Hackenberg the main reason Penn State won opener

Penn State exhibited new starters, new schemes, and new players in its season opener in Ireland, but it was the same old Christian Hackenberg who carried the Nittany Lions to their nail-biting victory over Central Florida.

Hackenberg, a sophomore, became the first quarterback in Penn State history to reach the 400-yard plateau, finishing 32 of 47 for 454 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 26-24 victory over the Knights at Croke Park in the Nittany Lions coaching debut of James Franklin.

On the Lions' final drive, Hackenberg picked up a first down on a fourth-down scramble and completed three passes for 34 yards to Geno Lewis, setting up Sam Ficken's game-winning 36-yard field goal - his fourth in four attempts - on the game's final play.

"I think it's a testament to a lot of pieces of the puzzle," Hackenberg told reporters after the game. "The offensive line that everyone was out there doubting I think played a very good game. The defense sort of threw a lot of stuff at them there toward the end of the game, and they held strong and did their part."

The offensive line, with only one starter returning, did a good job of protecting Hackenberg, although the Lions' running game was pretty much a nonfactor.

Hackenberg had the best game by a Big Ten quarterback in Week 1, and he leads the conference in passing yards and total offense (456.0). He is fourth and fifth in the nation, respectively, in those categories.

Lewis, a sophomore, caught eight passes for 173 yards, both career highs for him. DaeSean Hamilton, a redshirt freshman, broke the school freshman record for receptions (11) and receiving yards (165) in a game.

The Nittany Lions flew home from Dublin late Saturday night and had a light practice Sunday. They will take Monday off before beginning preparations on Tuesday for Akron in the Beaver Stadium debut of Franklin.

The Zips, who opened with a 41-0 win over Howard, are coached by former Auburn coach Terry Bowden.

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