On the first drive of the game against Oregon, Penn State’s offense got stuck in the red zone. Luckily, the Nittany Lions woke up in a big way on the 2nd.

With Penn State already trailing 14-3, it ran an efficient 75 yards on a drive that lasted less than two minutes and included 75 plays. The decisive play on that drive featured the only 3rd down Penn State would face, with Drew Allar finding Harrison Wallace III for a 16-yard pick on 3rd-and-15.

Allar later found Tyler Warren with a 28-yard pass over the middle to find the red zone and set up the touchdown play for Nicholas Singleton. Instead of a carry, there was a pass to Singleton.

Singleton ran a beautiful route out of the backfield, perfectly separating Oregon’s two defenders in the middle of the field. Neither stayed with Singleton and Allar’s pass was easily thrown over the ball to ensure the score.

Penn State answers back! pic.twitter.com/1pueIw8NnW

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) December 8, 2024

Penn State needed big plays from Singleton and Allar early on, and both have delivered so far. Singleton had 68 yards of offense with a 42-yard carry in the 1st quarter, and Allar is 7-for-11 for 96 yards and a touchdown to start the game.

The problem so far has been a Penn State defense that is a step behind the Ducks. We’ll see if Tom Allen can turn this unit around in the 2nd quarter.