After a squemish first quarter, Penn State turned up the heat and cruised to victory, beating Youngstown State 44-14. A very impressive Robert Bolden finished the game with 20 completions on 29 attempts (69%) for 239 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Bolden came out a little shaky, putting a little extra zip on certain throws and missing open receivers. However, he seemed to gel with the offensive line (who turned in a very good performance) and finally hit his stride in the second quarter.
Brett Brackett, a fifth-year senior, was a welcome surprise, catching 8 passes for 98 yards, which eclipsed his season totals of three catches and 31 yards from 2009. Justin Brown and Derrick Moye turned in a combined 8 more catches for 96 combined yards.
Out of the backfield, Evan Royster never seemed to get things going on a steady basis, finishing with 11 carries for 40 yards. Stephfon Green saw plenty of action as well, getting 6 carries for 32 yards and one score.
The play of the game, however, was Chaz Powell’s 100 yard kickoff return to open the second half, the first 100 yard kick return by a Nittany Lion since 1975.
The defense, overall, played well, but there were times where it looked out of place and sloppy. With Alabama looming a week away, Tom Bradley will have to get the linebackers and secondary more focused. Notwithstanding those sloppy plays, the linebacking crew looked phenomenal, with many players seeing valuable action. Chris Colassanti led the team with 13 tackles, though 25 total Nittany Lions tallied at least one tackle. Nate Stupar had the lone sack.
Colin Wagner had a phenomenal day, connecting on three 40+ yard field goals and all four extra points he attempted. Anthony Fera handled the kickoff duties admirably, booming numerous kicks through the endzone for a touchback. He was also impressive with his lone punt, a 45-yarder.