PASADENA, Calif. -The Penn State football team concluded its 2022 regular season with four-straight conference wins, outscoring opponents 165-40 during the month of November. During that span, Penn State excelled in all three phases. The offense amassed more than 400 total yards in each game, while the defense recorded sacks and tackles for loss at record-setting clip. Additionally, on special teams kicker Jake Pinegar drilled a pair of career-long 50-yard field goals and Nicholas Singleton bolted 100 yards for a kickoff return touchdown at Rutgers.
"How we dealt with that little adversity that we faced, we showed how resilient we are," explained senior center Juice Scruggs. "We got all the confidence in the world to be who we are and just to play our game."
Scruggs and his teammates did just that. Penn State's strong finish resulted in an AP Top 10 ranking and a berth in the historic Rose Bowl Game. The Nittany Lions senior class helped propel the team's remarkable November performance through their leadership.
Thursday's practice at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles was the program's 12th of the 15 allotted bowl practices. Several players have noticed the continued growth and development of the roster since the Nittany Lions last took the field on November 26th against Michigan State. The team isn't satisfied with its regular season accomplishments.
"The practice time has helped add more depth," said sophomore Tight End Tyler Warren. "You get more people some more reps because you have more time between games. Building more depth and getting more experience under their belts is good."
Few teams utilized more players each week than Penn State. Forty-eight players appeared in at least 10 games this season and 10 true freshman played in more than four games. The dividends of a deep roster were already noticeable late in the regular season. The team has built on that throughout bowl practices.
"Everybody keeps improving and getting better each week and not taking any steps back," Warren said. "I think our maturity level [improved]. A lot of young guys that played early. And just having them learn."
Scruggs emphasized the team's veteran core is eager for the opportunity to go 1-0 in Pasadena. He's been constantly impressed with the team's approach since arriving in Los Angeles.
"I've been here for a few bowls and that first practice could be lackluster at times," Scruggs said. "But we came out and we were firing on all cylinders. We came out locked in and focused."
Now, he and his teammates have an opportunity to make history. With a win, Penn State would finish the season with 11 wins and a top 10 ranking, despite entering the year outside the top 25. It would also mark the program's second-ever win in "The Grandaddy of them All."
"It means a lot to me to go out as a Rose Bowl Champion," Scruggs proclaimed. "And for the program building momentum for next year. As you guys see, we've got a lot of great young talent and that will be momentum for them."
