Penn State won't be playing in a bowl game in 2012 but on Saturday they were able to play spoiler, knocking Indiana out of postseason contention with a 45-22 win in Happy Valley. The victory improved to the Nittany Lions to 7-4 on the season, while it dropped the Hoosiers to 4-7 overall, meaning that Indiana won’t get enough wins to be bowl eligble.
Because of NCAA sanctions the Nittany Lions won’t be going to postseason play either, but Matt McGloin and company once again showed on Saturday that they’re playing as well as virtually any team in college football. McGloin finished the afternoon with 397 yards passing and four touchdowns. Three of those scoring passes came to receiver Allen Robinson, who finished the afternoon with an impressive 10 catches for 197 yards.
Meanwhile on defense, the Nittany Lions were dealt a crushing blow when linebacker Michael Mauti was carted off the field in the first quarter with an apparent knee injury. Mauti is a senior captain who led Penn State with 93 tackles entering Saturday’s game.
Indiana vs. Penn State final score: Nittany Lions win 45-22
Matt McGloin threw for four touchdowns and wide receiver Allen Robinson had 197 yards receiving as Penn State beat Indiana 45-22 Saturday in Happy Valley. The loss dropped the Hoosiers to 4-7 overall, meaning Indiana cannot play in a bowl game this year.
Box Score Hero: The answer here is wide receiver Allen Robinson, who finished the afternoon with 10 catches for 197 yards and three touchdowns.
Rankings Ramifications: Even with the win, it seems unlikely that Penn State will be ranked when the new polls are released on Sunday. Indiana will not be ranked either.
But Did They Cover? Yes. Penn State entered the game as a 14-point favorite, meaning that they did cover.
For More On This Game: For more on the Indiana Hoosiers, be sure and visit The Crimson Quarry and for all things Penn State, visit the Black Shoe Diaries.
Next Week’s Schedule: Penn State will close out the regular season next Saturday at home against Wisconsin, while Indiana travels to Purdue.
