On Saturday, No. 11 Michigan State survived unranked Penn State, but the Nittany Lions made the Spartans earn it until the end. Despite a 21-3 lead entering the fourth quarter, Penn State rallied to keep them on their toes until the final minute.
Michigan State 28, Penn State 22: No. 11 Spartans Escape Wild Fourth Quarter With Win
The Spartans dominated the first three quarters. Their defense held the Lions to a field goal, and Kirk Cousins threw for two touchdowns. In the fourth quarter, however, Joe Paterno's squad woke up.
Quarterback Matthew McGloin, playing in the stead of Robert Bolden, threw a 25-yard touchdown pass, and after Michigan State answered with a touchdown of its own to bring its lead to 28-10, Evan Royster capped the ensuing Penn State drive with a ten-yard rush into the end zone.
The Lions again found themselves with the ball in the final minutes. Down 28-16, McGloin drove his squad to the Spartans' 4-yard line with just over a minute remaining. McGloin's next pass deflected off some hands and into the arms of Michigan State's Trenton Robinson, but rather than simply kneel the ball for the win-sealing touchdown, Robinson elected to run it out. The Spartans paid for his poor decision, as Robinson coughed up the ball near the original line of scrimmage and Penn State re-took possession.
McGloin then tossed a touchdown pass on the next play to cut Michigan State’s lead to 28-22. Unfortunately for the Nittany Lions, the ensuing onside kick attempt failed, and after a 19-point fourth-quarter effort from Penn State, Michigan State escaped with the win.
The Spartans improve to 11-1 on the year, including 7-1 in the Big Ten. Penn State finishes the season at 7-5 overall.
For more on these teams, check in with our Michigan State blog, The Only Colors, and our Penn State blog, Black Shoe Diaries.
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