned up, but let’s enjoy this opening win.