Zack Zwinak's rushing performance was a big reason why the Nittany Lions Offense was able to move the ball effectively
They say you learn more from losing than you do winning. After last week's disappointing loss, Penn State quickly put that all behind them and set their sights on Purdue. Despite getting off to a slow start, Penn State soon found its groove. After a Sam Ficken FG tied things up at 3, it didn't take long for Penn State to score again.
Just 2 minutes and 10 seconds later, Michael Zordich took it in from 6 for 6 just one play after McGloin hit Felder for a 42 yd. gain. After several exchanges of punts and a missed FG by Purdue, Sam Ficken converted on his 2nd FG of the day to extend Penn State's lead to 10. After forcing Purdue to a 3&out, Penn State got the ball back with just under two minutes left in the 1st half. On two plays, McGloin made sure Penn State would not waste a golden opportunity to score right before heading into the half a pass to Felder for 31 yards and a 9 yard run to set Penn State up at the Purdue 15. Michael Zordich then took over and would take two plays to punch it into the endzone (5yd TD run) for his 2nd rushing TD of the game to give Penn State a 20-3 lead heading into the half.
Penn State opened up the 2nd half with receiving the ball and a combination of efficent passing by Matt McGloin and solid running by Zack Zwinak, the Nittany Lions were able to drive the ball down the field 80 yards in just 7 plays with a Matt McGloin TD Pass to Jesse James to extend Penn State's lead to 24. Purdue's next possession was again a quick one as they were forced to punt just after 5 plays. Matt McGloin again would lead Penn State on a long scoring driving when he finished it off on a nice play action fake to connect with none other than Felder for another long passing play. This time for 41 yds as Penn State was now up 34-3.
With the game in hand, Penn State just ran the clock out with effective running by both Zack Zwinak, who finished with 21 carries for 134 yards and Zordich whose two TD's helped Penn State's offense get going early on in the game. Matt McGloin threw for 321 yds. and 2 TD's with Brandon Moseby Felder being responsible for 129 of McGloin's yards through the air.
Purdue would go on a TD with no time left in the game but obviously had no bearing on the outcome of the game. Penn State heads to Lincoln next week to face Nebraska and look to redeem themselves from last season's lost to the Cornhuskers.
Picture courtesy of http://collegefootball.ap.org
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