The Penn State Nittany Lions convert three fourth-down plays, one on a fake punt, to seal a 26-25 win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
No. 4 Penn State played a rattled special teams game at Minnesota on Saturday, giving up two blocked kicks that led to points. And then the Nittany Lions called a gutsy fake punt that helped seal a huge win.
With the win, Penn State remained in contention for the Big Ten title game appearance. More importantly, the Nittany Lions held their position to host a first-round game in the College Football Playoff. And finally, Penn State went 5-0 on the road for the first time since 1994.Penn State's special teams, having given up a blocked punt and a blocked extra point, were a negative story until the fourth quarter.
Not so, as Minnesota forced the drive's third fourth down with 27 seconds remaining. This time, Allar rolled right as if to run but paused just long enough to find Warren for 11 yards, the first down and the win.The Penn State quarterback needed a cool-down in the third quarter after running off the field in a rage. Allar had missed an open Omari Evans in the end zone, missed tight end Tyler Warren on third down and was bothered by time escaping from a Warren pooch-punt play.
That Penn State stuck with its rugby-style punt from the end zone backfired. Late in the second quarter, Minnesota linebacker Derik LeCaptain got on Penn State punter Riley Thompson in the end zone, blocking the first punt against Penn State since 2018. Minnesota wasted no time, running the a trick play on first down that got Max Brosmer a free throw to Jameson Geers for a 21-yard touchdown.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Penn State Football: Penn State Has Harrowing Memories of MinnesotaThe Minnesota Golden Gophers derailed the Penn State Nittany Lions' championship hopes in 1999 and 2019. The Nittany Lions visit Minnesota on Saturday.
Read more »
Penn State Football: How Andy Kotelnicki Brought His Minnesota Roots to Penn StatePenn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki once taught 3-year-olds to skate. Now, he's in charge of the Nittany Lions' entertaining offense.
Read more »
Penn State Football: What Time is the Penn State Vs. Purdue Big Ten Football Game?The Penn State Nittany Lions will play the Purdue Boilermakers in a Big Ten football game Nov. 16.
Read more »
Penn State Football: Where's Penn State in the 1st College Football Playoff rankingsThe Penn State Nittany Lions are No. 6 in the first College Football Playoff rankings, which would mean a home playoff game at Beaver Stadium.
Read more »
Penn State Football: How the Ohio State Buckeyes Are Preparing to Face Penn StatePenn State's Tyler Warren, Abdul Carter and Andy Kotelnicki have the Ohio State Buckeyes' attention for their Big Ten showdown.
Read more »
Penn State Football: Penn State Vs. Ohio State Preview, PredictionsThe Penn State Nittany Lions host the Ohio State Buckeyes in game between top-5 teams nursing key injuries and big chips.
Read more »