Journey Brown Takes Control: BSD MVP

With Noah Cain out of the lineup against Minnesota, Journey Brown seized the opportunity to become Penn State’s primary back for the first time in his Penn State career. A week later, Brown’s role grew further in importance with Cain still out, and Mr. Do Everything KJ Hamler forced out of the lineup early in the Nittany Lions match-up with Indiana. Once again, Brown proved more than capable of taking charge, leading the way for a 34-27 victory that boosted Penn State to a 9-1 record.

Brown made the most of his opportunity on his way to his second-consecutive 100-yard rushing day in as many weeks. In the victory over Indiana, Brown finished with exactly 100 yards on the ground on 21 carries, good for 4.8 yards per attempt. He also contributes 20 receiving yards on two catches. It was Brown’s third 100-yard game of the season, including a 109-yard day against Pitt in week three.

Brown also added a touchdown, giving Penn State some much needed breathing room with a 27-14 advantage. On the first possession of the drive, Brown got things rolling with a five-yard carry. On the next play, he took advantage of some outstanding work by the offensive line and raced ahead for a 35-yard touchdown. Two plays, two carries for Brown, seven points.

Brown would also play a major part in Penn State’s epic 18-play drive that ate up 9:01 of the fourth quarter. It was the type drive that eluded the Nittany Lions for years- hanging on to the lead by keeping the opponents’ offense on the sideline for most of the quarter, and then finishing it off in the end zone to extend the lead and practically put the game away. Just think about some of the most heartbreaking losses in the last few years, and how just one of those drives would have secured a victory, instead of giving the ball back after a mere 45 seconds or so.

Not this time though. Cain helped get that drive get off the ground with a 13-yard run that would produce the first of five first downs that helped melt away the Hoosiers chances for a comeback. Brown produced 28 yards on the drive that would ultimately end with Sean Clifford crashing his way into the end zone on fourth and goal to put the Nittany Lions away for good.

Others Considered

K Jake Pinegar- Pinegar was two for two on his field goal attempts against Indiana, including a 47-yarder that gave Penn State an early 10-7 lead. He also connected on a 27-yard attempt in the second quarter. After connecting on both attempts in frigid conditions, Pinegar is now nine of 10 on the year.