Ad Disclosure
Penn State did not register any overly impressive style points in a Week 6 win over UCLA. However, the Nittany Lions were in complete control throughout the game, and they moved to 5-0 with the win over the Bruins.
One absence that certainly impacted Penn State was star running back Nicholas Singleton. After battling an illness this week, Singleton was listed as questionable on the pre-game availability report and did not see the field against UCLA.
As a result, it led to Kaytron Allen filling the role of workhorse RB. Overall, UCLA’s defense did its best to keep things close and limit Allen on the afternoon, but James Franklin’s program had a bit too much talent and firepower.
The story of the game ultimately proved to be about Penn State’s defense with Tom Allen’s unit pitching another gem. In 3 games since the Bowling Green debacle, the Nittany Lions have surrendered just 18 total points and kept UCLA out of the end zone until within 2 minutes left in the game.
Now, the full attention can turn to a major Week 7 showdown in Los Angeles against USC as Penn State will go back-to-back weeks facing the LA-based newcomers. Here are the key takeaways from the 27-11 game between Penn State and UCLA:
Penn State’s defense has found its form
UCLA did get to 11 points in Saturday’s game, but the one touchdown the Bruins did score came inside a minute left in the game. Outside of that drive, the Nittany Lions delivered the big stops throughout the game when they needed.
While Penn State did not register a takeaway in the game, the defense held UCLA to 260 total yards of offense and 3.2 yards per carry on the ground. The Bruins were also 6-for-15 on 3rd downs with the Nittany Lions able to get off the field.
In fact, UCLA’s offense had its most success in the first half. Penn State forced 3 straight punts (including a pair of 3-and-outs) in the 3rd quarter while effectively putting the game away.
At the end of it all, the Nittany Lions finished with 2 sacks and 7 TFLs, a nice follow-up to the performance against Illinois last week. Abdul Carter led Penn State with 1.5 TFLs and Jaylen Reed had 1 sack in the win.
Drew Allar delivers balanced passing performance
Drew Allar continues to deliver exactly what the Penn State offense needs time and time again. While the ground game struggled to be efficient against UCLA (2.8 YPC), Allar was lights out and came up with multiple big-time throws.
He finished the game 17-for-24 passing the ball with 237 yards and a passing touchdown. He would add a short rushing touchdown to his credit, but it was the way Allar distributed the ball that jumped out.
No player for Penn State had more than 3 catches, and 8 Nittany Lions registered at least 1 reception vs. the Bruins. In fact, 4 players had 3 catches in the win with Liam Clifford leading the team with 107 receiving yards. Tyler Warren had the receiving touchdown for Penn State.
That’s the kind of outing fans will want to see against tougher competition, but it’s a good sign Allar has trust in all his pieces at this point in the season.
Justyn Martin gives UCLA hope in first-ever start
With Ethan Garbers out this week, UCLA turned to Justyn Martin in one of the toughest venues to play. Considering it was the first career start for the former 4-star recruit, Martin performed admirably for the Bruins.
Martin took some hits throughout the game but did not commit a turnover which is one positive takeaway. He also completed 22-of-30 passes for 167 yards with a late touchdown in the game while showing an ability to make plays with his legs.
There is plenty to learn from that experience, but it’s also a performance with plenty to build on if Garbers misses any additional time.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.