Key Stats in Week 5 for the Nittany Lions

Well, yet again, the Nittany Lions fell short in a big game. Against the No. 5 (No. 6 in AP Top 25) Oregon Ducks, the Blue and White came up short in double overtime after a backbreaking Drew Allar pick on their second OT drive. Overall, in a game that was decided by fine margins, some of Penn State's early season issues popped up at inopportune times. This is heavily reflected in several key stats that ultimately decided the game in the Ducks' favor. Here are the ones that were most important to the outcome.

33:52-26:08 - Time of possession battle

This statistic may not have mattered more than others, but when an opposing team can control a game on the road nonetheless, that is a major worry. This was made clear as Penn State through three quarters couldn't generate much offensively. Most importantly, this showed that they couldn't extend drives. This was unlike the Ducks, who on both third and fourth downs were able to make key plays to keep the ball and to run the clock. While it didn't completely work to close out the game in regulation, it will be something that James Franklin and Co. must keep note of.

3/3 on fourth down

If there was any silver lining for Penn State's offense, it was their efficiency on the downs that ultimately extended the game and got it to overtime. The push from Luke Reynolds and the O-line on Singleton's fourth down conversion and Drew Allar's gutsy keeper showed that the Blue and White weren't going down without a fight. It also showed the creativity and multiplicity of Penn State's offense in short yardage situations. While it was too little, too late, it's these imaginative play calls that could provide Penn State fans hope for an improved offense in the weeks to come.

1 interception thrown

And it proved to be the game-ending one. This just went to show that the Drew Allar experience is still alive and well in big games, and Penn State will just have to roll with the punches. Does it negate everything he had done in the final 12 minutes of the game? Not at all, but it lends itself to the frustrations he has caused in critical situations. If Allar is faced with similar situations in big games down the road, he had better clean things like this up, or Penn State could continue to underachieve.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Key Stats in Week 5 for the Nittany Lions