Penn State (2-0) found itself in a dog fight against Mid-American Conference team Bowling Green last Saturday afternoon.

The Falcons came into Beaver Stadium with a good game plan and even more impressively, they were able to execute that plan.

Bowling Green’s mission on the day was to not let the Nittany Lions’ defense generate pressure by getting the ball out quickly to its wide receivers and talented tight end Harold Fannin Jr.

Fortunately for Penn State, new defensive coordinator Tom Allen was able to make some adjustments at the half and the Nittany Lions’ offense played pretty well or this one could have gotten away from them. The Falcons held the momentum early and continued to hold it throughout the first half, but Drew Allar, Tyler Warren, Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen all stayed steadfast, and they did not let Bowling Green get out too far in front.

I know Penn State faithful were not pleased about being down in the game, but it did show that the Nittany Lions can play from behind and they will not panic. That type of composure is needed when adversity strikes, which it always will throughout the course of a 12-game season.

Penn State head coach James Franklin did mention this week in his post practice update on Wednesday, that after watching the film he did not think that the defense tackled particularly well in the first half against Bowling Green. He also mentioned in his post-game presser after the Bowling Green game, that he felt guys were trying to make splash plays instead of playing assignment football. Meaning, not getting into their assigned gaps or positions on the field. From watching how much success the Falcons did have in the first half that does make a lot of sense. Again, credit has to go to Bowling Green head coach Scott Loeffler for developing a very good game plan, but it was evident that Penn State’s defense did not play sound assignment football in that first half.

Lastly, it also looked like the Nittany Lions’ defense played much softer coverage than usual in the first half. Now, that could be a product of Bowling Green getting the ball out quick, but it just seemed like the defensive backs were giving the Falcons’ receivers more room than usual and they weren’t being aggressive at the point of attack. Now, in the second half that certainly changed. PSU was able to generate more pressure, and the result was two interceptions and a shutout performance in the third and fourth quarters. But that’s something to keep an eye on as the season progresses. This defense is at its best when it’s getting pressure and playing aggressive man-to-man on the outside.

On a positive note, through the first two weeks of the season, the Penn State offense looks to be a strength of this football team. When the Nittany Lions needed to answer against Bowling Green they were able to march right down the field, creating explosive plays. It was covered at nauseum in the preseason how much the offense needed to improve in that area coming into the season. New offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki has done a great job so far with scheming guys open in the passing game. Drew Allar has also looked very solid through his first two games. Allar passed for 216 yards and three touchdowns against West Virginia in week one and he threw for 204 yards and two touchdowns last week against the Falcons. On the season, Allar has thrown for 420 yards and five touchdowns with just one interception. He’s averaging 11.4 yards per completion and his completion percentage is right below 65 percent. If you compare that to last season, which was a 59.9 percent completion rate and 6.8 yards per completion, you can clearly see the major improvements already. It’s a very good sign for Penn State moving forward.

The Nittany Lions have also been explosive in their rushing attack. The offensive line has looked solid and running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen have been able to break off big chunk plays. Singleton looks to have taken the next step. The speedster has rushed for 233 yards on just 26 carries, averaging nine yards per rush. Singleton already has three runs of 40 or more yards this season. Allen has been productive as well. He’s rushed for 121 yards on the year at five yards per carry. Both running backs were over 100 yards last week.

While Penn State faithful do have a right to be concerned with the Nittany Lions narrow victory over Bowling Green last week, the important thing to try and always consider is that it was a win. There is no doubt that there are some things that need to be cleaned up. But a bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for this ball club. I think PSU will use this week to iron out the wrinkles and get healthier. There is still a lot to be excited about with this football team.