Nittany Lions pass their pre-Michigan test
PSU football commentary
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COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Penn State standout offensive tackle Olu Fashanu didn't think it was a coincidence that the Nittany Lions played their best offensive game of the season Saturday in destroying Maryland, 51-15.
"November is the month of champions," Fashanu said. "This game is a great catalyst for what's to come."
What's coming in six days for the 8-1 Lions is a matchup with No. 2 Michigan at Beaver Stadium.
And even if Penn State went 0-1 in its first of two measuring sticks, losing at Ohio State 20-12 on Oct. 21, the Lions' domination of the Terrapins allows them to carry momentum -- and hope -- into what will be a special backdrop with the Wolverines in town.
After two weeks of so-so offense, the Lions' passing game improved, starting with a calmer Drew Allar and the emergence of Dante Cephas as a needed second target.
Allar completed 25 of 34 for 240 yards and four touchdowns -- two to Cephas and one each to tight ends Tyler Warren and Theo Johnson.
He benefitted from excellent protection (no sacks) and was not intercepted after throwing his first pick of the season, and his career, a week ago in a struggle against Indiana.
"I was just playing free and loose today," Allar, whose late-game winning TD beat Indiana, said. "I think, last week, at the end of the game, (it) finally kind of clicked for me where I was just out there playing, not trying to be perfect."
James Franklin said Maryland's strategy of one-on-one coverage created more space for Allar to spot receivers.
"The O-line did a great job protecting, and Drew was comfortable going through his progressions," Franklin said.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith was his reliable self with a team-high eight catches for 95 yards, but Cephas, the Kent State transfer, became the difference maker, catching six for 59 yards and two scores, including a nifty toe-tap for the game's first touchdown.
It was also Cephas' first TD as a Nittany Lion and, at least for now, ended a season-long narrative of blaming the receiving corps.
"There was definitely some relief," Cephas said.
The shoulder injury to Trey Wallace provided more opportunity for Cephas, who admitted his lack of production had taxed his patience.
"It was just a test," he said. "I tried to stay poised, stay calm and keep my composure."
Like all players whose role doesn't meet their hopes, Cephas admitted he relied on those close to him for support.
All gave him the same message.
"I wouldn't say I got down," he said. "But there were conversations with former coaches, high school coaches, family, friends all reached out and told me, 'just keep working, the plays will come.'''
Previously, Cephas did not have more than two catches in any game. His six Saturday gives him 17 for the season.
Franklin said Cephas' game "is a win-win for everybody. It changes everything when there's more than one guy who can make plays. Hopefully, it will help his confidence."
Penn State's defense allowed Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa to complete his first 17 passes, and by the time he missed one (actually it was dropped), the Lions had a 21-7 lead.
The defense limited Terps' receivers after the catch(es), and Maryland could not run at all, finishing with negative 49 yards on the ground.
As the game wore on, the Terps couldn't control the Lions' pass rush and wore down. The Lions finished with six sacks and 12 tackles for loss, and Maryland gave up 27 points in the fourth quarter.
In the last four visits to SECU Stadium, Penn State has outscored the Terps, 207-32. Per usual here, the game was played before almost as many wearing blue and white as Maryland gear.
"This area has always been very good to us," Franklin said. "It's a good win -- we won and got better."
They put the disappointment of Ohio State and their sleepwalk against Indiana behind.
"Everybody is going to have adversity," Allar said. "It's about how you respond to it."
For Penn State to stand a chance against Michigan, the Lions needed to leave here feeling good about themselves.
Mission accomplished.
Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com.