Penn State’s Mike Gesicki (88) celebrates with DeAndre Thompkins (3) after Gesicki made a 33-yard touchdown reception during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game.
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With 5:15 remaining in the second quarter of the Big Ten Championship Game, the dream of a College Football Playoff trip appeared to be dead for the Penn State Nittany Lions.
No. 8 Penn State (11-2) overwhelmed Wisconsin’s defense, which had entered the game holding opponents to 13.7 points per game, with a pass attack spearheaded by quarterback Trace McSorley and receiver Saeed Blacknall, both juniors. It was the first Nittany Lions’ lead of the game.
As good as the Badgers defense had been this season, the secondary played their worst game of the season, looking invisible on some of Penn State’s long pass plays. The defensive back had about a 5-yard head lead on Ohio State holder Cameron Johnston when they both broke into a sprint.
Under Pry’s defensive leadership, Penn State (11-2, 8-1) yielded just three points in the final 40 minutes and 15 seconds against Wisconsin (10-3, 7-2), as the Nittany Lions ran off an wonderful 31-3 string to beat the Badgers, 38-31, and win the Big Ten Championship game. This season will be celebrated as perhaps the most stunning season in school history, one that was fittingly capped by a stunning comeback.
The day before the Big Ten Championship Game, coaches Paul Chryst of the University of wisconsin and James Franklin of Penn State went to great lengths trying to convince people that winning the Big Ten title still meant something in today’s playoff-infused atmosphere.
Just as we expected, a team from the Big Ten East division won the league title. Then when it was Minnesota, and we have Jimmys and Joes hurt all over the place, and they still found a way to win? Wow. They say you’re allowed to overcome minor setbacks. “We’ve done that. It’s on you now, committee”. And as they played deep into Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Nittany Lions showed it wasn’t enough.
It’s the fourth time this season the Nittany Lions have come back from a double-digit deficit.
On the next series, Penn State failed on a fourth-down play from its 42-yard line, setting up yet another Wisconsin touchdown.
If another round were added to the playoff, my best bets for inclusion would be Michigan, Oklahoma, Penn State and a virtual toss up between USC and Wisconsin.
LATE FRIDAY/PAC-12 CHAMPIONSHIP -Taylor Rapp returned one of his two interceptions for a touchdown and Myles Gaskin ran for 159 yards to help No. 4 Washington strengthen its case for a playoff berth with a 41-10 victory over No. 9 Colorado in the Pac-12 championship game Friday night.
“Saquon Barkley I think is going to keep ’em honest”, Franklin said. It’s certainly worth tuning in as a fan to let all of it soak in. They had allowed only eight passing touchdowns all season, and they hadn’t given up more than 23 points in regulation of any game. You can put in a one-loss non-champ. Yet, when they needed it most, it wasn’t there. With finals right around the corner, the Badger Herald gave out grades to a Badger squad that fell short of a third conference championship for the first time in six years.
Cornerback Grant Haley dropped Wisconsin running back Corey Clement for no gain on fourth-and-1 to seal the victory in the final minute. We just had no idea it would be Penn State.
The big play Nittany Lions got to the Badgers with six big plays totaling 228 yards, five through the air and one on the ground.
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Ohio State has one loss while Penn State lost to MI and Pitt in its first four games before reeling off nine-straight wins. “Obviously winning the Big Ten championship and winning a game head-to-head, we felt that gave us a lot of value”.
