Although the first half left a lot to be desired, it didn’t take long for the Nittany Lions to establish control in the second half. Once the game was no longer in doubt, James Franklin and Penn State made it clear to Pat Narduzzi which program ran the state.
The Nittany Lions got off to a quick start. The Penn State defense forced a three-and-out, and the offense followed with a terrific opening drive, ending in a 32-yard rushing touchdown from KJ Hamler off a jet sweep. While Hamler was running down the sideline, Miles Sanders shushed the Pitt sideline (and, notably, good friend Damar Hamlin who was on the ground), and it appeared the rout would be on.