Ep. 192 | Yellow Light

Join the Hardcore Penn State Football Podcast as we dissect No. 2 Penn State’s 34-0 shutout victory over FIU in Week Two at Beaver Stadium! The Nittany Lions moved to 2-0 with a dominant defensive performance and a late offensive surge, but the road to a Big Ten title and playoff berth looks bumpy after another uneven showing. With 104,000 fans braving the rain in Happy Valley, we’re breaking down the key moments, concerns, and bright spots from this lopsided win, plus a look at Penn State alums shining in NFL Week 1. Let’s dive in! Senior QB Drew Allar followed his stellar Week 1 with a frustratingly inconsistent performance against FIU, completing 19 of 33 passes for 200 yards and two TDs but struggling to find rhythm. Early miscues, including a missed swing pass to Nick Singleton and underthrown deep balls, led to a sluggish first half with just 10 points. Allar’s highlight was a gorgeous 42-yard TD pass to Devonte Ross, but his 57.6% completion rate and visible frustration—mimicking tearing his jersey after a miss—sparked fan debate. Is this a blip, or a sign of deeper issues for the senior signal-caller? The offensive line, expected to be a strength, had another rough outing, with missed assignments stalling drives and limiting the ground attack. Despite Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton combining for over 200 rushing yards and two TDs, the unit lacked consistency, contributing to a measly 3-of-12 third-down conversions. Coach James Franklin called out the sloppy execution, and with tougher tests like Ohio State looming, the O-line’s struggles are a yellow flag. Can they clean it up before Big Ten play? The defensive line was a bright spot, stepping up big in the shutout. Freshman DE Chaz Coleman made his presence felt, showing promise with disruptive plays and earning praise for his potential as a future star. Veteran DE Zuriah Fisher’s return added juice, bolstering a unit that held FIU to just 151 total yards and forced a turnover on an Alonzo Ford interception. With Tony Rojas racking up 10 tackles, this D-line looks ready to carry Penn State’s defense under new DC Jim Knowles. Are they the key to a top-tier season? Special teams delivered a highlight with punter Gabe Nwosu unleashing a monstrous 70-yard punt that flipped the field and energized the soggy Beaver Stadium crowd. The bomb pinned FIU deep, showcasing Nwosu’s leg and potential as a weapon in the field-position battle. Ryan Barker also chipped in with two field goals (41 and 34 yards), though a 53-yarder was blocked. Special teams could be a difference-maker this year! While the current Nittany Lions grind, Penn State alums lit up NFL Week 1! We’ll recap how PSU’s pros are carrying the #WeAre spirit on the big stage! Despite the 2-0 start, Penn State’s sluggish offense and Allar’s inconsistency raise concerns as they head into a crucial stretch. Can the O-line gel, and will Allar find his form? The defense and special teams look elite, but is it enough to compete with the Big Ten’s best? We’re previewing the upcoming slate, analyzing their play, and tackling your listener questions on whether we should be concerned about this performance. Tune in now for the full breakdown. Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for all things Hardcore Penn State Football. #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions

 

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