Penn State Football: Nittany Lions shut down struggling Rutgers team

Penn State football failed to dominate and capitalize on multiple turnovers, but it came away with the 20-7 win at Rutgers despite limited success offensively.

Rutgers only has beaten Texas State this season, and they fell once again to a hot Penn State team that is playing very well defensively. Rutgers’ offense was unable to move the ball from the start of the game outside of the rushing game.

Penn State’s offense struggled early as well. Neither team had a first down in the first seven minutes of the game. They capitalized on an interception late in the second quarter that gave them a 10-0 lead.

Rutgers benched starting quarterback Artur Sitkowski after completing only three of seven passes for 18 yards and two interceptions.

Star freshman linebacker Micah Parsons made his first start of the season. He had seven tackles and two tackles for loss.

Jahan Dotson also had his best game of the season. The freshman wide receiver accumulated 58 yards with four receptions. K.J. Hamler also had five receptions for 71 yards.

Rutgers finished the game with only 234 offensive yards and gave up four sacks to a Penn State defensive line that was in the backfield consistently. Most of Rutgers’ offensive productivity was from the rushing game since they ran the ball over 50 times. They had 188 rushing yards in comparison to only 46 passing yards.

Trace McSorley missed multiple throws but also had some bright moments throughout the game, including a nice play where he rolled out and lobbed a pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth, who finished the game with two touchdowns.

Rutgers had a chance for a touchdown during the third quarter before backup quarterback Giovanni Rescigno dropped an easy touchdown catch on fourth down. That catch would have brought them within one score before giving up momentum with a disappointing error.

Penn State plays Maryland next week in State College to close out the season. They have no chance at the Big Ten Championship Game, but Penn State could make it to a New Year’s Six bowl game if they win next week.

Rutgers closes out the season at Michigan State next week, where they will likely fall to 1-11 for this disappointing season.