Penn State Survives Washington's 2nd Half Surge For Fifth Win

The Penn State Nittany Lions came away with a 28-25 win over the Washington Huskies. Penn State led 28-6 at halftime but allowed 19 unanswered points in the second half.

The Nittany Lions did have a strong drive to end the game, as Rocco Becht marched them down the field on a 14-play, 70-yard drive to burn out the remainder of the clock and secure their fifth win of the season.

It was the only successful drive that Penn State had in the second half, as they had three punts and a turnover on downs on their other drives.

There were some promising moments from the game, as Becht finished the game, completing 16 of 27 passes for 240 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He connected with Chase Sowell four times for 125 yards and a touchdown. Zay Robinson came down with the other touchdown catch for the Nittany Lions.

Penn State was strong in the run game, as Carson Hansen had 119 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, while Cam Wallace had 56 yards and a touchdown on seven carries.

On defense, the Nittany Lions had just one sack, with Ty Blanding and Yvan Kemajou combining for it. Ibn McDaniels also had an interception, as Penn State contained the Huskies' offense completely in the first half.

In the passing game, Desmond Williams Jr. completed 19 of 33 passes for 172 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception while rushing for 43 yards on five carries.

Chris Lawson was the leading receiver for the Huskies, with five receptions for 89 yards. Dezmen Roebuck had four receptions for 30 yards and a touchdown. Baron Naone caught the other touchdown with two receptions for six yards.

In the rushing attack, Jayden Limar rushed for 66 yards on nine carries. Penn State's defense held them in check with two field goals in the first half, as well as four punts.

The Nittany Lions haven't had the best year in their first season under head coach Matt Campbell. Campbell had a successful tenure as the Iowa State Cyclones' head coach, but he will need time to turn Penn State around.

The Nittany Lions have shown some flashes, and if they can finish the season strong with matchups against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, and the Maryland Terrapins, it would give them momentum heading into the 2027 season, with a chance to make it into the College Football Playoff with the format expanding from 12 teams to 24 teams.