MINNEAPOLIS, MN – In a game filled with twists, defensive heroics, and a dramatic finish, Penn State narrowly defeated Minnesota 26-25 at Huntington Bank Stadium on Saturday. The victory improved Penn State to 10-1 (7-1 Big Ten), keeping their playoff aspirations alive, while Minnesota fell to 6-5 (4-4 Big Ten), missing a chance for a signature win on Senior Night.
A Back-and-Forth Battle
Minnesota struck first when Marcus Major broke free for a 20-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter. The Golden Gophers extended their lead early in the second with Dragan Kesich’s 48-yard field goal, putting Penn State in a 10-0 hole.
The Nittany Lions responded through Drew Allar, whose 45-yard touchdown pass to Omari Evans kickstarted Penn State’s offense. Ryan Barker followed with a 45-yard field goal to tie the game at 10. The teams exchanged touchdowns before the half ended in dramatic fashion: Allar’s 4-yard touchdown run gave Penn State a brief lead, but Minnesota blocked the extra point and returned it 88 yards, securing a 19-16 advantage at halftime.
Penn State’s Resilience
The second half saw both defenses tighten, but Nicholas Singleton’s explosive 12-yard touchdown run in the third quarter swung momentum back to the Nittany Lions. Barker’s 32-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter extended the lead to 26-22.
Minnesota mounted a final push, highlighted by another Kesich field goal, cutting the deficit to 26-25. The Gophers regained possession with under six minutes remaining, but Penn State’s defense held firm, forcing a turnover on downs to seal the win.
Key Performers
Drew Allar (Penn State): Allar demonstrated poise under pressure, completing 21 of 28 passes for 244 yards and a touchdown, adding a rushing score. He found key targets in Tyler Warren, who hauled in eight receptions for 102 yards, and Omari Evans, who finished with two catches for 51 yards, including the 45-yard touchdown.
Nicholas Singleton (Penn State): The versatile back carried 13 times for 63 yards and a touchdown, complementing Penn State’s aerial attack.
Dragan Kesich (Minnesota): The Golden Gophers’ kicker was a bright spot, going 3-for-3 on field goals, including a 48-yarder. His contributions kept Minnesota within striking distance throughout the contest.
Marcus Major (Minnesota): The running back rushed for 37 yards and a touchdown, providing early momentum for Minnesota’s offense.
Defensive Heroes
Penn State’s defense made crucial plays, highlighted by Dominic DeLuca’s second-quarter interception, which set up Barker’s field goal. Zane Durant and Tony Rojas disrupted Minnesota’s backfield, combining for four tackles for loss and a sack.
Minnesota’s defense was equally tenacious, with Cody Lindenberg recording 14 tackles and Jack Henderson contributing a key sack. Their effort was punctuated by Ethan Robinson’s blocked extra point return, a rare two-point defensive play that proved pivotal.
A Game of Inches
The box score revealed a tightly contested matchup. Penn State outgained Minnesota 361 to 281 in total offense, but the Gophers dominated time of possession, holding the ball for 34:11 compared to Penn State’s 25:49. Both teams converted critical fourth downs, with Penn State going 3-for-4 and Minnesota 1-for-1.
Missed opportunities haunted Minnesota, particularly their struggles in the red zone and inability to capitalize on late-game drives. Meanwhile, Penn State showed resilience, overcoming early mistakes and capitalizing on key turnovers.
Looking Ahead
For Penn State, the victory sets the stage for a high-stakes finale against Michigan State, with playoff implications on the line. Minnesota will look to regroup and secure bowl eligibility in their final game of the season.
Final Thoughts
Penn State’s one-point triumph showcased their grit and ability to win close games, traits that will be tested in the weeks ahead. For Minnesota, the loss highlighted their growth under pressure and determination to challenge top-tier opponents.
In a season defined by thrilling finishes, Saturday’s showdown in Minneapolis was another chapter in Penn State’s story of resilience and determination.
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