Auburn, AL – The Penn State Nittany Lions displayed an improved running game at Auburn averaging 6.3 yards per carry with all five TDs of the rushing variety. Their bend-but-not-break-defense intercepted two passes and recovered two fumbles on the way to achieving a 41-12 victory over Auburn. They held AU’s top runner Tank Bigsby to only 39 yards. He ran for 102 yards at two TDs versus the Lions last season. PSU RB Nick Singleton carried ten times for 124 yards and two TDs. Fellow frosh Kaytron Allen picked up 52 yards and two TDs on nine carries. In the red zone, Auburn could only convert two FGs in the first half. Their final series of the game stalled on fourth down against the Nittany Lions second team at the nine.
First half action
PSU’s first series of the game stalled at Auburn’s 48 on a QB sneak by Sean Clifford. HC James Franklin has not yet realized that when it comes to running, Clifford is no Trace McSorely, his predecessor. Auburn QB TJ Finley (11-19, 152 yards, one INT) completed short passes to open receivers in the first half, or and his receivers made several outstanding catches. However, once near the red zone, the Nittany Lions defense held firm. Auburn’s Anders Carlson converted his first of two FGs in the first half from 33 yards to take a 3-0 lead.
On the ensuing drive by the Nittany Lions, Clifford (14-19 for 178 yards) connected with WR Mitchell Tinsley for 34 yards to the seven. Two plays later, with a wide-open hole on his right, Clifford ran through from there to put the Lions ahead for good, 7-3. S Zakee Wheatly (R-Fr.) picked off a Finley pass to gain possession at Auburn’s 25, but to no avail. PSU punted it away. Once again, Auburn made it to the Lions’ five to come away with Carlson’s second FG to cut the lead, 7-6. Penn State retaliated immediately with a 68-yard drive capped by Allen with a seven-yard run. A fumble by Tiger WR Shedrick Jackson resulted in a Lion recovery by LB Jonathan Sunderland at the 50. Like the previous Tiger turnover, the Lions couldn’t capitalize. At the half, PSU went into the locker-room with a 14-6 advantage.
Can’t thank our Auburn Tailgate hosts enough!
Our tailgate atmosphere was tremendous! Longtime Auburn friend, grad, and successful business entrepreneur Charlie Murren met us at a very convenient lot hosted by a former classmate Dave Dirk and his fellow organizers, Mike and Billy. What a great setting! We had a beautiful day. The sun broiled fans in Jordan-Hare Stadium. The canopy-covered tables provided a great assortment of foods and beverage brought by many attendees, conveniently in the shade. The die-hard Auburn fans entertained many Penn State fans as families, friends, and business associates had affiliations with either or both schools.
Joe Rogers, formerly of the Bleacher Report, joined me as my Guest Game Analyst (GGA). Now living in Savannah, Georgia, he brought several friends with him from his native Danville, Pennsylvania area. Everyone enjoyed a good time sharing “tales around the tailgates”. Good-natured razzing went on, and primary hosts Billy and Mike gave pregame speeches welcoming and busting PSU fans. However, they genuinely invited us all back after the game, whoever won, or any other time when we visit “the Loveliest Village on the Plains” again.
Mutual respect
These guys love doing this, but they and we hope their Tigers will make it more worthwhile coming for the rest of this season. Except for having to leave with an “L” (28-20), they all consented that they really enjoyed the time and hospitality at State College last year. Great people! Great time! Tremendous seats for us, too. Charlie said he’ll let me know what games he’ll be at next year. Then, we can root for the Tigers against somebody else and hopefully celebrate a win with these great Auburn Tiger fans!
Third quarter – Nittany Lions roar!
A sack of Auburn QB by S Keaton Ellis forced a punt to start the second half. Taking over from the 42, Singleton broke off a 50-yard run to the AU two. He took it I from the one for a quick, 21-6 lead for the Lions. Finley fumbled the ball on the next possession, this time putting the visitors at the 30 of Auburn. GGA Joe Rogers (LSU fan) commented Finley had transferred from LSU. He could see it was not a significant loss for the Baton Rouge school. With so many defectors from Auburn since last year, Harsin evidently signed who he could. A 48-yard FG by PSU’s Jake Pinegar, extended the lead further.
Auburn HC Brian Harsin decided to replace Finley with frosh QB Robby Ashford (we wonder if Zach Calzada, the A&M transfer, will ever get a shot here). S Ji’Ayar Brown snagged a pass out of mid air to put Penn State at AU’s 48. Six plays later, Allen took it over from three. Taking advantage of turnovers now, the Nittany Lions held a dominant 31-6 lead. The orange-shirted, hometown crowd started a steady flow down steps and out of Jordan-Hare as Q3 ended.
Finishing touches
On Auburn’s next series, Ashford (10/19, 144 yards, one TD, one INT) couldn’t put the Tigers in the red zone. He did better. He tossed a 22-yard TD to RB Jarquez Hunter. A two-point conversion failed, but cut the Nittany Lion lead, 31-12. On the fourth play of Penn State’s next possession, Singleton broke off a 54-yard run for a touchdown. PSU showed its improving run game. Auburn went three and out. HC James Franklin called on frosh QB Drew Allar, a PSU fan favorite, to lead the next drive. The result came with a Pinegar 22-yard FG to make the final score, 41-12. The second team defense came in for State, and as the game finally came to a close, it looked as if Jordan-Hare hosted a mini–Penn State “white-out”. With this the final game of the two-game series, the Penn State Nittany Lions will not return to “the Plains”, but Collegefootballfan.com definitely will! In our history since 1979, Penn State owns a record of 88-25. The Auburn Tigers stand at 5-7-1.
Next and Game 639!
Penn State returns home to host Central Michigan (1-2) of the MAC. The Chippewas have put points on the scoreboard, but its win on Saturday was a 41-0 drubbing of Patriot League team, Bucknell. The Bison play home about 75 minutes east of State College. The Tigers (2-1) host SEC East foe Missouri Tigers (2-1). Auburn fans say if they lose this one, they’re not sure when they’ll be back this year. They also wonder how much longer Brian Harsin will be around.
Collegefootballfan.com will attend our “FCS Game of the Year” next Saturday since it’s the only one scheduled this season. The Eastern Kentucky Colonels (2-1) will visit Austin Peay’ Governors (3-1) in an ASUN conference clash. EKU defeated FBS Bowling Green in seven OTs this season, 59-57. Also gave FBS Eastern Michigan a tussle. We watched APU fall to Western Kentucky in our opener, 38-27. We say their three wins are suspect. They’ve outscored these opponents with a combined record of 1-8 by a total score of 132-3. Interesting game? APU plays at Alabama on November 19. Is HC Scotty Walden learning something from the Master?
-Ed. by Steve Koreivo, Author of Tales from the Tailgate: from the fan who’s seen ‘em all! – All of the first 120 FBS teams that is. We’ve seen all 130 since publication and will be adding James Madison, Jacksonville State, and Sam Houston State the next few years. Now you can go to our Amazon page by clicking on the upper right-hand corner of our sidebar above on the title name or book cover. Thanks!
