Penn State’s young core leads the way in Rose Bowl
Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton (10) runs toward the end zone for a touch down during the second half in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against Utah Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Mark J. Terrill]
PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Penn State’s 35-21 win over Utah in the Rose Bowl was driven by strong performances from the Nittany Lions’ underclassmen, increasing expectation to take the next step forward and reach the College Football Playoff next season. Running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen capped off their impressive freshman seasons by combining for 157 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries, and sophomore wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith had an 88-yard touchdown catch. But how freshman QB Drew Allar fares in replacing sixth-year senior Sean Clifford could determine Penn State’s ceiling in 2023.
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Penn State running back Kaytron Allen (13) runs the ball past Utah defensive tackle Simote Pepa (77) during the first half in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Marcio Jose Sanchez
Penn State cornerback Kalen King (4) intercepts a pass against Utah wide receiver Devaughn Vele (17) during the first half in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Marcio Jose Sanchez