WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Dani Dennis-Sutton wasted no time making an impact in his first start in three weeks.
Dennis-Sutton sacked quarterback Hudson Card on Purdue’s third play of the game as fourth-ranked Penn State routed the Boilermakers 49-10 Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium.
“I was pretty limited in practice,” he said. “To go out there and make a play early in the game felt really good. It was a confidence builder.”
Dennis-Sutton, a junior, suffered what appeared to be a groin injury three weeks ago during the Nittany Lions’ 28-13 victory at Wisconsin. He saw limited action against Ohio State and Washington before returning to full-time duty against Purdue.
“It was tough,” he said. “I’m not going to lie. I trusted my guys, Amin (Vanover) and Smitty (Smith Vilbert). They stepped up big time. I just had to believe in them, trust in them and trust in God that he has a plan for everything.”
Dennis-Sutton and fellow defensive end Abdul Carter each had two tackles for loss. Carter came close to making several sacks and appeared frustrated at times by the tactics of Purdue’s offensive tackles.
At one point in the second half, Carter spoke to referee Jerry McGinn.
“I don’t remember what he told me, to be honest,” he said. “We got the win, so I’m happy. I can’t get discouraged. I have to keep rushing the same way and eventually I’m going to get through and get the sack or get the call I want.”
Carter was especially happy that Dennis-Sutton is back at full strength.
“He helps the whole team,” Carter said. “Having him back is great for us and great for the team. You saw it out there. As soon as he got on the field, he had a tremendous impact.”
Allar stays efficient: Penn State quarterback Drew Allar completed 17-of-19 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns in perhaps his most efficient performance of the season.
He also rushed four times for 22 yards, including a 14-yard gain on which he broke several tackles.
“I was really comfortable,” Allar said. “I’ve been comfortable all year. It’s a combination of experience from last year and going through everything I went through and the scheme I’m in right now. It really fits me well.”
Allar has completed 71.9% of his passes for 2,253 yards and 16 touchdowns with five interceptions. He’s rushed for 194 yards and three TDs.
“He’s really poised,” left tackle Drew Shelton said. “He’s calm and collected in the huddle. He’ll be reading the play and giving us alerts for the next play. He’s got a really good understanding of our offense and what Coach K (offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki) wants to do.
“That’s very helpful to the rest of us.”
Freshmen show: Twelve of the 16 true freshmen on the 74-player Penn State travel roster saw action.
Tight end Luke Reynolds caught a 24-yard pass from Beau Pribula in the fourth quarter for the first touchdown of his career.
“I’ve been watching Luke Reynolds since (preseason) camp,” defensive end Abdul Carter said. “He’s been flashing all year. I think he’s going to have a big future for us.”
The other freshmen to play were wide receiver Tyseer Denmark, safety Dejuan Lane, cornerbacks Jon Mitchell, Kenny Woseley Jr. and Antoine Belgrave-Shorter, running back Corey Smith, linebacker Anthony Speca, defensive end Jaylen Harvey, offensive lineman Cooper Cousins and Eagan Boyer and defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam.
Harvey had a tackle in the backfield before he left the game with a leg injury.
