Penn State's Matt Campbell Explains Where Team Grew in Saturday's Win

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

During training camp, first-year head coach Matt Campbell said he wanted to install the culture he wanted for the Penn State program while winning games.

On Saturday, the No. 18 Nittany Lions clearly did the latter, shutting out Marshall to earn a 45-0 victory in front of 108,489 fans at Beaver Stadium.

During his postgame news conference, Campbell told reporters that he was pleased that the lopsided contest allowed Penn State to play more of its roster. He thought his players learned about not letting up when the scoreboard is in their favor. 

"I think we were a little worried about the heat today," Campbell said, via Nittany Sports Now. "We didn’t know what that was going to look like, so I think there was a plan early to try to play as many guys as we possibly could.  I think the bigger credit is the amount of guys that were prepared to go play and play really well from the start of the game to the finish.

"We keep talking as a program about not playing to a scoreboard, but playing to a standard every day. I think we’re starting to understand that. There’s still a lot of work to do, but I think there was a great growth process for us today."

The Nittany Lions took a 17-0 lead in the first quarter before adding another seven in the second quarter. PSU finished with 324 yards through the air and 163 on the ground. Quarterbacks Rocco Becht, Alex Manske and Connor Barry had a chance to play.

Campbell said Saturday's game helped him appreciate how special Penn State and it fan base is.

"Just a sincere thank you to our fan base and our student body," Campbell said. "It was really special to be a part of this for the first time.

"I know so many people have said how special it is to play football here, but it was really special to coach here today. The environment was second to none. So, I just wanted to say that, and certainly thank all of you who cover us and make it really special as well."

Penn State will travel to play Temple on Saturday. PSU's next home game will come against Buffalo on Sept. 19.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos