Penn State dominates over FIU, but offensive struggles loom

Kade Nix

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Penn State dominates over FIU, but offensive struggles loom image

Penn State remains undefeated with a 34-0 win over FIU on Saturday, but the performance left lingering doubts about whether the Nittany Lions’ offense is ready to justify their No. 2 national ranking.

The scoreline suggested a dominant afternoon, but the reality was far less convincing. Against a Group of Five opponent, Penn State managed just 10 first-half points, continuing a troubling trend of sluggish starts.

Much of the offseason focus in Happy Valley centered on fixing the passing game. The Nittany Lions dipped into the transfer portal to add new weapons for quarterback Drew Allar, including Devonte Ross from Troy, Kyron Hudson from USC, and Trebor Pena from Syracuse. 

The expectation was that these receivers would bring explosiveness and reliability to an offense in need of more balance. Devonte Ross hauled in a 42-yard touchdown against FIU, and both Kyron Hudson and Trebor Pena made solid contributions in the opener against Nevada. Still, the group hasn’t yet provided the level of dominance many anticipated. Against FIU, the passing attack was steady but rarely overwhelming, leaving the impression that more is still to come.

Red-zone execution remains another major concern. Just as they did against Nevada, the Nittany Lions stalled too often deep in opposing territory, settling for field goals instead of touchdowns. Against FIU, those miscues were covered up by a defense that forced two turnovers and special teams that delivered a blocked punt. Still, the inability to finish drives will be a much bigger issue once conference play begins.

Meanwhile, the running game, usually a cornerstone of Penn State’s attack, also took time to get going. Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, one of the most talented backfield duos in the nation, were held in check until the fourth quarter. Their late touchdowns padded the stats, but the duo lacked the consistent explosiveness that fans typically see every week.

If there was one clear bright spot, it was the defense. Penn State completely smothered FIU, allowing no points, forcing multiple turnovers, and keeping the Panthers pinned back throughout the game. The shutout proves the unit’s championship-level potential, as it has yet to surrender any threat through two games.

Still, the central storyline is the offense. A defense capable of winning games on its own can only carry so much of the load. With Oregon and conference play looming in the future, the Nittany Lions will need a sharper, more consistent performance on the offensive side of the ball. Missed red-zone chances and scoring droughts won’t be survivable against elite competition.

At 2-0, Penn State has plenty of reason for optimism, but also plenty left to prove. Until the offense finds its rhythm, the Nittany Lions will remain a contender with lingering questions.

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Kade Nix

Kade Nix is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. A Texas Tech University student, he brings a scout’s eye and analytical perspective to his coverage, drawing on experience as an area scout for the Hula Bowl and extensive reporting across the Texas college football landscape.