It wasn't always pretty, but the Nittany Lions were able to pull out a gritty win in an offensive track meet against Rutgers to clinch a bowl bid. The offense relied on the run game, and the defense made enough timely plays to be able to get out of Piscataway with a win and one more chance to play some football this season. Here are some key stats that defined the game for the Nittany Lions.
Kaytron Allen: 226 rushing yards, 10.3 yards per rushing attempt
Kaytron Allen was an easy pick for one of our players of the game with his dominant performance on the ground. Penn State's all-time leading rusher added to his school record with 226 rushing yards while averaging over 10 yards per carry. Allen had a pair of runs over 50 yards, including one in the fourth quarter to help seal the win.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNicholas Singleton: 54 career rushing touchdowns, 5,588 career all-purpose yards
Penn State's other star running back, Nicholas Singleton, took control of two school records in the win. After tying the school's career rushing touchdown record with Saquon Barkley last week, Singleton took over the record all to himself with a pair of touchdowns to push the record to 55 career rushing touchdowns. Singleton also set a new school record for the most career all-purpose yards.
1,042 combined offensive yards
This game was not for the fans of defense. Penn State and Rutgers combined for over 1,000 offensive yards, with each school going over 500 yards of offense. Rutgers had the upper hand with 533 yards to Penn State's 509 yards, but Penn State did average slightly more yards per play (9.4 yards per play) than Rutgers (8.3).
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPenn State: 3/3 on fourth downs
In order to pull off a win against a team like Rutgers, you need to extend drives by any means possible. The Nittany Lions were able to do that today, including the game-sealing reception by Andrew Rappleyea. This team has come a long way in terms of executing in late down situations and it paid off today.
Andrew Rappleyea: 4 catches, 75 yds, 1 TD
Nov 29, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Andrew Rappleyea (87) celebrates his touchdown reception with quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer (17) during the first half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesThis is something that Penn State fans can both love and hate. The fact that the freshman tight end has emerged as a serious threat in the passing game has to feel good. However, with three transfer receiver in the fold as well, it's not good that he was the leading receiver on the day. Still, there could be a new star in the making for the Nittany Lions at the TE position.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAntwan Raymond: 29 carries, 189 yds, 1 TD
One weakness in Penn State's game reared its ugly head as the run defense struggled with on the best running backs in the nation. The sophomore ran all over Penn State and had the most scrimmage yards against the program since 2010. This is something that whoever the new head coach is needs to address and fast.
1 forced fumble...and 1 touchdown
Nov 29, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Amare Campbell (24) returns a fumble for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesSometimes, when the game is defined by two offenses going at it, one little slip-up can decide the game. Fortunately for the Nittany Lions, this particular play fell in their favor. Amare Campbell's 61-yard scoop and score decided the game and ensured that at the very least the Nittany Lions were going bowling this year.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Key Stats in Penn State's win over Rutgers
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