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Penn State at Northwestern

Saturday, October 7, 2017

No. 4 Penn State beat Northwestern 31–⁠7. It was their 19th meeting; after it, Penn State led the series 14–⁠5.

Away4Penn State11–⁠2 in 2017
31
HomeNorthwestern10–⁠3 in 2017
7

Final at Ryan Field, EvanstonTV: ABCAttendance 41,061

At kickoff
77°F, clear, wind 21 mph from the south, gusts to 29 mphWeather: NOAA NCEI Integrated Surface Database; Palwaukee Municipal Airport (KPWK), 19 km from the stadium, eight minutes before kickoff
Officials
Referee Michael Cannon; umpire Ken Zelmanski; head linesman Kelly Saalfeld; line judge John Quinn; side judge Robert Smith Jr; field judge Joel Clay; back judge Grady Smith; center judge Bryan BanksGame officials: stats.ncaa.org box scores, via SportsDataverse

Scoring by quarter

TeamQ1Q2Q3Q4Final
Penn State3714731
Northwestern00077

Standouts

  • PassingTrace McSorley25 of 34, 245 yards, 1 TDPenn State
  • RushingSaquon Barkley16 carries, 75 yards, 2 TDPenn State
  • DefenseNate Hall9 tackles, 1 sack, 2 for lossNorthwestern

Photos: Wikimedia Commons, free licenses; credits on each player’s page.

Player stats

Penn State

PassingC/AttYdsTDInt
Trace McSorley25/3424510
Tommy Stevens4/74100
RushingCarYdsTDLong
Saquon Barkley1675253
Tommy Stevens317020
Mark Allen2404
ReceivingRecYdsTDLong
Saeed Blacknall474038
DeAndre Thompkins657019
Juwan Johnson643010
Brandon Polk340023
DefenseTklTFLSacksInt
Brandon Smith5000
Marcus Allen5000
Troy Apke5000
Jason Cabinda5000
Shareef Miller40.50.50
Christian Campbell4001
Ryan Buchholz30.50.50
Shaka Toney2220
Curtis Cothran2110
Amani Oruwariye1001

Northwestern

PassingC/AttYdsTDInt
Clayton Thorson19/3614202
Matt Alviti4/75600
RushingCarYdsTDLong
Justin Jackson1666028
Matt Alviti320114
Jeremy Larkin3503
Jesse Brown1404
ReceivingRecYdsTDLong
Macan Wilson439024
Ben Skowronek234032
Flynn Nagel326013
Jace James125025
DefenseTklTFLSacksInt
Godwin Igwebuike11100
Nate Hall9210
Paddy Fisher61.500
Kyle Queiro5100
Trent Goens4210
Joe Gaziano31.510
Sam Miller21.510
Alex Miller1110

From CollegeFootballData’s box score. Names lead to each player’s page. ★ a career high on file.

Team stats

Penn StateNorthwestern
381Total yards265
286Passing yards198
95Rushing yards67
7.0Yards per pass4.6
2.5Yards per rush2.2
23First downs15
8–⁠16Third downs5–⁠19
0–⁠1Fourth downs2–⁠4
0Turnovers3
3–⁠30Penalties8–⁠74
34:04Possession25:56
4Sacks (by defense)5

Efficiency

Penn StateNorthwestern
40%Success rate31%
0.03EPA per play−0.15
1.23Explosiveness1.20
−0.28Rushing EPA−0.18
0.29Passing EPA−0.14
34%Passing-down success20%
−0.42First-down EPA−0.07
0.34Second-down EPA−0.40
0.76Third-down EPA0.09
17%Havoc by its defense11%

From CollegeFootballData.com: each offense’s efficiency, and the havoc each defense caused. The better side of each line is bold.

Before kickoff

Our ratings and the line, going in

Our ratings (scores only)

Penn State 63% to win. Elo’s favorite won.

The line

Penn State −14.5, over/under 51.5.

The last line on file before kickoff: the consensus line when the books publish one, otherwise a single major sportsbook’s.

Before kickoff, the win chances were Penn State 84%, Northwestern 16%. CollegeFootballData.com’s estimate from the point spread.

Every drive

Northwestern end zonePenn State end zoneQ1 Penn StateTurnover on downs, 10 playsQ1 NorthwesternInterception, 12 playsQ1 Penn StatePunt, 3 playsQ1 NorthwesternFumble, 4 playsQ1 Penn StateField goal, 8 playsQ1 NorthwesternPunt, 3 playsQ2 Penn StateTouchdown, 5 playsQ2 NorthwesternTurnover on downs, 10 playsQ2 Penn StatePunt, 6 playsQ2 NorthwesternInterception, 13 playsQ3 NorthwesternPunt, 3 playsQ3 Penn StateTouchdown, 10 playsQ3 NorthwesternPunt, 3 playsQ3 Penn StatePunt, 5 playsQ3 NorthwesternPunt, 3 playsQ3 Penn StatePunt, 3 playsQ3 NorthwesternPunt, 4 playsQ3 Penn StateTouchdown, 4 playsQ3 NorthwesternPunt, 3 playsQ3 Penn StatePunt, 3 playsQ4 NorthwesternPunt, 3 playsQ4 Penn StateTouchdown, 11 playsQ4 NorthwesternPunt, 3 playsQ4 Penn StateMissed FG, 9 playsQ4 NorthwesternTouchdown, 9 playsQ4 Penn StateEnd of game, 4 plays
Solid bars scored; an outline in the other team’s color marks points the defense scored. Northwestern drives left to right, Penn State right to left.
  1. Q1 Penn StateTurnover on downs, 10 plays, 36 yards
  2. Q1 NorthwesternInterception, 12 plays, 34 yards
  3. Q1 Penn StatePunt, 3 plays, 6 yards
  4. Q1 NorthwesternFumble, 4 plays, 14 yards
  5. Q1 Penn StateField goal, 8 plays, 49 yards
  6. Q1 NorthwesternPunt, 3 plays, 5 yards
  7. Q2 Penn StateTouchdown, 5 plays, 52 yards
  8. Q2 NorthwesternTurnover on downs, 10 plays, 42 yards
  9. Q2 Penn StatePunt, 6 plays, 17 yards
  10. Q2 NorthwesternInterception, 13 plays, 55 yards
  11. Q3 NorthwesternPunt, 3 plays, 7 yards
  12. Q3 Penn StateTouchdown, 10 plays, 66 yards
  13. Q3 NorthwesternPunt, 3 plays, −7 yards
  14. Q3 Penn StatePunt, 5 plays, 5 yards
  15. Q3 NorthwesternPunt, 3 plays, 2 yards
  16. Q3 Penn StatePunt, 3 plays, 1 yard
  17. Q3 NorthwesternPunt, 4 plays, 11 yards
  18. Q3 Penn StateTouchdown, 4 plays, 71 yards
  19. Q3 NorthwesternPunt, 3 plays, −2 yards
  20. Q3 Penn StatePunt, 3 plays, 0 yards
  21. Q4 NorthwesternPunt, 3 plays, −5 yards
  22. Q4 Penn StateTouchdown, 11 plays, 54 yards
  23. Q4 NorthwesternPunt, 3 plays, 3 yards
  24. Q4 Penn StateMissed FG, 9 plays, 35 yards
  25. Q4 NorthwesternTouchdown, 9 plays, 80 yards
  26. Q4 Penn StateEnd of game, 4 plays, 23 yards

Play by play

1st quarter13 drives, then Penn State 3, Northwestern 0
Penn State Turnover on downs, 10 plays
15:001st & 10 at own 35Luke Otto kickoff for 65 yds for a touchback
15:001st & 10 at own 25Trace McSorley pass incomplete to Juwan Johnson
15:002nd & 10 at own 25Trace McSorley pass complete to Mike Gesicki for 5 yds to the PnSt 30
15:003rd & 5 at own 30Trace McSorley pass complete to Juwan Johnson for 9 yds to the PnSt 39 for a 1ST down
15:001st & 10 at own 39Saquon Barkley run for 2 yds to the PnSt 41
15:002nd & 8 at own 41Trace McSorley pass complete to Saquon Barkley for 8 yds to the PnSt 49 for a 1ST down
15:001st & 10 at own 49Trace McSorley pass complete to Juwan Johnson for 10 yds to the Nwest 41 for a 1ST down
15:001st & 10 at opp 41Trace McSorley pass incomplete
15:002nd & 10 at opp 41Trace McSorley pass incomplete to Saeed Blacknall
15:003rd & 10 at opp 41Trace McSorley run for 2 yds to the Nwest 39
15:004th & 8 at opp 39Trace McSorley run for 1 yd to the Nwest 38
14:521st & 10 at own 25Trace McSorley pass incomplete to Juwan Johnson
14:442nd & 10 at own 25Trace McSorley pass complete to Mike Gesicki for 5 yds to the PnSt 30
14:163rd & 5 at own 30Trace McSorley pass complete to Juwan Johnson for 9 yds to the PnSt 39 for a 1ST down
13:531st & 10 at own 39Saquon Barkley run for 2 yds to the PnSt 41
13:272nd & 8 at own 41Trace McSorley pass complete to Saquon Barkley for 8 yds to the PnSt 49 for a 1ST down
13:021st & 10 at own 49Trace McSorley pass complete to Juwan Johnson for 10 yds to the Nwest 41 for a 1ST down
12:431st & 10 at opp 41Trace McSorley pass incomplete to Irvin Charles
12:382nd & 10 at opp 41Trace McSorley pass incomplete to Saeed Blacknall
12:293rd & 10 at opp 41Trace McSorley run for 2 yds to the Nwest 39
Northwestern Interception, 12 plays
11:481st & 10 at own 38Justin Jackson run for 2 yds to the Nwest 40
11:482nd & 8 at own 40Clayton Thorson pass complete to Flynn Nagel for 13 yds to the PnSt 47 for a 1ST down
11:481st & 10 at opp 47Clayton Thorson pass complete to Justin Jackson for 5 yds to the PnSt 42
11:482nd & 5 at opp 42Clayton Thorson pass incomplete to Bennett Skowronek
11:483rd & 5 at opp 42Clayton Thorson run for 6 yds to the PnSt 36 for a 1ST down
11:481st & 10 at opp 36Jeremy Larkin run for 2 yds to the PnSt 34
11:482nd & 8 at opp 34Riley Lees run for no gain to the PnSt 34
11:483rd & 8 at opp 34Clayton Thorson pass incomplete to Jeremy Larkin, broken up by Kevin Givens
11:484th & 8 at opp 34Clayton Thorson pass complete to Macan Wilson for 24 yds to the PnSt 10 for a 1ST down
11:481st & goal at opp 10Jackson, Justin rush for no gain to the PSU10 (Farmer, Koa), PENALTY NU holding (Hance, Blake) 10 yards to the PSU20, NO PLAY.
11:481st & goal at opp 20Clayton Thorson sacked by Curtis Cothran for a loss of 8 yards to the PnSt 28
11:482nd & goal at opp 28Justin Jackson run for no gain to the PnSt 28
11:483rd & goal at opp 28Clayton Thorson pass intercepted Amani Oruwariye return for no gain to the PnSt 10
Penn State Turnover on downs, 10 plays
11:484th & 8 at opp 39Trace McSorley run for 1 yd to the Nwest 38
Northwestern Interception, 12 plays
11:391st & 10 at own 38Justin Jackson run for 2 yds to the Nwest 40
11:172nd & 8 at own 40Clayton Thorson pass complete to Flynn Nagel for 13 yds to the PnSt 47 for a 1ST down
10:591st & 10 at opp 47Clayton Thorson pass complete to Justin Jackson for 5 yds to the PnSt 42
10:392nd & 5 at opp 42Clayton Thorson pass incomplete to Bennett Skowronek
10:323rd & 5 at opp 42Clayton Thorson run for 6 yds to the PnSt 36 for a 1ST down
10:021st & 10 at opp 36Jeremy Larkin run for 2 yds to the PnSt 34
9:312nd & 8 at opp 34Riley Lees run for no gain to the PnSt 34
8:583rd & 8 at opp 34Clayton Thorson pass incomplete to Jeremy Larkin, broken up by Kevin Givens
8:374th & 8 at opp 34Clayton Thorson pass complete to Macan Wilson for 24 yds to the PnSt 10 for a 1ST down
8:261st & goal at opp 10Jackson, Justin rush for no gain to the PENNST10, PENALTY NORTHWSTRN holding (Hance, Blake) 10 yards to the PENNST20, NO PLAY.
8:111st & goal at opp 20Clayton Thorson sacked by Curtis Cothran for a loss of 8 yards to the PnSt 28
7:252nd & goal at opp 28Justin Jackson run for no gain to the PnSt 28
Penn State Punt, 3 plays
6:411st & 10 at own 10Saquon Barkley run for 8 yds to the PnSt 18
6:412nd & 2 at own 18Trace McSorley run for 1 yd to the PnSt 19
6:413rd & 1 at own 19Saquon Barkley run for a loss of 3 yards to the PnSt 16
6:414th & 4 at own 16Blake Gillikin punt for 39 yds, downed at the Nwest 45
Northwestern Interception, 12 plays
6:413rd & goal at opp 28Clayton Thorson pass intercepted Amani Oruwariye return for no gain to the PnSt 10
Penn State Punt, 3 plays
6:351st & 10 at own 10Saquon Barkley run for 8 yds to the PnSt 18
6:062nd & 2 at own 18Trace McSorley run for 1 yd to the PnSt 19
5:223rd & 1 at own 19Saquon Barkley run for a loss of 3 yards to the PnSt 16
Northwestern Fumble, 4 plays
4:441st & 10 at own 45Justin Jackson run for 28 yds to the NORTHWSTRN 27 for a 1ST down NORTHWESTERN Penalty, face mask (15 yards) (Justin Jackson) to the PnSt 42 for a 1ST down
4:441st & 10 at opp 42Justin Jackson run for 1 yd to the PnSt 41
4:442nd & 9 at opp 41Clayton Thorson pass incomplete to Flynn Nagel, broken up by Grant Haley
4:443rd & 9 at opp 41Clayton Thorson sacked by Shaka Toney for a loss of 9 yards to the PnSt 48 Clayton Thorson fumbled, recovered by PnSt Ryan Buchholz , return for 0 yards
4:444th & 4 at own 16Blake Gillikin punt for 39 yds, downed at the Nwest 45
Northwestern Fumble, 4 plays
4:371st & 10 at opp 27Justin Jackson run for 28 yds to the NORTHWSTRN 27 for a 1ST down NORTHWESTERN Penalty, Face Mask (15 yards) (Justin Jackson) to the PnSt 42 for a 1ST down
4:281st & 10 at opp 42Justin Jackson run for 1 yd to the PnSt 41
3:482nd & 9 at opp 41Clayton Thorson pass incomplete to Flynn Nagel, broken up by Grant Haley
Penn State Field goal, 8 plays
3:381st & 10 at own 48Trace McSorley pass complete to Saeed Blacknall for 12 yds to the Nwest 40 for a 1ST down
3:381st & 10 at opp 40Trace McSorley pass complete to Juwan Johnson for 2 yds to the Nwest 38
3:382nd & 8 at opp 38Trace McSorley run for a loss of 3 yards to the Nwest 41
3:383rd & 11 at opp 41Trace McSorley pass complete to DaeSean Hamilton for 20 yds to the Nwest 21 for a 1ST down
3:381st & 10 at opp 21McSorley, Trace pass intercepted by Hartage, Montre at the NU2, Hartage, Montre return to the NU25 (Johnson, Juwan;Cothran, Curtis), PENALTY NU pass interference (Hartage, Montre) 15 yards to the NU6, 1ST DOWN PSU, NO PLAY.
3:381st & goal at opp 6Saquon Barkley run for a loss of 4 yards to the Nwest 10
3:382nd & goal at opp 10Saquon Barkley run for a loss of 2 yards to the Nwest 12
3:383rd & goal at opp 12Trace McSorley pass complete to Juwan Johnson for 9 yds to the Nwest 3
Northwestern Fumble, 4 plays
3:383rd & 9 at opp 41Clayton Thorson sacked by Shaka Toney for a loss of 7 yards to the PnSt 48 Clayton Thorson fumbled, forced by Shaka Toney, recovered by PnSt Ryan Buchholz , return for 0 yards
Penn State Field goal, 8 plays
3:321st & 10 at own 48Trace McSorley pass complete to Saeed Blacknall for 12 yds to the Nwest 40 for a 1ST down
3:081st & 10 at opp 40Trace McSorley pass complete to Juwan Johnson for 2 yds to the Nwest 38
2:412nd & 8 at opp 38Trace McSorley run for a loss of 3 yards to the Nwest 41
2:013rd & 11 at opp 41Trace McSorley pass complete to DaeSean Hamilton for 20 yds to the Nwest 21 for a 1ST down
1:311st & 10 at opp 21McSorley, Trace pass pass intercepted by Hartage, Montre at the NORTHWSTRN3, Hartage, Montre return 22 yards to the NORTHWSTRN25, PENALTY NORTHWSTRN pass interference (Hartage, Montre) 15 yards to the NORTHWSTRN6, NO PLAY, 1ST DOWN PENNST.
1:171st & goal at opp 6Saquon Barkley run for a loss of 4 yards to the Nwest 10
0:522nd & goal at opp 10Saquon Barkley run for a loss of 2 yards to the Nwest 12
0:183rd & goal at opp 12Trace McSorley pass complete to Juwan Johnson for 9 yds to the Nwest 3
0:174th & 0 at opp 3Timeout NORTHWESTERN, clock 00:17
0:134th & goal at opp 3Tyler Davis 21 Yd Field GoalPenn State 3, Northwestern 0
Northwestern Punt, 3 plays
0:134th & 7 at own 35Tyler Davis kickoff for 63 yds , Riley Lees return for 22 yds to the Nwest 24
0:061st & 10 at own 24Clayton Thorson pass complete to Flynn Nagel for 2 yds to the Nwest 26
0:011st & 10 at own 24Clayton Thorson pass complete to Flynn Nagel for 2 yds to the Nwest 26
Q2 15:002nd & 8 at own 26Clayton Thorson pass complete to Kyric McGowan for 3 yds to the Nwest 29
Q2 15:003rd & 5 at own 29Clayton Thorson pass incomplete to Justin Jackson
Q2 15:004th & 5 at own 29Hunter Niswander punt for 13 yds, punt out-of-bounds at the PnSt 42 PENN ST Penalty, Offensive holding (10 Yards) to the PnSt 48
Q2 14:502nd & 8 at own 26Clayton Thorson pass complete to Kyric McGowan for 3 yds to the Nwest 29
Q2 14:223rd & 5 at own 29Clayton Thorson pass incomplete to Justin Jackson
2nd quarter8 drives, then Penn State 10, Northwestern 0
Penn State Touchdown, 5 plays
14:151st & 10 at own 48Trace McSorley pass complete to DeAndre Thompkins for 19 yds to the Nwest 33 for a 1ST down
14:151st & 10 at opp 33Trace McSorley pass complete to Brandon Polk for 6 yds to the Nwest 27
14:152nd & 4 at opp 27Trace McSorley pass complete to Brandon Polk for 23 yds to the Nwest 4 for a 1ST down
14:151st & goal at opp 4Saquon Barkley run for a loss of 6 yards to the Nwest 10
14:154th & 5 at own 29Hunter Niswander punt for 13 yds, punt out-of-bounds at the PnSt 42 PENN ST Penalty, Offensive Holding (10 Yards) to the PnSt 48
Penn State Touchdown, 5 plays
14:091st & 10 at own 48Trace McSorley pass complete to DeAndre Thompkins for 19 yds to the Nwest 33 for a 1ST down
13:321st & 10 at opp 33Trace McSorley pass complete to Brandon Polk for 6 yds to the Nwest 27
13:012nd & 4 at opp 27Trace McSorley pass complete to Brandon Polk for 23 yds to the Nwest 4 for a 1ST down
12:381st & goal at opp 4Saquon Barkley run for a loss of 6 yards to the Nwest 10
12:042nd & goal at opp 10Tommy Stevens 10 Yd pass from Trace McSorley (Tyler Davis Kick)Penn State 10, Northwestern 0
Northwestern Turnover on downs, 10 plays
12:042nd & 16 at own 35Tyler Davis kickoff for 65 yds for a touchback
12:041st & 10 at own 25Justin Jackson run for 8 yds to the Nwest 33
12:042nd & 2 at own 33Justin Jackson run for 1 yd to the Nwest 34
12:043rd & 1 at own 34Justin Jackson run for 12 yds to the Nwest 46 for a 1ST down
12:041st & 10 at own 46Clayton Thorson pass complete to Bennett Skowronek for 2 yds to the Nwest 48
12:042nd & 8 at own 48Clayton Thorson pass complete to Garrett Dickerson for 4 yds to the PnSt 48
12:043rd & 4 at opp 48Clayton Thorson pass complete to Garrett Dickerson for 7 yds to the PnSt 41 for a 1ST down
12:041st & 10 at opp 41Justin Jackson run for 9 yds to the PnSt 32
12:042nd & 1 at opp 32Justin Jackson run for a loss of 3 yards to the PnSt 35
12:043rd & 4 at opp 35Justin Jackson run for 2 yds to the PnSt 33
12:044th & 2 at opp 33Clayton Thorson run for a loss of 6 yards to the PnSt 39
11:581st & 10 at own 25Justin Jackson run for 8 yds to the Nwest 33
11:452nd & 2 at own 33Justin Jackson run for 1 yd to the Nwest 34
11:163rd & 1 at own 34Justin Jackson run for 12 yds to the Nwest 46 for a 1ST down
10:411st & 10 at own 46Clayton Thorson pass complete to Bennett Skowronek for 2 yds to the Nwest 48
9:542nd & 8 at own 48Clayton Thorson pass complete to Garrett Dickerson for 4 yds to the PnSt 48
9:323rd & 4 at opp 48Clayton Thorson pass complete to Garrett Dickerson for 7 yds to the PnSt 41 for a 1ST down
8:571st & 10 at opp 41Justin Jackson run for 9 yds to the PnSt 32
8:192nd & 1 at opp 32Justin Jackson run for a loss of 3 yards to the PnSt 35
7:383rd & 4 at opp 35Justin Jackson run for 2 yds to the PnSt 33
Penn State Punt, 6 plays
7:011st & 10 at own 39Trace McSorley sacked by Sam Miller for a loss of 8 yards to the PnSt 31
7:012nd & 18 at own 31Saquon Barkley run for 4 yds to the PnSt 35
7:013rd & 14 at own 35Trace McSorley pass complete to DaeSean Hamilton for 15 yds to the 50 yard line for a 1ST down
7:011st & 10 at the 50Saquon Barkley run for no gain to the 50 yard line
7:012nd & 10 at the 50Trace McSorley run for 5 yds to the Nwest 45
7:013rd & 5 at opp 45Trace McSorley run for 1 yd to the Nwest 44
7:014th & 4 at opp 44Blake Gillikin punt for 36 yds, fair catch by Flynn Nagel at the Nwest 8
Northwestern Turnover on downs, 10 plays
7:014th & 2 at opp 33Clayton Thorson run for a loss of 6 yards to the PnSt 39
Penn State Punt, 6 plays
6:541st & 10 at own 39Trace McSorley sacked by Sam Miller for a loss of 8 yards to the PnSt 31
6:212nd & 18 at own 31Saquon Barkley run for 4 yds to the PnSt 35
5:403rd & 14 at own 35Trace McSorley pass complete to DaeSean Hamilton for 15 yds to the 50 yard line for a 1ST down
5:221st & 10 at the 50Saquon Barkley run for no gain to the 50 yard line
4:382nd & 10 at the 50Trace McSorley run for 5 yds to the Nwest 45
4:113rd & 5 at opp 45Trace McSorley run for 1 yd to the Nwest 44
Northwestern Interception, 13 plays
3:311st & 10 at own 8Jackson, Justin rush for 3 yards to the NU11 (Brown, Cam), PENALTY NU holding (North, Brad) 4 yards to the NU4, NO PLAY.
3:311st & 14 at own 4Justin Jackson run for 3 yds to the Nwest 7
3:314th & 4 at opp 44Blake Gillikin punt for 36 yds, fair catch by Flynn Nagel at the Nwest 8
Northwestern Interception, 13 plays
3:261st & 10 at own 8Jackson, Justin rush for 3 yards to the NORTHWSTRN11, PENALTY NORTHWSTRN holding (North, Brad) 4 yards to the NORTHWSTRN4, NO PLAY.
2:592nd & 11 at own 7Timeout PENN ST, clock 02:59
2:592nd & 11 at own 7Justin Jackson run for 1 yd to the Nwest 8
2:571st & 14 at own 4Justin Jackson run for 3 yds to the Nwest 7
2:572nd & 11 at own 7Timeout PENN ST, clock 02:57
2:543rd & 10 at own 8Timeout PENN ST, clock 02:54
2:543rd & 10 at own 8Clayton Thorson pass complete to Bennett Skowronek for 32 yds to the Nwest 40 for a 1ST down
2:541st & 10 at own 40Clayton Thorson pass complete to Macan Wilson for 7 yds to the Nwest 47
2:542nd & 3 at own 47Clayton Thorson pass complete to Macan Wilson for 5 yds to the PnSt 48 for a 1ST down
2:541st & 10 at opp 48Clayton Thorson pass complete to Macan Wilson for 3 yds to the PnSt 45
2:542nd & 7 at opp 45Clayton Thorson pass complete to Garrett Dickerson for 6 yds to the PnSt 39
2:543rd & 1 at opp 39Jeremy Larkin run for no gain to the PnSt 39
2:532nd & 11 at own 7Justin Jackson run for 1 yd to the Nwest 8
2:533rd & 10 at own 8Timeout PENN ST, clock 02:53
2:413rd & 10 at own 8Clayton Thorson pass complete to Bennett Skowronek for 32 yds to the Nwest 40 for a 1ST down
2:191st & 10 at own 40Clayton Thorson pass complete to Macan Wilson for 7 yds to the Nwest 47
2:032nd & 3 at own 47Clayton Thorson pass complete to Macan Wilson for 5 yds to the PnSt 48 for a 1ST down
1:491st & 10 at opp 48Clayton Thorson pass complete to Macan Wilson for 3 yds to the PnSt 45
1:232nd & 7 at opp 45Clayton Thorson pass complete to Garrett Dickerson for 6 yds to the PnSt 39
1:023rd & 1 at opp 39Jeremy Larkin run for no gain to the PnSt 39
0:464th & 1 at opp 39Justin Jackson run for 3 yds to the PnSt 36 for a 1ST down
0:464th & 1 at opp 39Timeout PENN ST, clock 00:46
0:421st & 10 at opp 36Timeout NORTHWESTERN, clock 00:42
0:421st & 10 at opp 36Clayton Thorson pass incomplete to Garrett Dickerson, broken up by Kevin Givens
0:422nd & 10 at opp 36Clayton Thorson sacked by Shaka Toney for a loss of 8 yards to the PnSt 44
0:424th & 1 at opp 39Justin Jackson run for 3 yds to the PnSt 36 for a 1ST down
0:381st & 10 at opp 36Clayton Thorson pass incomplete
0:313rd & 18 at opp 44Timeout NORTHWESTERN, clock 00:31
0:313rd & 18 at opp 44Clayton Thorson pass complete to Justin Jackson for 7 yds to the PnSt 37
0:314th & 11 at opp 37Clayton Thorson pass intercepted, touchback. Christian Campbell return for no gain
0:312nd & 10 at opp 36Clayton Thorson sacked by Shaka Toney for a loss of 8 yards to the PnSt 44
0:253rd & 18 at opp 44Clayton Thorson pass complete to Justin Jackson for 7 yds to the PnSt 37
0:004th & 11 at opp 37Clayton Thorson pass intercepted, touchback. Christian Campbell return for no gain
3rd quarter11 drives, then Penn State 24, Northwestern 0
Northwestern Punt, 3 plays
15:001st & 10 at own 35Tyler Davis kickoff for 65 yds for a touchback
15:001st & 10 at own 25Justin Jackson run for 4 yds to the Nwest 29
15:002nd & 6 at own 29Clayton Thorson pass complete to Justin Jackson for 3 yds to the Nwest 32
15:003rd & 3 at own 32Clayton Thorson pass incomplete to Bennett Skowronek, broken up by Christian Campbell
15:004th & 3 at own 32Hunter Niswander punt for 34 yds, downed at the PnSt 34
14:521st & 10 at own 25Justin Jackson run for 4 yds to the Nwest 29
14:292nd & 6 at own 29Clayton Thorson pass complete to Justin Jackson for 3 yds to the Nwest 32
14:043rd & 3 at own 32Clayton Thorson pass incomplete to Bennett Skowronek
Penn State Touchdown, 10 plays
13:541st & 10 at own 34Trace McSorley run for 3 yds to the PnSt 37
13:542nd & 7 at own 37Trace McSorley pass complete to Mike Gesicki for 4 yds to the PnSt 41
13:543rd & 3 at own 41Trace McSorley pass complete to DeAndre Thompkins for 5 yds to the PnSt 46 for a 1ST down
13:541st & 10 at own 46Trace McSorley pass complete to DeAndre Thompkins for 6 yds to the Nwest 48
13:542nd & 4 at opp 48Trace McSorley run for 4 yds to the Nwest 44 for a 1ST down
13:544th & 3 at own 32Hunter Niswander punt for 34 yds, downed at the PnSt 34
Penn State Touchdown, 10 plays
13:461st & 10 at own 34Trace McSorley run for 3 yds to the PnSt 37
13:142nd & 7 at own 37Trace McSorley pass complete to Mike Gesicki for 4 yds to the PnSt 41
12:463rd & 3 at own 41Trace McSorley pass complete to DeAndre Thompkins for 5 yds to the PnSt 46 for a 1ST down
12:201st & 10 at own 46Trace McSorley pass complete to DeAndre Thompkins for 6 yds to the Nwest 48
11:462nd & 4 at opp 48Trace McSorley run for 4 yds to the Nwest 44 for a 1ST down
11:331st & 10 at opp 44Trace McSorley pass complete to Saquon Barkley for 1 yd to the Nwest 43
11:082nd & 9 at opp 43Trace McSorley pass complete to Saeed Blacknall for 38 yds to the Nwest 5 for a 1ST down
10:361st & goal at opp 5Tommy Stevens run for 4 yds to the Nwest 1
10:052nd & goal at opp 1Trace McSorley run for no gain to the Nwest 1
9:333rd & goal at opp 1Saquon Barkley 1 Yd Run (Tyler Davis Kick)Penn State 17, Northwestern 0
Northwestern Punt, 3 plays
9:333rd & 6 at own 35Tyler Davis kickoff for 65 yds for a touchback
9:281st & 10 at own 25Clayton Thorson pass incomplete
9:172nd & 10 at own 25Justin Jackson run for a loss of 7 yards to the Nwest 18
8:443rd & 17 at own 18Clayton Thorson pass incomplete to Bennett Skowronek
8:354th & 17 at own 18Hunter Niswander punt for 33 yds, fair catch by DeAndre Thompkins at the PnSt 49
Penn State Punt, 5 plays
8:241st & 10 at own 49Saquon Barkley run for a loss of 7 yards to the PnSt 42
7:512nd & 17 at own 40Trace McSorley pass complete to Tommy Stevens for a loss of 2 yards to the Nwest 40 for a 1ST down NORTHWESTERN Penalty, Roughing Passer (Paddy Fisher) to the Nwest 45 for a 1ST down
7:381st & 10 at opp 45Trace McSorley run for 5 yds to the Nwest 40
7:082nd & 5 at opp 40Trace McSorley pass incomplete to DeAndre Thompkins
6:583rd & 5 at opp 40Trace McSorley sacked by Alex Miller for a loss of 6 yards to the Nwest 46
6:214th & 11 at opp 46Blake Gillikin punt for 42 yds, downed at the Nwest 4
Northwestern Punt, 3 plays
6:141st & 10 at own 4Justin Jackson run for 2 yds to the Nwest 6
5:412nd & 8 at own 6Clayton Thorson pass incomplete to Bennett Skowronek, broken up by Amani Oruwariye
5:363rd & 8 at own 6Clayton Thorson pass incomplete to Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman
5:284th & 8 at own 6Hunter Niswander punt for 35 yds, fair catch by DeAndre Thompkins at the PnSt 41 PENN ST Penalty, Offensive Holding (Irvin Charles) to the PnSt 49
Penn State Punt, 3 plays
5:241st & 10 at own 49Trace McSorley pass incomplete to Juwan Johnson
5:082nd & 10 at own 49Trace McSorley sacked by Joe Gaziano for a loss of 7 yards to the PnSt 42
4:323rd & 17 at own 42Saquon Barkley run for 8 yds to the 50 yard line
4:024th & 9 at the 50Blake Gillikin punt for 50 yds for a touchback
Northwestern Punt, 4 plays
3:551st & 10 at own 20Clayton Thorson pass complete to Flynn Nagel for 11 yds to the Nwest 31 for a 1ST down
3:421st & 10 at own 31Clayton Thorson pass incomplete to Garrett Dickerson
3:342nd & 10 at own 31Clayton Thorson pass incomplete to Justin Jackson
3:283rd & 10 at own 31Clayton Thorson pass incomplete to Garrett Dickerson
3:194th & 10 at own 31Hunter Niswander punt for 40 yds , DeAndre Thompkins returns for no gain to the PnSt 29
Penn State Touchdown, 4 plays
3:121st & 10 at own 29Saquon Barkley run for 3 yds to the PnSt 32
2:472nd & 7 at own 32Trace McSorley pass complete to DeAndre Thompkins for 15 yds to the PnSt 47 for a 1ST down
2:251st & 10 at own 47Trace McSorley pass incomplete to Irvin Charles
2:132nd & 10 at own 47Saquon Barkley 53 Yd Run (Tyler Davis Kick)Penn State 24, Northwestern 0
Northwestern Punt, 3 plays
2:132nd & 10 at own 35Tyler Davis kickoff for 62 yds , Riley Lees return for 17 yds to the Nwest 20
1:581st & 10 at own 20Clayton Thorson pass complete to Justin Jackson for 1 yd to the Nwest 21
1:352nd & 9 at own 21Clayton Thorson pass complete to Justin Jackson for 3 yds to the Nwest 24
1:183rd & 6 at own 24NORTHWESTERN Penalty, False Start (Rashawn Slater) to the Nwest 19
0:513rd & 11 at own 19Clayton Thorson pass complete to Justin Jackson for 4 yds to the Nwest 23
0:124th & 7 at own 23NORTHWESTERN Penalty, Delay of Game (-5 Yards) to the Nwest 18
0:044th & 12 at own 18Hunter Niswander punt for 39 yds, punt out-of-bounds at the PnSt 43
Penn State Punt, 3 plays
0:001st & 10 at own 43Trace McSorley sacked by Trent Goens for a loss of 8 yards to the PnSt 35
Q4 14:512nd & 18 at own 35Saquon Barkley run for 1 yd to the PnSt 36
Q4 14:103rd & 17 at own 36Trace McSorley pass complete to Juwan Johnson for 7 yds to the PnSt 43
Q4 13:454th & 10 at own 43Blake Gillikin punt for 48 yds, fair catch by Flynn Nagel at the Nwest 9
4th quarter6 drives, then Penn State 31, Northwestern 7
Northwestern Punt, 3 plays
13:351st & 10 at own 9Clayton Thorson pass incomplete to Garrett Dickerson
13:302nd & 10 at own 9Clayton Thorson sacked by Shareef Miller for a loss of 5 yards to the Nwest 4
12:573rd & 15 at own 4Clayton Thorson pass incomplete to Macan Wilson
12:454th & 15 at own 4Hunter Niswander punt for 51 yds , DeAndre Thompkins returns for 1 yd to the PnSt 46
Penn State Touchdown, 11 plays
12:401st & 10 at own 46Saquon Barkley run for 5 yds to the Nwest 49
12:072nd & 5 at opp 49Trace McSorley pass complete to DeAndre Thompkins for 4 yds to the Nwest 45
11:333rd & 1 at opp 45Trace McSorley run for 4 yds to the Nwest 41 for a 1ST down
11:001st & 10 at opp 41Saquon Barkley run for 12 yds to the Nwest 29 for a 1ST down
10:291st & 10 at opp 29Trace McSorley pass incomplete to Miles Sanders
10:202nd & 10 at opp 29Trace McSorley pass complete to Miles Sanders for 4 yds to the Nwest 25
9:493rd & 6 at opp 25Trace McSorley pass complete to Saeed Blacknall for 8 yds to the Nwest 17 for a 1ST down
9:231st & 10 at opp 17Trace McSorley pass incomplete to Saquon Barkley
9:102nd & goal at opp 10Trace McSorley pass complete to Miles Sanders for 7 yds to the Nwest 10 for a 1ST down NORTHWESTERN Penalty, Personal Foul (Godwin Igwebuike) to the Nwest 5 for a 1ST down
8:581st & goal at opp 5Trace McSorley pass incomplete to Miles Sanders
8:522nd & goal at opp 5Trace McSorley 5 Yd Run (Tyler Davis Kick)Penn State 31, Northwestern 0
Northwestern Punt, 3 plays
8:522nd & 10 at own 35Tyler Davis kickoff for 61 yds , Riley Lees return for 16 yds to the Nwest 20
8:211st & 10 at own 20Jeremy Larkin run for 3 yds to the Nwest 23
8:092nd & 7 at own 23Matt Alviti pass incomplete to Macan Wilson
8:033rd & 7 at own 23Matt Alviti pass incomplete to Riley Lees
7:454th & 7 at own 23Hunter Niswander punt for 51 yds , DeAndre Thompkins returns for 32 yds to the NORTHWSTRN 45 PENN ST Penalty, Offensive Holding (10 Yards) to the PnSt 48
Penn State Missed FG, 9 plays
7:411st & 10 at own 48Tommy Stevens pass incomplete to DaeSean Hamilton
7:322nd & 10 at own 48Tommy Stevens pass complete to Saeed Blacknall for 16 yds to the Nwest 36 for a 1ST down
6:541st & 10 at opp 36Andre Robinson run for no gain to the Nwest 36
6:142nd & 10 at opp 36Tommy Stevens pass complete to Juwan Johnson for 6 yds to the Nwest 30
5:393rd & 4 at opp 30Tommy Stevens run for 20 yds to the Nwest 10 for a 1ST down
4:561st & goal at opp 10Tommy Stevens sacked by Nate Hall for a loss of 7 yards to the Nwest 17
4:182nd & goal at opp 17Tommy Stevens pass incomplete to DaeSean Hamilton, broken up by JR Pace
4:103rd & goal at opp 17Tommy Stevens pass incomplete to Saeed Blacknall
4:054th & goal at opp 17Tyler Davis 35 yd FG MISSED
Northwestern Touchdown, 9 plays
3:581st & 10 at own 20Matt Alviti pass complete to Riley Lees for 14 yds to the Nwest 34 for a 1ST down
3:391st & 10 at own 34Matt Alviti run for 14 yds to the Nwest 48 for a 1ST down
3:221st & 10 at own 48Matt Alviti run for 5 yds to the PnSt 47
2:592nd & 5 at opp 47Matt Alviti pass complete to Cameron Green for 9 yds to the PnSt 38 for a 1ST down
2:441st & 10 at opp 38Matt Alviti pass incomplete to Cameron Green, broken up by Jarvis Miller
2:352nd & 10 at opp 38Matt Alviti pass complete to Riley Lees for 8 yds to the PnSt 30
2:103rd & 2 at opp 30Jesse Brown run for 4 yds to the PnSt 26 for a 1ST down
1:581st & 10 at opp 26Matt Alviti pass complete to Jace James for 25 yds to the PnSt 1 for a 1ST down
1:461st & goal at opp 1Matt Alviti 1 Yd Run (Charlie Kuhbander Kick)Penn State 31, Northwestern 7
Penn State End of game, 4 plays
1:461st & 10 at own 35Luke Otto on-side kick recovered by PENN ST at the Nwest 41
1:381st & 10 at opp 41Tommy Stevens pass complete to DeAndre Thompkins for 8 yds to the Nwest 33
1:192nd & 2 at opp 33Mark Allen run for 4 yds to the Nwest 29 for a 1ST down
1:021st & 10 at opp 29Mark Allen run for no gain to the Nwest 29
0:252nd & 10 at opp 29Tommy Stevens pass complete to Brandon Polk for 11 yds to the Nwest 18 for a 1ST down

Play-by-play from CollegeFootballData.com, as its scorers wrote it. The clock is the time left in the quarter; the spot is from the side of the team with the ball.

The series

Every Penn State–Northwestern game

Penn State leads 16–⁠7 in 23 meetings, counting the four since this game.

Recent meetings
2026Northwestern 34, Penn State 13
2025Northwestern 22, Penn State 21
2023Penn State 41, Northwestern 13
2022Penn State 17, Northwestern 7
2017Penn State 31, Northwestern 7
2015Northwestern 23, Penn State 21

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