PSU highlights, lowlights

Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski PSU senior quarterback Trace McSorley is greeted by Amani Oruwariye after exiting the game.
UNIVERSITY PARK — Following are the highlights and lowlights from Penn State’s 38-3 victory over Maryland on Saturday at Beaver Stadium:
Play of the game: On first down at the Maryland 20, Trace McSorley shot through an opening and raced untouched for a touchdown to give the Nittany Lions a 14-3 lead with 1:58 remaining in the opening quarter. It created an early two-score lead and set the tone for the ensuing rout.
Offensive player of the game: McSorley accounted for 294 yards of total offense, completing 12-of-22 for 230 yards and a touchdown and rushing 11 times for 64 yards and two more TDs.
Defensive player of the game: Defensive tackle Yetur Gross-Matos continued his strong play with four tackles — 3.5 of which were for loss.
Most telling statistic: Penn State rushed for 310 yards on 44 carries — a 7.0 yards-per-carry average.
Most deceiving statistic: The Terrapins owned time of possession, 32:48-27:12.
Hidden statistic: Of Maryland’s eight penalties (for 73 yards), four gave Penn State first downs.
Best run: Miles Sanders broke a half-dozen tackles — and did the old rumblin’ bumblin’ stumblin’ routine — during a 35-yard gain to the Terps’ 5 on the Lions’ first possession, which set up the first touchdown.
Best pass: McSorley hit freshman Jahan Dotson on a crossing pattern over the middle for 22 yards in the third quarter.
Worst pass: McSorley had KJ Hamler wide open at the sideline in the first quarter but overshot him.
Best catch: It’s been a very tough year for Juwan Johnson, with drops and injuries, so let’s go with his 38-yard reception in the fourth quarter.
Catch it, will ya: DeAndre Thompkins dropped one late in the second quarter, his second drop of the half. Hamler also dropped two in the first half.
Hold it, won’t ya: Sanders fumbled away a third-quarter drive — his fifth fumble of the season. Johnathan Thomas mishandled the opening kickoff, but the Lions recovered.
Best block: McSorley hustled to get in front of Sanders’ 35-yard run.
Best tackle: Jake Pinegar, subbing for Rafael Checa, tripped up Rayshad Lewis after a 31-yard kickoff return in the third quarter.
Best hit: Maryland’s Antwaine Richardson decked Tommy Stevens in the fourth quarter.
Best kick: Maryland punter Wade Lees uncorked a 50-yarder and also put five inside the 20-yard line.
Worst kick(s): Checa opened the second half by kicking off out of bounds. Maryland’s Joseph Petrino missed a 31-yard field goal to open the fourth quarter.
Worst penalty: Maryland was hit with an illegal formation, which wiped out a 54-yard first-quarter punt that was downed at the PSU 3.
Best call: The Lions showed an aggressive side, going deep on their first play with McSorley hitting Hamler on a post for 34 yards.
Worst call: Whoever in the PSU chain of command who was responsible for the entire press box being without use of restrooms until five minutes were left in the game.
Best effort: True freshman tailback Ricky Slade had his best game, rushing for 64 yards and a career-high 11 carries and two touchdowns. He also caught a pass for 12 yards.
Unsung hero: PSU defensive coordinator Brent Pry schemed up a unit that allowed just three points — or 48 fewer than the Terps scored last week against Ohio State.
Best moment: McSorley left to a standing ovation/curtain call with eight minutes remaining.
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