It's a new day in Happy Valley. Fortunately the Nittany Lions, it's a good day too as Penn State beat Marshall 45-0 in Matt Campbell's debut as head coach.
For anyone who was worried about a sluggish start, their concerns were quickly alleviated as Penn State dominated in all facets in the first quarter. The first drive ended with just a field goal, but followed were touchdowns from Koby Howard and Brett Eskildsen to put the Nittany Lions up 17-0.
Koby Howard didn't let up after that, adding in 5 more receptions to end the day with 6 receptions for 161 yards. Really, the whole wide receiver as a whole had a great day. Chase Sowell had 2 receptions for 33 yards in the first quarter, Eskildsen ended with 5 receptions for 48 yards, and even Zay Robinson had a touchdown to cap a much needed strong afternoon for the wide receivers corps.
It was not just offensive fireworks that excited though, as the defense was just as impressive in a shutout. Kooper Ebel popped immediately from his linebacker spot, showing a penchant for being in the right spot at the right time. Tony Rojas, returning from a season-ending injury, showed that he was basically back in full-form, finishing with 7 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 TFLs. Linebacker-turned-defensive end Caleb Bacon flashed as well, tossing in 1 sack and 3 TFLs.
Simply put, it was a total dominant affair across the board. Offensively, defensively, and even special teams with Ryan Barker (1-1 on FGs) and Nathan Tiyce (46.3 yards per punt). For a program that has undergone quite a bit of change, it was a beautiful afternoon to see Penn State do what it was expected to do as 23.5-point favorites: dominate.
