Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford (14) scrambles for a first down against Auburn during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
The Associated Press
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) - Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen combined for 176 rushing yards and four touchdowns as No. 22 Penn State cruised to a 41-12 win at Auburn on Saturday.
The Nittany Lions' freshman running backs were instrumental in the red zone. Penn State (3-0) scored touchdowns on each of its first four trips inside the 20-yard line. Quarterback Sean Clifford passed for 178 yards.
The Penn State defense forced four turnovers by Auburn (2-1) and also held Tigers star running back Tank Bigsby to 39 rushing yards.
Penn State led by one point late in the second quarter before Allen scored his first of two touchdowns. After Auburn opened the third quarter with a three-and-out, Singleton broke a 54-yard run and found the end zone two plays later.
The Nittany Lions scored 20 points in the second half to pull away for the comfortable win in what was the first game against a Big Ten opponent for Auburn inside Jordan-Hare Stadium.
THE TAKEAWAY
Penn State: The Nittany Lions dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, which is a major step forward for James Franklin's program. Penn State still has time to grow, too, considering the number of newcomers who are playing key roles so far this season.
Auburn: The pressure on Bryan Harsin will only increase after this loss, which was Auburn's fifth straight to a Power Five team. On top of the four turnovers, the Tigers' offense was unable to establish a consistent rushing attack and allowed a large amount of pressure in the passing game.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Penn State made its season debut in the poll this week and has a good chance to move up after a statement win on the road.
UP NEXT
Penn State returns home to face Central Michigan next Saturday. Auburn hosts Missouri in its SEC opener next Saturday.
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Penn State wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith throws a pass back to Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
The Associated Press
Auburn basketball player Dylan Cardwell shows off his SEC championship ring as he cheers during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Penn State, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
The Associated Press
Penn State running back Kaytron Allen (13) carries the ball in for a touchdown against Auburn during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
The Associated Press
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) carries the ball as he tries to get past Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
The Associated Press
Auburn quarterback T.J. Finley (1) is tackled by Penn State cornerback Johnny Dixon as he carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
The Associated Press
Auburn quarterback T.J. Finley (1) rolls out to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Penn State, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
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Auburn quarterback Robby Ashford (9) carries the ball as he tries to get around Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
The Associated Press
Penn State offensive lineman Juice Scruggs (70) celebrates with Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford (14) after he scored a touchdown against Auburn during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
The Associated Press
Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford (14) carries the ball in for a touchdown as Auburn safety Zion Puckett (10) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
The Associated Press