Upper Deck U.S. National Team alumni report: Saeed Blacknall leads Penn State to upset win over Wisconsin

By Frank Bartscheck | Posted 12/5/2016

The lack of a full slate of college football games this weekend indicates the end of the college football season is upon us. The teams that did compete were vying for conference titles and/or shoring up bowl prospects.

Without a doubt, the biggest news resulting from this weekend’s action is the official announcement of the College Football Playoff:

  • No 1. Alabama vs. No. 4 Washington
  • No 2. Clemson vs. No. 3 Ohio State
     

Also, in keeping with this season’s recent upset trend, Saturday offered two shocking results:

  • Unranked Temple upended No. 19 Navy by the score of 34-10 to claim the American Athletic Conference championship.
  • No. 7 Penn State rallied in the second half to shock No. 6 Wisconsin 38-31 and claim the Big Ten championship.
     

Even with a limited slate of games, the U.S. National Team alumni were front-and-center in some of the biggest games this weekend.

Saeed Blacknall, WR, Penn State:

The junior wide receiver was instrumental in the Nittany Lions’ shocking comeback victory over No. 4 Wisconsin. The Big Ten Championship looked all but over by halftime as the Badgers were up by the score of 28-14.

The score should have been even more lopsided heading into the half. However, with a little over one minute remaining in the half, Blacknall sparked the Penn State offense with a 40-yard touchdown reception: 

As a result of the late offensive spark, Penn State looked like a completely different team when it came out for the second half. In fact, Blacknall immediately put up another six points on a 70-yard touchdown reception early in the second quarter:

After that touchdown, the Penn State defense only allowed three points the rest of the way and the offense connected for another 17 points to shock the Badgers and claim the Big Ten crown. Blacknall finished the day with six receptions for 155 yards and two touchdowns. For Blacknall, it was his best statistical output in blue and white, and only the second time he eclipsed 100 yards receiving. Congratulations to the Nittany Lions and Blacknall on a fantastic season.

Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma:

The senior running back had quite an afternoon. Prior to the game, the Big 12 championship looked as though it would remain competitive, especially considering it pitted No. 9 Oklahoma versus No. 10 Oklahoma State. That seemed to hold true during the first half, as the teams headed into their respective locker rooms tied by the score of 17-17. However, the second half was a completely different story. The Sooners, led by Perine, ran roughshod all over the Cowboy defense. On the afternoon, Perine had 37 carries for 239 yards and a touchdown. For his effort, Perine was awarded the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week award. 

Perine is the second all-time leading rusher for the Sooners, with only 83 yards remaining to break Billy Sims’ school record. However, it was Perine’s character-defining moment on Saturday that truly stood out. Late in the fourth quarter, Perine had a chance to score an easy touchdown and pad his stats. He instead elected to take a knee and run out the clock:

Micah Thomas, LB, Navy:

Although Navy lost in disappointing fashion to Temple by the score of 34-10, and losing the American Athletic Conference crown in the process, the junior linebacker did all he could to will his Midshipmen to victory. Thomas paced the Navy defense with eight tackles (seven solo). It was a heck of a year for Navy as the team went 9-3 (7-1 AAC) and will look to build on its success next season.

Jordan Parker, CB, Oklahoma:

The freshmen cornerback was unexpectedly thrust into the starting rotation during the fifth week of the season, as a result of injuries. He took over the starting position for the remainder of the season and never looked out of place, including this weekend. Parker was the fifth-leading tackler for the Sooners and accumulated five tackles (four solo) while not surrendering any big plays. With an unexpected year of on-field experience, big things could be expected from Parker next season.

Dalton Risner, C, Kansas State:

The sophomore center helped Kansas State defeat TCU by the score of 30-6 to earn an invitation to the Texas Bowl against Texas A&M. The Wildcats crushed the Horned Frogs on the ground, led by Risner and the offensive line, with 336 yards rushing and three touchdowns. This includes two individual running backs for Kansas State who individually eclipsed the 100-yard mark.

“I am so proud of the guys, so proud of the team. We finally put a complete game together,” Risner said to The Kansas City Star. “It’s a great way to end at 8-4 and we have a great opportunity to go 9-4. We are ready for the bowl game.”

Congratulations to all U.S. National Team alumni who competed in college football this season, especially to the graduating seniors. Good luck in your future endeavors. 

 

Photo courtesy of Penn State Athletics Department

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