University Park, PA- Flashes on the defense and the offense in Happy Valley for the UCLA Bruins was good upfront but not sustainable for four quarters. The Penn State Nittany Lions in the second quarter began to take over with 27-11.
A key point will you could clearly see that the Lions took over when guard #71 Olaivavega Ioane 6’4, 348 pounds who lined up as a slot receiver and went in motion and laid a kickout block that was felt throughout Happy Valley.
“We held UCLA to minus -9 yards in the 3rd quarter today,” said Penn State James Franklin, “Penn State are 5-0 for the 4th straight year with are the only team in country to do this.”
Now with this victory the Lions have moved to 5-0 on the season, but was held to on 322 total yards. Drew Allar threw for 237 yards with a touchdown on 17/24. He hit 8 different targets with passes after settling down find pockets in the Bruins defense picking up chunks of yardages. Allar used his legs to run in one other touchdown to find a way to help advance his team.
UCLA coach DeShaun Foster was forced to start Justyn Martin at quarterback at the largest stadium of college football. Martin didn’t disappoint with new weight placed on his shoulders throwing for 167 yards, 22/30 pass with a touchdown.
Lions looked to pressure Martin and he remained calm in the pocket, taking few hits versing bailing out like a veteran during his first start for UCLA. Bruin fans could see why he was placed in the position to lead the team.
“I didn’t really have to do, like, too much thinking. How we prepped during the week was, you know, pretty much what we saw out there,” said Martin, “So it was pretty easy to just go out there and execute.”
UCLA running back Jalen Berger took on a larger role in the running game with 9 carries for 38 yards during this game were it was a committee rushing attack. Keegan Jones made his presence felt with quick feet and rushing 38 yards and two catches.
The Inglewood connection was seen with quarterback Martin finding his high school teammate in the air with a big catch out of the backfield by T.J. Harden who went racing down filed to set up Bruins first points. T.J. led the Bruins with 59 yards receiving on 5 receptions.
Penn State leaders who showed up on the field was running back Kaytron Allen who carried the load with 21 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown. Then Laim Clifford hit the century mark with 3 catches for 107 yards with smooth hands. Now Tyler Warren was used a pick play to catch a touchdown pass that helped the Lions pull away.
UCLA falls to 1-4 on the season and will play host to Minnesota on Saturday October 12 at the Rose Bowl. Penn State 5-0 will travel right behind the Bruins coming to Los Angeles to face off with USC at 12:30pm at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
