Penn State runs past Auburn in a pivotal early season test against an SEC opponent

AUBURN, Ala. — As the afternoon turned into early evening at Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn’s sea of orange-clad 87,451 fans got quieter and quieter.

No. 22-ranked Penn State dismantled the Tigers, 41-12, in its first real litmus test — an SEC opponent on the road in what started as a hostile environment. Auburn (2-1) fans started shuffling toward the exits in droves before the start of the fourth quarter.

Strong defensive showings tend to have that effect.

Zakee Wheatley and Ji’Ayir Brown came up with interceptions, while Chop Robinson and Jonathan Sutherland added fumble recoveries. As a unit, the defense tied its season high with 59 tackles and reached new marks with nine quarterback hurries and six sacks.

The offense more than contributed its part, too. Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen, and Sean Clifford combined for five rushing touchdowns, the first time Penn State (3-0) accomplished that feat since the 2019 Cotton Bowl.

“There haven’t been too many teams in the history of the Big Ten to come on the road and get a win in the SEC, so we’re very proud of that,” said Penn State coach James Franklin. “I also think we’ve had a challenging schedule to open the season on the road in Big Ten play, a home game and then to come here.”

Clifford completed 14 of 19 passing attempts for 178 yards. He was relieved for freshman Drew Allar, who directed one series, early in the fourth quarter. He then was replaced by Christian Veilleux. Auburn quarterback T.J. Finley threw for 152 yards with 11 of 19 completions and a pick.

The difference maker in Saturday’s win? Penn State’s nose for the ball.

Wheatley started the trend, picking off Finley. Safety Jaylen Reed hit Finley as he released the ball, falling into the stretched-out hands of Wheatley, who leaped parallel to the ground.

Abdul Carter later forced his first career fumble midway through the second quarter. It was recovered by Jonathan Sutherland.

Penn State led 21-6 in the third quarter, and Auburn had a chance to chip away. Brown had a monster day. He forced a fumble that was recovered by Robinson. Brown, a senior safety, added an interception of his own later in the third quarter.

“I think it’s our guys getting more and more comfortable and confident with the tweaks in the scheme,” Franklin said. “We were able to get more pressure today. We would have had this many turnovers in the first couple games, but we dropped them.”

Saturday marked the first time Penn State had multiple forced fumbles since 2019 at Ohio State.

Penn State turned Auburn’s biggest offensive threat into a near non-factor.

Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter are considered one of the top running back tandems in college football. The former finished with nine attempts for 39 yards while the latter had 16 yards on five attempts.

Penn State’s front seven much of the dirty work. Carter led the way with six total tackles and a sack. Marquis Wilson also had six total tackles, and Kobe King and Brown each added five.

Meanwhile, the Nittany Lions’ rushing attack continues to be the best it has been in a while. Allen and Singleton each found the end zone twice, marking the first time two Penn State freshmen scored a rushing touchdown since 2019 versus Pittsburgh.

“They kind of have a complimentary style,” Franklin said. “They both have the ability to make plays. I think Kaytron has got really good vision, and he takes a 4-yard run to a 12- or 16-yard run on a consistent basis. Then, as we know, Nick has the ability to go 80.”

Singleton rushed for 124 yards on 10 attempts. Allen had nine rushes for 52 yards.

Pro Football Focus graded Olu Fashanu the best pass blocker in the Big Ten through two games. For a precarious offensive line, the sophomore has been one stable constant covering Clifford’s blind side.

Auburn edge rusher Derick Hall posed Fashanu’s first major test. Hall had five tackles, two of which were solo, and one tackle for loss, all of which came in the first half.

The Nittany Lions head back to Beaver Stadium to host Central Michigan next Saturday (noon, Big Ten Network).