Penn State football gave a critical glimpse to its future in the lopsided victory at Purdue.
But not without an unfortunate setback.
The Nittany Lions (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten) built such an overwhelming lead Saturday that they pulled most of their starters before the end of the third quarter.
That gave several up-and-coming, young players important work for a second straight week — to help bolster depth in preparing for the final regular season games and potential playoff games to come. They put the finishing touches on Penn State’s 49-10 victory that keeps it in line for a top spot in next month’s College Football Playoff.
The Lions got promising efforts from multiple backups on offense (quarterback Beau Pribula, running back Corey Smith, tight end Luke Reynolds, receiver/returner Tyseer Denmark) and on defense (cornerbacks Audavion Collins, Kenneth Wosely, Antonie Belgrave-Shorter, rush-end Jaylen Harvey and linebacker Ta’Mere Robinson and Anthony Speca).
Collins was second on the team with four tackles and nearly intercepted a pass on a great coverage play just before halftime. True freshmen Woseley and Belgrave-Shorter each had three tackles in relief.
Reynolds, another first-year player, had three catches while subbing for tight ends Tyler Warren and Khalil Dinkins. That included a 24-yard touchdown, his first in college.
The disappointment?
Penn State football: Beau Pribula shines, Jaylen Harvey injured
Harvey had to be helped off the field late in the game after making one tackle and a couple of impressive pass-rush plays. He appeared to injure his knee, according to CBS announcers.
Pribula, meanwhile, got an extended run leading the team at quarterback for the third time in four games. He was impressive, as usual, with his quick decision-making and running ability. He gained 56 yards on five carries, including a 49-yard free sprint to the end zone near the end of the third quarter.
He threw well, too, (5 for 8, 58 yards, touchdown) but deserved much better. He had sure-touchdown passes dropped on the run by wideouts Anthony Ivey and Denmark.
Denmark, to his credit, did pop a punt return for 16 yards.
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Smith also performed well for a second week. After gaining 95 yards in his college debut against Washington — including a 78-yard breakaway — he got even more work at Purdue. He gained 37 yards on eight carries in relief of co-starters Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen.
The Lions ran for more than 200 yards for the second straight week.
Frank Bodani covers Penn State football for the York Daily Record and USA Today Network. Contact him at fbodani@ydr.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @YDRPennState.
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Penn State football backups Beau Pribula, Luke Reynolds star vs Purdue
