Center County, PA (WHP) — “Great crowd again,” James Franklin boasted Saturday as he opened his post-match press conference. “The White Out is fantastic.”

More than 110,000 fans roared as Penn State took the field and promptly welcomed the Washington Huskies to Beaver Stadium with a 35-6 thrashing. The Nittany Lions dominated the game in every facet, outgaining Washington 486-193 yards, including a 266-74 rushing yards lead. The Nittany Lions converted 10 of their third-down chances and held their opponent to a 4-13 mark on third down.

“The game was won on third place,” Franklin said. “We were in third place with 77%, down to their 30.”

Junior quarterback Drew Allar was efficient, going 20/28 with 220 yards and connecting with Julian Fleming for a touchdown, putting Penn State up 28-0 at halftime. Superstar tight end Tyler Warren continued his record-breaking campaign, adding two rushing touchdowns to his team-high 8 catches. Warren also had 75 receiving yards, giving him 681 yards on the season. He passed Mike Gesicki for most receiving yards in a season by a Nittany Lion tight end on his final catch of the game.

“I don’t understand how that guy doesn’t win the Mackey Award,” Franklin said. The John Mackey Award is presented each year to the best tight end in college football.

The Huskies traveled more than 2,000 miles to play their new conference opponent and weren’t able to generate much offense until the third quarter. That quarter they beat Penn State by 16 yards and scored the only three points of the quarter on a 24-yard field goal by Grady Gross. Will Rogers passed 10/13, but could only muster 59 yards through the air. He was replaced by true freshman Demond Williams Jr., who led the Huskies on their only two scoring drives of the game.

But the real show took place off the field as Penn State held their annual White Out game in their Week 11 win.

“There’s nothing like it,” said a Penn State freshman. “I feel incredible. First White Out game, I’m so excited,” said another.

This year marked the 20th anniversary of the Happy Valley classic. Beaver Stadium has a capacity of 106,572, but this victory was seen by 110,233 Nittany Lion students, fans, alumni and everyone in between. The win gives Penn State a 12-8 all-time record in the annual competition. They also extended their White Out winning streak to five matches, dating back to 2019 (the match was canceled in 2020).

“One of the best sporting events, not just football. One of the best sporting events around,” Franklin said.