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Relive Penn State’s Dramatic Win Over Iowa

Oh boy, what a game it was.

Penn State survived Kinnick Stadium in crazy fashion with a game for the ages. Take a look back, from beginning to end, at the Nittany Lions’ dramatic victory.

The stage was set from kickoff, but no one could’ve predicted what the next three hours would bring.

The Nittany Lions broke into Iowa territory on each of their first six drives, but only had a Tyler Davis chip shot to show for it. Shareef Miller, who was wearing No. 19 in honor of injured teammate Torrence Brown, came up clutch with a safety to put Penn State up 5-0 in the second quarter.

Iowa, which had all of two first downs and 33 yards of offense late in the second quarter, would somehow go into halftime with the lead after a Trace McSorley interception and ensuing 21-yard touchdown pass.

James Franklin had seen quite a few games like this before.

The Nittany Lions came right back in the third quarter, holding off the Hawkeyes and reclaiming their lead thanks to a Tyler Davis 21-yard field goal and Saquon Barkley doing Saquon Barkley things.

After blocking a Hawkeye field goal to end the third quarter, Penn State appeared to be in control heading to the final period of play.

Iowa wouldn’t go away, cutting Penn State’s lead to two after Iowa’s Akrum Wadley caught a pass over the middle and took it 70 yards for the score.

The Nittany Lions began to wind down the clock and drive back into Iowa territory, starting with another insane Saquon Barkley hurdle.

Tyler Davis would have his field goal attempt blocked to end the drive — giving Iowa 2:42 to go 74 yards.

It would take all of a minute for Wadley to strike again and surely seal the game for the Hawkeyes.

Trace McSorley and Co. had other plans, taking the field on their own 20 with just 1:36 remaining.

The Nittany Lions’ first do or die, fourth down play of the drive came from their own 40 with 58 seconds remaining, and Saeed Blacknall came down with it to keep the hopes alive.

Penn State still needed to go 56 yards in less than a minute, but a Trace McSorley 15-yard trot, along with a pair of completions to Juwan Johnson and Barkley brought the Nittany Lions to the 10-yard line with just 15 seconds left.

Three-straight incompletions set up the final play of the game:

As for the movie version of this finish.

Some are calling this game Saquon Barkley’s Heisman moment. He finished with 214 yards on the ground and 94 yards receiving — now leading the nation in all-purpose yards.

Everyone was excited following the crazy victory, especially the Nittany Lions themselves after pulling out the win.

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About the Author

Steve Connelly

Unfortunately, former editor Steve Connelly has graduated. Where is he now? He might be doing something related to that PR degree he got in 2019. Maybe he finally opened that sports bar named after one of his photos, the Blurry Zamboni. Or he might just be eating chicken tenders and couch surfing. Anything’s possible. If you really want to know, follow him on Twitter @slc2o.

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