Penn State (3-0-0) clashed with Rutgers (2-1-0) in Piscataway, New Jersey on what would ultimately become a record-breaking night, as the Nittany Lions escaped with a 13-10 victory.
An ugly kick started an ugly game; both teams had a weak start as junior kicker Kyle Federico sent the opening kick into the sidelines, but Penn State couldn’t capitalize on Rutgers’ mistake. After Trevor Williams, the junior cornerback, got his first interception of the year and first of the game, and Adrian Amos, senior safety, plucked the second interception, frustration became the name of the game for Penn State.
Rutgers defensive end Kemoko Turay’s block on Chris Gulla’spunt sent Penn State into a downward spiral as sophomore quarterback Christian Hackenberg (25-44) threw several incomplete passes, dominated by a solid Rutgers defense led bydefensive lineman Darius Hamilton.
All in all, the first half was shaky and plagued by silly mistakes from both teams, but Rutgers managed to come out on top, ending the half with a 10-0 lead on the back of senior quarterback Gary Nova’s touchdown and Federico’s field goal.
The third quarter saw Penn State, initially ravaged by frustration and ineffective plays, put themselves on the board following a turnover that was converted into a 32-yard field goal by senior Sam Ficken. However, the glory was short-lived as the Rutgers defense relentlessly attacked Penn State’s offensive line, leading to a record number of sacks on Hackenberg.
Rutgers played a hard-hitting, unyielding football game, and it was clear that Penn State had all but given in to the domination of a solid defensive line until the last three minutes of the fourth quarter. Brandon Bell snatched an interception from Nova, eventually leading to an improbable 53-yard run by wide receiver Geno Lewis that set up a touchdown, though a flag on the play led to the dismissal of the call.
The Nittany Lions should never be counted down and out. With 1:13 left in the game, senior running back Bill Belton powered through Rutgers’ defense to score a touchdown. Sam Ficken converted the extra point, putting Penn State up 13-10.
Ultimately, it was senior safety Ryan Keiser who may have saved the game. With Rutgers pushing hard up the field, Keiser grabbed what would become Nova’s fifth interception of the night with 47 seconds left to finish out the game.
Despite their first conference loss, Rutgers is optimistic about their future in the Big Ten. Penn State, on the other hand, is enjoying leading the conference with a 3-0 start to the year.
Penn State’s next contest is UMass on Saturday, September 20, at 4:00 p.m. in Beaver Stadium.
