Penn State University will honor over 30 seniors during their final home game of the season against the University of Nebraska on November 11, 2023. The Nittany Lions, with a record of 4-6 overall and 1-6 in the Big Ten, are looking to secure a much-needed victory to keep their bowl eligibility hopes alive. The matchup is set to kick off at 19:00 (TV-NBC) at Beaver Stadium.
Since arriving as part of the 2022 recruiting class, the players have set a remarkable standard for Penn State football. Under the guidance of interim head coach Terry Smith, the team has achieved a school record for wins over a three-year period, participated in four New Year’s Six bowl games, and made their historic appearance in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Smith praised the seniors, stating, “They’ve been incredible for us. These guys have really transformed the expectation for Penn State football.”
Despite high expectations this season, the Nittany Lions have faced challenges. Aiming to end the season on a positive note, the team must defeat Nebraska and follow up with a win against Rutgers next week to qualify for a bowl game. The team’s preseason ranking of No. 2 in The Associated Press poll feels far removed from their current standing.
Running back Nick Singleton, a highly regarded five-star recruit from the 2022 class, expressed his motivation for the final stretch of the season. “I obviously want to win both of them. I want to perform to the best of my ability,” he said. Singleton, along with teammate Kaytron Allen, has the opportunity to set significant career records in the upcoming games. Allen currently ranks third on Penn State’s all-time rushing list with 3,794 yards, while Singleton is just two touchdowns behind Saquon Barkley for the career touchdown record.
The Nittany Lions are coming off a 28-10 victory against Michigan State, which ended a six-game losing streak. Allen’s impressive performance, including a career-high 181 rushing yards, was a key factor in that win. Offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh highlighted the duo’s impact, stating, “Blocking for them has been a blessing and a privilege.”
Nebraska enters the game with a solid record of 7-3, largely due to the efforts of running back Emmett Johnson, who averages 113.1 rushing yards per game, ranking fourth in the nation. Johnson has demonstrated his versatility with a recent game where he rushed for 129 yards and scored three touchdowns against UCLA. With quarterback TJ Lateef stepping in for the injured Dylan Raiola, Nebraska will rely heavily on their running game.
Coach Smith noted the similarities in both teams’ strategies, emphasizing the importance of putting pressure on the opposing quarterback. “We have to get those guys in obvious passing situations. If we can do that, we feel like we have an advantage,” he stated.
This matchup also marks the first meeting between Penn State and Nebraska since 2013, when both teams featured alumni coaching against each other. The atmosphere at Beaver Stadium is expected to be electric, especially as it will be the last home game for the seniors. Safety Zakee Wheatley reflected on the occasion, saying, “I’m really just taking it all in. It’s crazy how fast all these years went by.”
With the stakes high and emotions running deep, Penn State is determined to send their seniors off with a victory. Rich Scarcella of the Reading Eagle predicts a close contest, favoring Penn State to win 24-17. Both teams will likely rely on their ground games and the performances of their young quarterbacks. As the Nittany Lions prepare for this crucial game, their focus remains on leaving a lasting legacy for the program and its dedicated seniors.
