UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State's defense racked up seven sacks and forced three turnovers, including one returned for a touchdown, in a 33-13 season opening win over Kent State at Beaver Stadium.
The Nittany Lions, opening the 2016 season without any sanctions as a result of the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal, only led the Golden Flashes 16-13 at halftime. On the first play of the second half, Penn State cornerback Amani Oruwariye intercepted Justin Agner and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown.
Sophomore Trace McSorley, making his first career start at quarterback, threw for 209 yards and two touchdowns, while sophomore running back Saquon Barkley ran for 105 yards on 22 carries, plus a touchdown.
Penn State travels to Pittsburgh next week to play their cross-state rivals for the first time since 2001.