Penn State vs Central Florida Game Review

     Penn State has always been known for its tough defense and good defensive run blocking. On Saturday though the Nittany Lions uncharacteristically displayed a poor defensive performance with missed tackling that gave up huge plays for the Knights of Central Florida. Penn State's defense gave up over 500 yards of total offense (507 total- 288 passing 219 rushing), thanks in large part of UCF Running Back Storm Johnson who contributed to the offensive production with 116 yards on 16 carries and a rushing Touchdown (TD). Storm also had a 4 yard reception for a TD as he scored the first two touchdowns for the Knights and gave them a 14-7 lead from his contributions. The Knights would expand their lead to 11 at the half with a 21-10 lead. UCF scored on their first possession of the second half increasing their lead to 18.  The lack of depth on Penn State's defense began to show signs of fatigue. Penn State Lineman, DaQuan Jones and Deion Barnes were contained as the Nittany Lion line failed to apply any pressure to the quarterback recording no sacks, and had trouble plugging up the holes in the Knights running game. However Penn State did not quit!



     Penn State Quarterback Christian Hackenberg had another solid performance finishing 21/28 with 262 passing yards and 1 TD Pass. Zach Zwinak  set a personal best with 3 rushing TD's. His second cut the lead back down to 11 and his third cut the Knights lead down to a TD. Zwinak though would end up turning the ball over after a fumble near the end of the game which cost Penn State a golden opportunity to score with ample time left. Penn State would go on to score later in the game to cut the lead to 34-31 after Wide Receiver Allen Robinson caught a late TD pass (Robinson finished the day with 9 Receptions for 143 yards to go along with his TD reception)

     Penn State managed to comeback after being down 18 at one point and cut the lead to a Field Goal. Central Florida though, would be able to hold off the feisty Nittany Lions and upset Penn State on the road at Beaver Stadium.

     Notes: Sam Ficken's Consecutive Field Goals made streak was snapped, but not before connecting on a 47 yarder that gave him 15 straight, as that now stands at the new school record.

     Penn State continued to struggle on 3rd down conversions, going only 2 for 8 and are now 4-34 through 3 games

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