McSorley’s record breaking performance leads Penn State over Kent State

Kent State vs Penn State game in University Park, PA on September 15, 2018. (Photo by Austin Sullivan / fi360 News)

University Park, PA – Penn State looked to continue their undefeated run after a commanding win at the University of Pittsburgh in week two. The Nittany Lions did just that with a 61 – 10 win at home over the Kent State Golden Flashes. Penn State finished their non conference schedule 3 – 0.

“We find a way to get a win against a good opponent here are home. That team was beating Illinois at half time on the road so I’m pleased with that,” said Penn State head coach, James Franklin.

Penn State struck first with a 75 yard drive that resulted in a 40 yard touchdown pass from McSorley to DeAndre Thompkins. Kent State answered with a 75 yard drive of their own culminating with a 47 yard pass from quarterback Woody Barrett to Mike Carrigan. After that Penn State bounced back and ran away with the score.

Kent State vs Penn State game in University Park, PA on September 15, 2018. (Photo by Austin Sullivan / fi360 News)

Senior quarterback, Trace McSorley led the charge with five touchdowns and 283 yards total. McSorley broke a school record for the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in their career with 23 rushing touchdowns. The record was previously held by Daryll Clark at 22.

The running committee of Johnathan Thomas, Ricky Slade, Miles Sanders, and Mark Allen provided support on the ground with a combined 233 yards rushing and three  touchdowns. McSorley led the team with three rushing touchdowns.

Kent State vs Penn State game in University Park, PA on September 15, 2018. (Photo by Austin Sullivan / fi360 News)

Multiple Penn State players reached career milestones during the commanding victory. McSorley surpassed 1,00 career rushing yards and Thompkins became the 31st Nittany Lion to surpass 1,000 career receiving yards.

Penalties plagued both teams with a total of 19 for 192 yards. Including three Nittany Lions  touchdowns that were recalled  due to penalties.

“There’s other times that we are hurting ourselves and the opponent had nothing to do with it,” said Franklin.

Safety Elvis Hines was a bright spot on defense for the Golden flashes with four tackles and one interception.

Kent State vs Penn State game in University Park, PA on September 15, 2018. (Photo by Austin Sullivan / fi360 News)

Kent State came into the matchup 1 – 1, previously losing close game with Penn State’s conference opponent Illinois.

On the other side of the ball, Kent State’s sophomore quarterback Woody Barrett finished with 176 passing yards and the team’s only touchdown.

Defensively Penn State held the Golden Eagles to a total of 221 yards for the day and sacked Barrett a total of three times.

Kent State vs Penn State game in University Park, PA on September 15, 2018. (Photo by Austin Sullivan / fi360 News)

Outside Linebacker, Cam Brown led the Nittany Lines with seven tackles.

Next Friday, September 21, 2018 the Penn State Nittany Lions will travel to Champaign Illinois to face the University of Illinois Fighting Illini.