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Penn State offensive lineman Vega Ioane takes off and records a viral block against UCLA

STATE UNIVERSITY – Penn State offensive lineman Vega Ioane recorded a viral block that will have the college football world talking during the first half of the Lions' game against UCLA on Saturday. The redshirt sophomore has already been put in pre-snap motion by first-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. So this part of the piece was not new. What was, however, was the result. After moving from right to left through the formation, Ioane smashed UCLA DE Luke Schuermann at the snap and then finished him off. This resulted in an eight-yard gain for Kaytron Allen. Drew Allar later capped the 16-play, 82-yard drive with a Drew Allar sneak.

Check out Ioane's block below. He heated up the Stripe Out crowd at Beaver Stadium after the game, and for good reason.

Can't see the embedded video clip? Click here.

Ioane spoke to the Center Daily Times last week about having the freedom to be active in Kotelnicki's offense. Of course, this move is usually reserved for running backs, receivers or tight ends.

“I take it so much to heart that he has a lot of confidence in me to do something like that,” Ioane said across the aisle. “When I'm out there, I'm going to use my body for him, for the game, for the offense. Whatever he asks of me, I will do it for him.”

More Penn State-UCLA updates

Penn State capped a 16-play, 82-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown rush by Drew Allar. Ryan Barker's extra point is good. That made it 7-0 for PSU with 6:40 left in the first half. Impressive performance from the Lions after a slow start. One drive later, UCLA took advantage of broken Nittany Lion coverage to gain 53 yards through the air. It set up Mateen Bhagani's 25-yard field goal attempt, which was good, and made it 7-3 late in the first half.

Follow live updates here.

Penn State will be without punt returner Kaden Saunders. Running back Nicholas Singleton, who was questionable on the pregame availability report, did not play in the first half. And the Lions lost right tackle Anthony Donkoh to an upper-body injury late in the first quarter. Backup Nolan Rucci has been playing in his place ever since.

The Lions didn't get off to the desired start. Their defense forced a turnover on downs deep in their own end and forced a punt. On offense, UCLA outscored PSU 72-28 in the first 15 minutes. After one it was 0-0.

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