Highs & Lows: Nittany Lions push through weather, absences

By Nate Bauer

Penn State made a day of it, nonetheless. Through a steady rain and injuries that limited participation across much of the roster, the Nittany Lions went ahead with the Blue-White Practice at Beaver Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

And fans did the same.

In front of a crowd largely huddled under the overhangs of the north and south end zone upper decks, a glimpse of Penn State’s potential for the season ahead emerged. At a moment clouded by absences impacting the top of the depth chart on both sides of the ball, a handful of sequences provided enough for a “highs and lows” assessment of the performance:

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Player of the Game

Will it matter in the fall? Penn State is probably hoping not. But the effort in the rain by senior Connor Barry reinforced a theme that has carried through the spring.

If the Nittany Lions are without redshirt senior starter Rocco Becht — as they were Saturday while he continues to recover from offseason surgery — and if redshirt freshman Alex Manske is unavailable, too — which was also the case Saturday after his recent return to campus from an unspecified medical procedure — Barry showed he can operate the offense well enough to avoid disaster.

In the reality of a roster pieced together during December and January, that’s a win if a potential third-string quarterback is forced into meaningful snaps.

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Play of the Game

One of just two offensive touchdowns in live 11-on-11 work, Barry’s connection with redshirt freshman tight end Brian Kortovich required precision. Risky? Probably. But in a setting short on explosive plays — especially through the air in the downpour — it stood out.

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Best Pass

In conditions that didn’t favor the passing game, Barry’s throw to Kortovich was the clear choice.

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Best Run

With true freshman Peyton Falzone at quarterback, Penn State experienced some of its best and worst sequences in quick succession. First, junior running back James Peoples broke free through the middle of the defense for a 20-yard gain into plus territory.

What followed, however, shows up below.

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Best Catch

In seven-on-seven action, Becht connected with redshirt freshman receiver Zay Robinson in the end zone for a touchdown.

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Best Sack

Senior defensive back Zion Tracy pulled up before reaching true freshman quarterback Kase Evans. But the Tracy had a clear path and could have delivered a big hit late in the scrimmage.

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Best Effort

A lowlight for the offense, Falzone’s screen pass intended for Peoples was jumped by freshman Josiah Zayas, who intercepted it and returned it untouched to the north end zone for a pick-six.

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Best Kick

Redshirt sophomore Ryan Barker was perfect, converting field goals from 39 and 28 yards — a standard Penn State fans have come to expect, even in the rain.

Sophomore punter Nathan Tiyce, an Australian who transferred from Mississippi State, also impressed. His first punt of the scrimmage traveled 50 yards and was downed at the 2-yard line.

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Best Decision

Facing a stall in the low red zone, offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser put the ball in Barry’s hands. The quarterback rewarded that trust, patiently navigating a third-and-goal from the 2-yard line for a touchdown.

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Most Telling Moment

It didn’t show up inside Beaver Stadium, but the drive along Park Avenue offered a familiar reminder. The intramural fields were packed with cars and tailgates, and even dreary weather couldn’t dampen an event that, for Penn State fans, rarely loses its appeal.

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