Glenn Coleman
Sep 30, 2023 - 11:05

Penn State football's historic streak snapped as it loses the ball at Northwestern

Penn State football's impressive streak of no turnovers finally ended in a game against Northwestern.

Penn State football, known for its impressive streak of not turning the ball over, finally saw that streak come to an end in a surprising turn of events during their game against the Northwestern Wildcats. The game began with the opening kickoff, where Nick Singleton, the player responsible for fielding the ball, was hit hard and lost possession just before hitting the ground.

This streak, which spanned over six games and dates back to November of 2022, had made Penn State's ability to protect the ball highly regarded. Prior to this game, their only turnover was a fumble in the second quarter against Rutgers, which occurred the week before Thanksgiving. Furthermore, the team had managed to avoid throwing any interceptions in eight consecutive games.

In fact, among all FBS quarterbacks this season, only Drew Allar of Penn State and Cameron Ward of Washington State had thrown over 125 passes without an interception. This showcased the exceptional ball security displayed by these quarterbacks.

Additionally, Penn State had established itself as the top-ranked team in the nation in terms of turnover margin, boasting a plus-11 differential. Over the past two seasons, they have achieved a perfect 10-0 record when forcing multiple turnovers, including a standout performance against Iowa where they recovered four fumbles.

These accomplishments have solidified Penn State's reputation as a force to be reckoned with in college football. Their ability to protect the ball and create turnovers has been instrumental in their success. It is a testament to the skill and discipline of the team, as well as the coaching prowess of James Franklin.

In conclusion, while Penn State's remarkable streak of not turning the ball over may have come to an end, their overall performance and ability to create turnovers still make them a formidable opponent. The team's dedication to ball security and their success in forcing turnovers have played a significant role in their achievements. As they continue their season, it will be interesting to see how they bounce back from this setback and maintain their competitive edge.