Penn State faced another heartbreaking loss against Wisconsin on Saturday.

The Nittany Lions blew a 17-0 first-half lead and eventually lost 24-20. The offense scored only three points in the second half, while the defense allowed 17.

Both offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser and defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn made questionable second-half play calls. Both could be seen as contributors to the loss, but you could argue over who was more responsible.

I am going to debate myself on who is more to blame for Penn State’s devastating loss.

That’s right, it’s me vs. me. The only challenge stares back at me in the mirror. I’m in my own lane, so watch me win.

Holden Mostofsky: Taylor Mouser

Mouser is definitely to blame for the loss.

Penn State’s defense had three interceptions, one of which was a pick-six. Cornerback Josiah Zayas had as many touchdowns as the whole offense.

I understand that Penn State blew a 17-point lead, but how much do you expect of your defense if the offense is off the field most of the game?

The defense held Wisconsin to one first down and 14 yards in the first quarter. If the offense couldn’t build momentum off that, how is it Lynn’s fault?

I understand the defense struggled in the second half, but maybe the players were just tired of fighting the whole game. Give them a break for once.

Remember, Wisconsin is a Big Ten team. I understand folks see them as less of a threat, but you shouldn’t expect them to go scoreless.

If a Big Ten team has as many offensive opportunities as the Badgers did, they will show up. Every single team in the conference has talented players. If someone is recruited to play for the Big Ten, give them enough chances, and they will put up points.

Quarterback Rocco Becht also went 12-for-29 on passing attempts, with one interception. On top of that, Chase Sowell was the ONLY receiver to catch a ball.

That’s right, no other receiver caught a ball in the game on 29 attempts. I think the play calling could have created opportunities for other receivers to get a catch, and while I know others outside of Sowell were targeted, you’d expect mid-game adjustments to get a receiver involved.

The final drive didn’t look any better either. There wasn’t much time on the clock, but going for the home-run ball multiple times looked like panic.

I will say, Mouser started to play James Peoples and Quinton Martin Jr. more, which made the run game look stronger.

However, Penn State had plenty of opportunities to step on the field. Let me say this one more time: the defense had three interceptions. The offense had every opportunity to drive down and score, but the play calling stayed the same.

Holden Mostofsky: D’Anton Lynn

I understand the defense had three picks, and even a touchdown, but that doesn’t excuse the fact that it’s a 60-minute game, not 45.

The defense played great throughout the first three and a half quarters, but letting up two back-to-back touchdown drives in the fourth quarter was a rough look. Even after Wisconsin faced multiple offensive penalties, the team found a way to score.

The offense struggled yesterday, no doubt. But letting up two touchdowns within the final four minutes is poor. The Badgers built momentum in the second half, and while the defense could have been tired, the play calling got lazy.

Wisconsin quarterback Colton Joseph was slinging the ball; at one point, I believe he had four straight 10-yard+ passes on a touchdown drive. While the Badgers’ final touchdown was also debatably an offensive pass interference, a tight end marched over 70 yards downfield with no one close by.

Tight ends are also typically slower than corners and safeties, so it was hard to grasp a lane open enough for a slower receiver to run through.

In the end, the defense can’t let up two touchdowns in that short of time against a team we are favored to beat.