STATE COLLEGE − Many Penn State players may not have fully grasped the significance of their victory over Maryland as they took the field on Saturday, but the implications were clear to fans following the game closely. With a decisive 44-7 win, Penn State secured its spot in the Big Ten Championship Game for the first time since 2016, thanks in part to Michigan’s unexpected victory over No. 2 Ohio State. This puts the Nittany Lions in contention for their first Big Ten title in eight years.
Interestingly, most players were focused solely on the game at hand and did not realize the milestone they had achieved until after the final whistle. “We were actually getting ready for the game, so I couldn’t really watch it,” shared Jaylen Reed, reflecting on the Michigan game that was unfolding concurrently. “I think it was like 40 seconds left, and it was like 13-10. Michigan just kicked the field goal. I watched the last drive, and that’s all I saw.”
Despite the lack of awareness, Penn State’s performance was impressive and deserving of the accolades. The defense stood out, recording three sacks in the first quarter and finishing with six overall. Maryland quarterback M.J. Morris found himself under constant pressure, losing more yards from sacks than his team gained during the entire third quarter. The Lions capitalized on Maryland’s struggles, forcing seven punts while limiting the Terrapins to just one score early in the game after a fumble.
Abdul Carter was particularly notable, contributing two sacks to his personal total of ten for the season. He expressed a commitment to improvement, emphasizing that while the win was commendable, it shouldn’t lead to overconfidence. “We just got to keep finding ways to get better,” Carter stated. “Obviously, we played well tonight, but there were also areas where we can improve.”
The road ahead for Penn State will be challenging. They are set to face the undefeated Oregon, the current No. 1 team in the nation, a squad that has strong victories and has confidently defeated many Big Ten teams. Coach James Franklin acknowledged the unprecedented competitiveness of the Big Ten this season, stating, “When you play as many games as we do now in college football and the type of opponents that we play, you’re going to have to find different ways to get it done.”
While this victory marks a significant achievement for Penn State, the bigger battle lies ahead in their quest for the championship. However, the team has demonstrated growth and resilience, traits that will be essential as they prepare for the challenges that await them in the championship clash. The journey to the Big Ten title is within reach, offering hope and excitement for fans and players alike.