Senior Day 2013 didn't quite go exactly as planned, and the
2013 senior class didn't get the same magical sendoff that the 2012 group
received. Still, on a cold, windy, and
at times even snowy night, the few fans who braved the elements were treated to
one of the better games played in Beaver Stadium this season – a good ol’
fashioned Big Ten slugfest full of lead changes and suspense all the way to the
very end. Although Nebraska
made plenty of mistakes throughout the game, Penn State Happy Valley
as the only team in three tries this season to beat Penn State
Overall, the senior-laden defense played fairly well,
holding Nebraska
to only 1 offensive TD and 2 FGs in regulation.
Three and outs were plentiful for both teams as the frigid conditions seemed
to affect more than a few plays. It
probably didn't help the Huskers that 2nd string QB Tommy Armstrong
went down in the first quarter with an injury.
His backup Ron Kellogg III, who looked more like a fullback than a
quarterback, took over and made the most of his opportunity. Kellogg went a respectable 20/34 for 191 yds
and a TD, but that paled in comparison to Christian Hackenberg, who despite the
cold weather completed 16/33 for 217 yds and 2 TDs. He also scored his 3rd rushing TD
of the year on a similar play to his TD run in the Purdue game. Hack’s performance earned him his 4th
Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors this season. Also of note, with 2,616 yds, Hackenberg is
now #5 on the all time Penn State single-season passing yds list. Remember, this kid is 18! I can’t wait to see how good he’ll be the
next 2 years.
Hackenberg’s top target, Allen Robinson, had yet another
outstanding day hauling in 8 catches for 106 yds, but again failed to score a
TD. Senior Zach Zwinak also had himself
quite a sendoff rushing 35 times for 149 yds, however, he too did not
score. Instead, on Senior Day, it was
the underclassmen tight ends who shined brightest, at least on the
scoreboard. Sophomore Jesse James had 3
receptions for 56 yds including a 46 yd TD pass where he tiptoed down the sideline
while stiff arming a defender in the face.
To quote a friend of mine, “How do you stop a 6’ 7” tight end who runs a
4.5 40? You don’t!” Fellow sophomore Kyle Carter added 2 catches
for 25 yds to the tight end total, and freshman Adam Breneman made his only
catch of the night count as he scored his second TD of the season. Speaking of the tight ends, Bill O’Brien
unfortunately revealed during his post-game press conference that he thinks it
is very unlikely that Matt Lehman will be granted an additional year of
eligibility. I guess now he’ll have
plenty of time to heal up and focus on impressing NFL scouts during the
upcoming combine. Good luck Matt!
But the big story of the night was special teams mistakes. The usually reliable, if not automatic, Sam
Ficken missed the extra point after Penn
State Nebraska ’s
Pat Smith would go on to nail his 42 yd FG right down the middle to win the
game. Smith's overtime heroics would also
lead to Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Of course, as if all the kicking woes weren't
enough, for the second week in a row, Penn State Nebraska ’s
Kenny Bell simply leaped over him. It
looked a little something like this. If
O’Brien can’t fix the special teams by next season, we’re all going to be in
for another loooong season.
Anyway, let’s recap my prediction. I severely underestimated Hackenberg who
threw for way more than the 150 yds I foresaw.
Although Allen Robinson surpassed the 100 yds I predicted, he didn't
score a TD. Zwinak missed the 150 yd
mark by 1 measly yd and also didn't score a TD, let alone the 2 I thought he
would get in his final home game. Bill Belton
did not play due to strep throat.
Neither Jordan Lucas, nor anyone else on the defense for that matter was
able to grab an interception and Da’Quan Jones did not record a sack. Finally, and obviously, Penn State
Before I finish up, a quick recruiting note: Today, Penn State Nebraska game very impressed with Penn State
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