Grading Penn State’s performance against Villanova in Week 3

No. 2 Penn State closed out its nonconference slate with its most convincing game so far, a 52-6 win over FCS Villanova. The Nittany Lions were a bit slow at the start, but they stepped on the gas in the second half to move to 3-0. There was a lot to like for Penn State against the Wildcats, but also some areas of concern.

Here is a look at this week’s postgame grades for the Nittany Lions.

Quarterback: C

Sep 13, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) throws a pass during a warmup prior to the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

Drew Allar was a bit shaky once again, missing some short passes and throwing his first interception of the season on a late checkdown that was jumped by a linebacker. He also couldn’t connect on his deep passes, whether it was overthrows or underthrows. Allar finished the game completing 55% of his passes for 209 yards, one touchdown, and one pick. I don’t think we’ve seen the full offensive playbook yet this season, but that should come against Oregon. Flat-out missing throws is concerning for a senior quarterback.

Allar’s best sequence of the game was during the two-minute drill in the second quarter, going 4-of-5 for 54 yards and a touchdown pass on a rifle to Trebor Peña. Those are the plays that will give Penn State fans hope this year, and those are the plays Allar needs to make more consistently if the team wants to achieve its goals this season.

Running Back: A

Sep 13, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Nicholas Singleton (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Villanova Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images — Sep 13, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Nicholas Singleton (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Villanova Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

Penn State’s running back duo had another solid game, combining for 170 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries. Interestingly, Nicholas Singleton had 20 carries to Kaytron Allen’s 10, though Allen had a much better average — 8.6 yards per carry compared to Singleton’s 4.2. This is also a good spot to mention how good Penn State’s offensive line has been at blocking, paving big lanes for the backs to rumble through. Of course, this is against inferior competition. The question is if the Nittany Lions can run this consistently against Oregon in two weeks.

Receivers and Tight Ends: B-

Penn State's Trebor Pena runs with the ball in the first half of an NCAA football game against Nevada, Saturday, August 30, 2025, in State College, Pa. — Penn State’s Trebor Pena runs with the ball in the first half of an NCAA football game against Nevada, Saturday, August 30, 2025, in State College, Pa.

It was a solid effort from the pass-catchers on Saturday, with tight end Luke Reynolds leading the way with 73 yards on four receptions. Trebor Peña showed what he can do as a gadget player, with 60 yards and a touchdown on four catches, plus 33 yards rushing on four attempts. Kyron Hudson had a few solid plays, but Devonte Ross was pretty quiet. Overall, the receivers didn’t get much separation downfield. Allar found most of his success on short and intermediate routes, which was an issue last year and a bit of a concern moving forward.

Defense: A

Sep 13, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Tony Rojas (13) reacts following a sack on Villanova Wildcats quarterback Tanner Maddocks (3) during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images — Sep 13, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Tony Rojas (13) reacts following a sack on Villanova Wildcats quarterback Tanner Maddocks (3) during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

The defense was so close to its second straight shutout, but it was still a great performance overall. The pass rush terrorized Villanova’s quarterbacks, and even when they had time to throw, the secondary stuck to the Wildcat receivers like glue. Dani Dennis-Sutton certainly made his impact off the edge, but it was the linebackers who got to the passer, with Tony Rojas earning two sacks and Amare Campbell grabbing another one. Even the backups made plays, with freshman Jahmir Joseph having a great interception return late in the fourth.

Special Teams: A

Sep 13, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions kicker Ryan Barker (94) kicks a field goal during the second quarter against the Villanova Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images — Sep 13, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions kicker Ryan Barker (94) kicks a field goal during the second quarter against the Villanova Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

While you’d like to see Penn State finish more drives in the end zone, the silver lining is how reliable Ryan Barker has been this season. Barker made his three field goal attempts against Villanova, including from 42 and 45 yards. He’s now made 9 of his 10 field goal tries. Punter Gabe Nwosu landed both of his punts inside the 20, and Devonte Ross flashed again on punt returns. Penn State’s coverage teams didn’t give up much against the Wildcats either. All in all, the special teams has earned an A during the first three weeks.

Coaching: A

Sep 13, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin walks on the field prior to the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images — Sep 13, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin walks on the field prior to the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

In a lopsided game like this, there’s not a ton to say from a coaching perspective. Penn State took care of business, and things were pretty smooth-sailing from a procedural standpoint. One thing I did love was the final series of the game, where James Franklin took timeouts to give his backup defense a chance to make a goal-line stand and preserve the shutout. Those reps still matter, whether this year or down the road, so it was good to see Franklin treat it like they mattered.

Overall: B

Penn State defensive players Elliott Washington II (9), Dominic DeLuca (0) and Max Granville (18) celebrate a turnover in the first half of an NCAA football game against Ohio State, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in State College, Pa.

It was a slow start again, and there’s some room for concern with Drew Allar and his wide receivers (what else is new). Still, this team’s identity is in the run game and on defense, and those parts of the team looked great against Villanova. The big question will be how much of the nonconference success translates against No. 5 Oregon in two weeks

Penn State will be on bye next week, followed by its Big Ten opener against the Ducks. The ranked White Out game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Grading Penn State’s performance against Villanova in Week 3

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