Penn State passing game clicks, as run game falters again

STATE COLLEGE — Sometimes, weeks like this can be the toughest to handle and use appropriately, especially for teams with grand goals.

Next week under the lights in Iowa City is a marquee test, for sure.

Saturday night against Georgia State was not in the same league, of course. But there still were things to accomplish. One, was getting Trace McSorley and the offense on track and in a flow before the Big Ten seasons begins.

The junior quarterback turned in his most uneven effort as a starter last week in the victory over Pitt. He consistently overthrew receivers and never found a rhythm. 

But he and his group rebounded nicely, despite missing starting guard Brendan Mahon.

McSorley hit on his first six passes and Saquon Barkley did more Heisman Trophy things by the end of the first quarter.

The stars are back in alignment before the first road trip of the season. So, for those three things we learned from the 56-0 victory over the Panthers from Atlanta ...

Tommy Stevens turns into weapon, fan favorite

Saquon Barkley turned in a couple more Heisman Trophy moments in the first half. Who would have thought he'd be the receiving star of the night?

His first three catches went for 138 yards. He was the first Lion tailback with over 100 receiving yards in 13 years.

But there wasn't much running room.

So the Lions found a reprieve and plenty of feel-good moment with their backup quarterback extraordinaire.

Each week the package of plays grows for Stevens, the big-bodies redshirt sophomore.

On Saturday he caught a touchdown and then threw one while being decked by a Georgia State defender. He ran the option play with McSorley.

A big later he took off running with the ball and slammed into an unknowing official. Both went flying, including Stevens' helmet.

Each time he gets the ball and lowers his shoulder the stadium erupts.

More important, he's providing plenty of extra work for defensive coordinators. And he continued to get important game experience in case he is needed in a much larger role.

He always is one injury away from becoming the Lions' starting quarterback.

McSorley delivers big before hitting the road

The Lions figure to take Iowa's toughest hits next Saturday in sold-out Kinnick Stadium.

McSorley will be needed to absorb them all and provide accurate passing and versatility.

He stepped up impressively in whatever fashion needed against Georgia State.

He completed 14 of 19 first-half passes for 258 yards and three touchdowns and also ran for another score. Most importantly, his throwing touch was back, his decision-making looked sharp and he looked comfortable in all facets.

Running room shrinks, problems up front?

The offensive line was touted as the most improved part of this team.

And they were the story last year, the way they recovered from injuries and switched around parts all fall to lead the Rose Bowl run.

But now? Ever since Akron adjusted on Barkley in the second half of the opener there has been scant running room.

Even against low-level Georgia State — which was smoked on the ground by an FCS opponent in its opener.

Certainly, defenses are loading up to stop Barkley. But these defenses are not elite in any fashion and that makes you wonder what will happen up front when the competition upgrades. There should be more push up front and more room for their star runner.

Barkley managed only 47 rushing yards on 10 carries. And that's a concern no matter how many receiving yards he racks up.