Rose Bowl Final Score: Penn State 35, Utah 21
I sure suck at predicting games these days. I had this one, the ROSE BOWL, damnit!, at 37-24, with the Utes on top. Just seemed like it would go down that way, but I began to think otherwise when late money drove the spread across the zero line. It had been Utah -2.5 for time immemorial, but then it suddenly swung to PSU -1.5. Whaaaaat? Do the wiseguys know something?
It didn’t help Utah that QB Cam Rising went down for the count in the third quarter. It was a clean hit that tweaked his knee. After a short while in the blue tent, he went to the locker room and showed up back on the sideline in street clothes.
Sean Clifford, meanwhile, had a brilliant swan song, exiting to an ovation in the fourth quarter to yield garbage time to his chosen (for now) successor, Drew Allar. Clifford’s line was the best this year, 16-22 for 279 yards and two TDs with no interceptions for a QBR of 92.4.
The Penn State rushing game was on point, with Nick Singleton ringing up 120 yards and two TDs. A long scamper of 87 yards increased his per carry average to 17.1 (just 7 carries). Kaytron Allen added 37 yards and a TD on 11 carries.
The mighty PSU defense forced two turnovers in the winning effort.
Boy, do I suck at predictions!
On that note, congratulations to the Nittany Lions on an excellent 11-2 season and thanks to all you readers for your continued participation in this wonderful, albeit obscure blog. Happy New Year to all, and I’ll see you when I see you!
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Lawrence Hamilton says
Thank you for your efforts NT…I do truly appreciate them. You are entertaining, for sure. I told my sons, all 3 PSU grads( as am I) who watched the game that this game began to give me a different feeling as we neared half time. A feeling I haven’t felt for a long time. A feeling that PSU was going to win it on this grand stage. A feeling that all was right with the world, and I know it’s most definitely not, but it felt so for at least a little while. A great way to end the season.
The Nittany Turkey says
Thank you for your kind words. The game was indeed a pleasant surprise. Even the much maligned offensive line looked competent. Great swan song for Clifford, too. It left me with a good feeling, too, such that I will look toward next fall with a little more optimism than the usual.
Happy New Year to you and yours!
—TNT
drozz says
Don’t mind me here with an empty wallet eating crow.
That was about as dominant performance in a James Franklin team over a very good opponent as I have ever seen.
Any season ending in a Rose Bowl win is a good season.
The Nittany Turkey says
Gotta agree with you, and condolences on the loss of your wallet. That’s what you get for agreeing with the Turkey, whose predictions suck. (I know you made the decision free and clear of influence from me, but I just wanted to reinforce the notion that I suck). I found it very interesting that the late money came in so strongly for PSU.
Everything came together for Franklin and the boys on that January 2, and I loved it. Happy New Year to you, Drozz!
—TNT
DROZZ says
Happy New Year to you as well!!!!
Was down in FL for Xmas and had my first iguana almost fall on me (i bashed it good).
Heading down to the keys Friday. Might as well just move down there!
K. John says
Don’t fret too much. Had Utah not lost it’s QB we were in the general direction of your prediction, and we all know Franklin doesn’t beat good teams all that often.