Good afternoon and welcome back to football, Penn State fans. The Nittany Lions are hosting the Army Black Knights in today’s non-conference matchup. We will provide updates throughout the game on this page, including game analysis, photos, and more. Here’s the media information you’ll need, and here’s our staff’s game predictions. 

Fourth quarter

End of game

2:50 4Q: Jason Cabinda comes up big with a sack on fourth down, resulting in a turnover on downs for Army on its last ditch effort to reach the endzone.

6:54 4Q: Penn State is looking stagnant offensively, reflected in the three and out produced by a unit that needs to get back on the board. With a touchdown, Army could take a one point lead.

10:00 4Q: Penn State doing its best to keep Army in the game, as quarterback AJ Schurr storms down the field on a keeper, putting Army within six points with under 10 minutes remaining in the game.

Third quarter

End third quater:  But Penn State quickly answered the adversity is resounding fashion. A bomb downfield hauled in by Chris Godwin put the Lions in the shadow of the red zone. Hackenberg then found tight end (and birthday boy) Mike Gesicki down the sideline. The tight end trotted into the end zone unharmed, his first career touchdown reception. The extra point gave Penn State a 20-7 lead.

 

5:36 3Q: Up until seven minutes remained in the third quarter, Army had not attempted a pass. But on it froze the defense when it did just that, connecting over the middle for a 37-yard gain down to Penn State’s 12. It was the first time the Black Knights had marched into the red zone all day. Unlike Penn State, Army was able to capitalize. A short QB keeper from three yards away found the end zone, and it was suddenly a one-possession game, 13-7.

10:00 3Q: After a halftime that honored Army service members and welcomed home a trio of Penn State soccer and World Cup alums, Penn State ran the ball down Army’s throat on its first offensive possession. The drive ultimately stalled in the red zone, but another Joey Julius field goal extended the Lions’ lead to 13-0.

Second quarter

Halftime: Joey Julius nets a 37-yard field goal in the half’s final minute to give Penn State a 10-0 lead into the locker room. It’s been a soggy struggle so far; Hackenberg only has 43 passing yards.

2:25 2Q: Almost on cue, Army fumbles the possession away. Manny Bowen pounces on the ball for his first career recovery. Here’s the celebration:

6:36 2Q: Nothing comes from the turnover, the first in the last five that Penn State hasn’t converted into a touchdown. Gulla punts, the fair catch is bobbled, but Army holds on and takes over pinned beneath the meager student section as its eight.

8:52 2Q: Von Walker pounces on a loose ball, fumbled by Army’s running back. It’s Walker’s first fumble recovery as a Nittany Lion. Penn State takes over on the opponent’s 43. Meanwhile, here’s a summary of how Army’s offense is faring so far:

11:04 2Q: Penn State’s first drive of the second quarter stalls in incredibly anticlimactic fashion. Hackenberg sailed a pass out of bounds because no receivers were open downfield, and Gulla’s punt is almost blocked. This time, it travels more than 12 yards, and Army takes over at its 30.

First quarter

End of quarter

4:10 1Q: With a 7-0 lead, the Nittany Lions implemented freshman running back Johnathan Thomas into the backfield. Christian Hackenberg was unable to connect on a pair of throws, and Gulla’s shank gifted the Black Knights with possession on the 35-yard line.

8:13 1Q: Army staying true to its roots, showing a strong commitment to the run game. A chop-block penalty moved the Black Knights back 15-yards, and Jason Cabinda sealed up the drive with a sack up the middle. Army on to punt now.

9:57 1Q: NICK SCOTT! The redshirt freshman takes a misdirection 11-yards, plunging through a hole on the right side to give Penn State the lead. The extra point is good, and the Nittany Lions are on top 7-0.

13:30 1Q: Garret Sickels comes up big with the forced fumble, giving Penn State the ball in position to strike at the Army 42!

14:05 1Q: Penn State’s first drive did not go as planned, as a false start moved the Lions back five yards. Hackenberg was unable to connect with Chris Godwin, and took a sack outside of the pocket on the next play.

Pregame

Nick Scott is expected to play an important offensive role today against Army. He’ll complement Mark Allen in the backfield with Akeel Lynch and Saquon Barkley sidelined.

More injury news: Jordan Lucas is warming up with the safeties. Marcus Allen will join Lynch on the sideline, he’s in sweats.

— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) October 3, 2015

No Akeel Lynch today, he’s dressed in his jersey and sweatpants. Saquon Barkley isn’t out on the field yet, his status remains unknown. — Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) October 3, 2015

James Franklin just finished his routine lap around Beaver Stadium in a pouring rain. He claimed to be staying dry. pic.twitter.com/kRuZoUizut

— Onward State (@OnwardState) October 3, 2015

DaeSean Hamilton warms up with the receivers to acclimate to soggy conditions. Just under an hour to kickoff.