PSU dismantles Marshall in Matt Campbell’s first game
Trending
UNIVERSITY PARK -- The Matt Campbell era started off in one of the most exciting ways possible.
In what everyone thought would happen in last year's non-conference schedule, the Nittany Lions' offense looked crisp and perhaps even in midseason form in some cases.
There was never any doubt in anyone's mind on any possible upsets with the Lions taking care of business from beginning to end in a 45-0 victory over Marshall in front of 108,489 fans at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium.
Quarterback Rocco Becht also had an impressive debut, going 13 for 18 with 271 yards and four touchdowns. As promised by offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser earlier this week, backup Alex Manske also entered the game in the second half, going 6 for 8 with 57 yards.
Koby Howard was the main target for the day, picking up 161 receiving yards on six catches for a touchdown. Brett Eskildsen, Benjamin Brahmer and Zay Robinson also had touchdowns through the air.
On the defensive side, Tony Rojas had seven tackles, including two for a loss and a sack to lead the Lions.
Off the field, there were special moments. The program held a moment of silence in memory of Dr. Wayne Sebastianellii, a physician with Penn State football for more than 30 years.
There was also a flyover after the national anthem, and former placekicker and NFL All-Pro selection Robbie Gould was the honorary captain for the week.
If there is anyone that misses former coach James Franklin in Penn State's camp, the people in charge of music selections probably aren't among them. There were familiar picks during breaks in play such as 'Since U Been Gone' by Kelly Clarkson, but there was also 'Baby' by Justin Bieber and 'We Are Never Getting Back Together' by Kelly Clarkson.
There was also a brief period of 'Enter Sandman' by Metallica. Virginia Tech enters their home games to Enter Sandman.
There was also a notable change inside the Penn State tunnel where there was formerly a 1-0 sign on the overhang. That sign was changed to one that read, 'Success With Honor.' That was a slogan under legendary PSU coach Joe Paterno. Campbell has been enthusiastic about honoring Penn State's past in his nine months as the head man in State College.
Penn State (1-0) is back in action next Saturday with their first road game of the season in Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field against Temple. The game will kick off at noon and will be televised on ESPN2.
Full coverage can be found in Monday's edition of the Mirror.