Penn State football fans faced another tough weekend. The Nittany Lions came up short in a heart-wrenching game against the No. 2-ranked Indiana Hoosiers.
They put up a fight and nearly shocked the Hoosiers, but Indiana’s Heisman-contending quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, led a late fourth-quarter touchdown that sealed the loss for Penn State. While the current roster struggled, several former Nittany Lions showed off their skills with new teams, making an impact across college football.
Former Nittany Lions Shine in New Programs
As Penn State’s current squad tries to find its footing, ex-players are making noise elsewhere. They’ve found new homes and, honestly, seem to be thriving.
Wide Receiver’s Stellar Performance
One former Penn State wide receiver had a breakout game with the Rebels. He racked up 87 receiving yards on eight catches during their 49-0 shutout win over The Citadel.
His longest grab, a 25-yarder, tied for his second-longest of the season. That performance helped bump the Rebels up to No. 6 in this week’s AP poll.
Defensive Back’s Contributions
Another ex-Nittany Lion, now a defensive back for the Scarlet Knights, put up four tackles in their 35-20 win over Big Ten rival Maryland. Three were solo tackles, and one was assisted, showing he can hold his own on defense.
Defensive Linemen Make Their Mark
In the Tar Heels’ 20-15 victory over Stanford, defensive lineman Mupoyi tallied five tackles—two solo, three assisted. His teammate Vilbert added four tackles (two solo, two assisted) and scooped up a fumble.
That fumble came after UNC linebacker Andrew Simpson forced it on a sack, setting the Tar Heels up at the 6-yard line. Talk about a momentum swing.
Minimal Impact but Noteworthy Efforts
Another former Penn State defensive back, now with Akron, had a quieter day in their 44-10 win over UMass, recording just one solo tackle. On the flip side, Tyrece Mills, also once a Nittany Lion, stood out with a season-high six tackles for the Huskies in their 37-34 win over Duke.
Mills had five assisted tackles and one solo, showing he’s got some defensive chops.
Conclusion
Penn State football’s season hasn’t been easy. Still, seeing former players thrive elsewhere brings a bit of optimism.
It really makes you think about how much recruitment, retention, and player development matter. If the Nittany Lions can tighten up in those areas, maybe they’ll claw their way back to the top of college football.
Curious about how those former Penn State players are doing? Dive into the full article on Onward State.
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