Bowling Green Pushes #8 Penn State to the Limit in Narrow 34-27 Loss
Bowling Green, OH – Bowling Green came out swinging against the #8 ranked Penn State, shocking the Nittany Lions and holding a 24-20 lead at halftime. But whatever adjustments Penn State made at the break worked like magic. Their defense clamped down, allowing just 3 points in the second half, while two touchdowns from Nicholas Singleton helped seal a 34-27 win.
Singleton was dominant, rushing for 119 yards on 13 carries, including a touchdown, and adding a 14-yard score through the air. Junior back Kaytron Allen also went over the century mark, posting 101 yards on 14 carries. The Nittany Lions’ rushing attack simply overwhelmed Bowling Green’s defense, showcasing the power of their ground game.
While the running backs stole the show early, both quarterbacks had their moments as well. Penn State’s Drew Allar delivered an efficient performance, completing 13 of 20 passes for 204 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. On the other side, Bowling Green’s Connor Bazelakput up a strong fight, going 25 of 39 for 254 yards and two touchdowns, but his two interceptions in critical moments tilted the game in Penn State’s favor. Both QBs made big plays, but Allar’s ability to manage the game and limit mistakes gave Penn State the edge.
Then came the battle of the tight ends, and it was a showdown to remember. Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin Jr. put on a clinic, hauling in 11 catches for 137 yards and a touchdown, proving he can perform against elite competition. Not to be outdone, Penn State’s Tyler Warren had 8 catches for 146 yards, making clutch grabs that kept Penn State in control down the stretch. Both tight ends were essential to their teams’ passing attacks and were easily the most dangerous targets on the field.
Defensively, Bowling Green found a spark in Texas Southern transfer Jacorey Benjamin, who picked off his first interception in a Falcons uniform. His play provided a much-needed boost, but Penn State’s balanced attack was ultimately too much to contain.
Despite falling short of the upset, Bowling Green made a statement. Their performance against a top-10 team proved they can compete at a high level, and with Harold Fannin Jr. leading the way, they’re primed to be serious contenders in the Mid-American Conference this season.
