Freshman Rob Bolden started the day with style, going 11-13 and 130 yards before being sidelined with an apparent concussion before halftime. Backup Matt McGloin took charge and  led the Nittany Lions to a 33-21 victory in Minnesota.

Penn State took an early lead on its first drive when Bolden hit captain Brett Bracket with 21-yard touchdown strike, but minutes later the Gophers responded when Da’Jon McKnight hauled in a 29-yard touchdown reception from Adam Weber. McKnight finished the day with 103 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

Evan Royster, who finished the day with only 62 yards on the ground but passed Tony Hunt as the N0. 2 leading rusher in Penn State history, added the next touchdown with a 2-yard scamper. Then Bolden was taken out of the game with “concussion-like symptoms.”

Without hesitation, McGloin stepped in and launched a 42-yard bomb to Derek Moye a play after D’Anton’s Lynn 56-yard interception return.

Moye and McGloin paired up again in the fourth quarter for a 4-yard touchdown. McGloin finished his day with 76 yards and two touchdowns, while Moye had three catches for 81 yards and two touchdowns.

In a season scarce with big plays, defensive tackle Devon Still broke the trend with a safety in the fourth quarter, which ultimately sealed the fate for Minnesota.

Freshman Silas Redd also turned some heads today, leading the team with 71 rushing yards.

After two straight losses, there is a sense of relief around Happy Valley with this victory. Penn State faces a much more formidable opponent, the Michigan Wolverines,  this Saturday.