2014 Week 6

Evanston, IL
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The 23rd ranked Nittany Lions escaped #11 Northwestern yesterday thanks to H. Niswander. The Northwestern kicker missed 2 Field goals, and 1 of them was with 20 seconds remaining that would have tied the game. The Wildcats converted on 3 3rd Downs during the drive, but the Lions were able to hold them just inside of Field Goal range. The kicker missed the FG, sending Penn State home happy.

This game was nowhere near as good as the performance they put up last year in the conference championship game. Penn State began with the ball yet again, and they ran the ball like fans have not seen this year. Lynch took a handoff 31 yards on the first play from scrimmage, and they had very good runs the rest of the drive en route to a J. Thomas touchdown run. Lynch would finish with his first ever 100 yard game (102).

For the second week in a row, Hackenburg threw an INT that was taken back for a pick 6. However, on the next drive from NW, Penn State returned the favor when Gaines took back a INT for a TD. Penn State would lead 21-7 at the half.

Northwestern was able to get the offense moving in the second half as they had 2 very good drives in a row to nod things up at 21. PSU kept stalling. On a 3rd down when Hackenburg had been having a sluggish half, he found Geno Lewis wide open 50 yards downfield for a 66 Yard TD. 28-21 Penn State.

Northwestern had a few good pass and runs before Penn State was starting to improve and slow down NW. J. Jackson saw his first action of the game on a 2nd down toss option play, and his number was called. He would not disappoint, taking the ball 48 yards for the score to tie things up.

Penn State was having a very nice drive, but they were stopped short with 3 minutes left on their own 12 yard line. Instead of going for it on 4th and 2, Ray Wynn kicked the FG to seal the win for Penn State.

Penn State will now get another rest week before a match-up with Maryland. PSU hopes to move up more in the polls, but will that Temple loss remain haunting?