Penn State Vs. Michigan State Halftime Report

Singleton and Allen combined for 115 yards rushing and another 85 in the air. Even third-string back Trey Potts got into the action, turning in a 28-yard carry on the Lions' final series of the half.

Penn State's missed opportunities

The Nittany Lions compiled 197 yards of offense on their first three drives, produced as many 50-yard plays as they have all season and total an impressive 86 yards after catch. And they scored six points.

The keys: two penalties (including a rare holding on left tackle Olu Fashanu) and missed blitz pickups that led to sacks on a pair of third-and-longs. Penn State settled for three field-goal attempts on those drives. Alex Felkins made two, including a 49-yarder, but also hit an upright.

Penn State's defense is flying

Michigan State hit two long pass plays, one aided by a missed tackle,  but managed little else. The Spartans ran for minus-2 yards on their first three series, and Detroit native Jaylen Reed ended one series with a diving interception.

Adisa Isaac and Chop Robinson, who could be playing their last games for Penn State, sped up Michigan State quarterback Katin Houser's internal clock. And the defense sniffed out a second-quarter trick play, leading to a grounding penalty when receiver Alante Brown frantically threw away an impending sack.

Noteworthy

Penn State converted just one of its first four third-down attempts, giving up sacks on two.

Quarterback Drew Allar completed 13 of his first 17 passing attempts for 180 yards. He threw for a combined 149 yards the past two weeks.

KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Penn State's leading receiver, wasn't targeted in the first half. That's six consecutive quarters without a target for Lambert-Smith.

More Penn State Football

Penn State Football on SI.com

Penn State vs. Michigan State: Keys to the game

Penn State vs. Michigan State preview, predictions

Penn State turns toward Michigan State with a tighter offense

James Franklin expects Drew Allar to be ready for Michigan State

Penn State improves to No. 11 in the College Football Playoff rankings

Peach Bowl CEO: Penn State 'makes sense' for us

The latest on Penn State's bowl projections

AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.