Lambert-Smith rebounds vs. Spartans
Receiver puts up solid performance, including 48-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter
Penn State wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith was happy he rebounded Saturday from a poor performance last week.
Lambert-Smith made five catches for 83 yards and one touchdown in the 11th-ranked Nittany Lions’ 35-16 victory over Michigan State at Beaver Stadium.
But he was thrilled about the 48-yard option pass he threw to tight end Theo Johnson for a touchdown in the second quarter.
“I feel like I’m a quarterback at heart,” Lambert-Smith said. “I was doing that in high school. So just to showcase the arm talent, I feel good today,”
He caught just three passes for 9 yards last week in a 55-10 win at Rutgers and has not had a great season, But with leading receiver Parker Washington out for the second straight game because of an undisclosed injury, he stepped up.
“We knew with Park going down, there was gonna be more opportunity out there for the rest of the guys,” Lambert-Smith said. “We all prepare and we all work as if we’re about to get 10 catches a game. I feel like that’s nothing crazy from me.
“The opportunity was there and I made it count. I’m grateful for that.”
Lambert-Smith and Johnson said they had been working on the play in practice. Shortly before they connected on the field, they got together on the sideline.
“When the play was called, I think it was during a timeout,” Lambert-Smith said. “We were on the sideline talking about it. Theo said, ‘Lead me.’ So I did it. It was a perfect dime. Then I asked him, ‘Did I lead you enough?’ “
When Lambert-Smith returned to the sideline after the touchdown, Clifford made his way to him.
“I already have Drew (Allar) on my (rear end),” Clifford said. “Not you, too.”
King responds
Penn State sophomore cornerback Kalen King stood up to the challenge from Michigan State and quarterback Payton Thorne.
Thorne threw often in the direction of King, who finished with five pass break-ups, one interception and four solo tackles, including one for loss.
“They have a very talented group of receivers like Keon Coleman and Jaylin Reed,” King said. “If I were them, I’d go to my best receivers, too. I just took the challenge and competed all day.”
King intercepted Thorne’s pass at the Michigan State 35 late in the fourth quarter. On the next play, Clifford completed a game-clinching touchdown pass to Lambert-Smith.
“It meant a lot because we needed a stop,” King said. “The game was too close for my comfort. I felt like I needed to make a play and I did.”
King finished the regular season with a team-high 18 pass break-ups. He received increased action because Penn State opponents were reluctant to throw in the direction of Joey Porter Jr.
“It only gives me more opportunities to make more plays,” King said. “I’m grateful for those opportunities. To play alongside a guy (Porter) like that is great because I get to learn from and compete with him. We get to play together on Saturdays. That’s definitely a good feeling.”
Carter stands out
Penn State freshman linebacker Abdu Carter made an impact once again, collecting two sacks and three tackles for loss among his seven tackles.
Carter, who has started the last six games, leads the Lions with 6.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss, which is highly unusual for a freshman.
“I’m proud of him,” Penn State coach James Franklin said. “He’s gotten better every single week. He’s got a ton of natural ability. He’s getting more and more confident within the scheme, which is helping our defense play better and putting him in position to make more and more plays.
“He’s got the ability to find the ball and when he gets there, he has bad intentions.”