Featured News
September 08, 2007
PSU Defense Shines
By Mark Steinruck
The second largest crowd in Beaver Stadium history was on hand to watch Penn State dismantle Notre Dame 31-10. Anthony Morelli passed for a touchdown, Austin Scott ran for two, and Derrick Williams scored on an electrifying punt return. Penn State’s offense was inconsistent all night, but Notre Dame was even worse failing to get anything going against the stingy Lion defense.
Penn State turned the ball over three times in the first half which resulted in Notre Dame’s only touchdown of the game. The score was 14-7 at the half, and the Penn State defense became even tighter in the second half holding the Irish to a total of 0-yards rushing on 26 attempts. Penn State finished with 297 yards of total offense, 133 passing and 164 rushing.
Scott had 118 yards rushing on 28 attempts, and Rodney Kinlaw carried the rest of the load with 49 yards on 9 carries.
Morelli spread the ball around will using a host of receivers including Chris Bell, Jordan Norwood, Matt Hahn, Tony Davis, Deon Butler, Terrell Golden, Derrick Williams and Scott. Chris Bell’s one reception of 51-yards was the longest play of the night and led to a touchdown a few plays later.
Notre Dame’s starting quarterback, Jimmy Clausen, was battered all night by a swarming Penn State defense. After Notre Dame’s first offensive series which saw some success with several screen plays and quick passes, Penn State effectively shut down the Notre Dame offense holding them to 143 yards total. Aside from this being Notre Dame, this is a game that every Penn Stater has looked forward to since the 41-17 debacle in South Bend last year.
Other Notes
This is the first time that both Notre Dame and Michigan have started a season 0-2.
Next week Penn State meets Buffalo (1-1) at Beaver Stadium. The Penn State secondary will have their hands full with Tiquan Underwood who caught 10 passes for a school-record 248 yards and two TDs against Temple (0-2) 42-7 this week. This is the last game before the Lions begin conference play at Michigan (0-2) on September 22.
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