Penn State Escapes Minnesota with Gutsy 26-25 Win to Stay in CFP Hunt
In a game that had all the drama and intensity of a playoff battle, No. 4 Penn State narrowly avoided a massive upset against Minnesota, surviving 26-25 to keep their College Football Playoff (CFP) hopes alive. The Nittany Lions faced an intense challenge from a gritty Minnesota squad, but a series of daring fourth-down calls and some clutch plays by quarterback Drew Allar and tight end Tyler Warren helped Penn State escape with a slim win.
James Franklin's Bold Coaching Decisions
The game was a test of nerves, with the Nittany Lions trailing for much of the afternoon. But coach James Franklin’s decision-making in the fourth quarter ultimately proved to be the difference. With the game hanging in the balance and under six minutes to play, Penn State was faced with a crucial fourth-and-1 deep in their own territory. Franklin did not hesitate to call a fake punt, a risky move that saw tight end Luke Reynolds take the snap and rumble 32 yards into Minnesota territory.
That bold move set the stage for another fourth-down conversion, this time on offense. After a few more plays, Allar, who had struggled on third down all game, managed to convert a critical fourth-and-2 to ice the game, allowing Penn State to run out the clock and escape with the victory.
Minnesota's Near-Upset
Despite coming in as a heavy underdog, Minnesota gave Penn State all they could handle. Quarterback Max Brosmer threw for 175 yards and a touchdown, but his two costly turnovers proved pivotal. The Nittany Lions capitalized on both, turning them into field goals that kept them in the game. Running backs Darius Taylor and Marcus Major combined for 95 yards and a touchdown, but Minnesota’s efforts fell short in the end.
The Gophers had their own opportunities, especially late in the game when they managed to drive into Penn State territory with a chance to steal the win. However, Minnesota’s more conservative approach in the fourth quarter, including a failed attempt at a touchdown on first-and-goal from the 7-yard line, ultimately came back to haunt them. With the score still within one, the Gophers opted for a field goal to pull within a single point, but the Penn State defense held strong as the clock ticked down.
Drew Allar and Tyler Warren Deliver
On a day when the offense sputtered at times—Penn State was just 1-of-10 on third downs to start the game—Allar and Warren provided the spark. Allar threw for 244 yards and a touchdown, including 102 yards to Warren, who had another monster performance. Warren, who has become a matchup nightmare this season, caught 8 passes for 102 yards and played a key role in the game-winning drive, catching three consecutive passes to set up a touchdown run from Nick Singleton earlier in the fourth quarter.
Warren’s ability to consistently move the chains in clutch situations further solidified his status as one of the best tight ends in college football. With 100-yard performances in four games this season, including a 224-yard showing against USC, Warren’s star continues to rise, and he’s now firmly in the race for the Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end.
A Struggle in the Run Game
While Allar and Warren delivered in the passing game, Penn State’s running game struggled for much of the afternoon. The Nittany Lions were stymied on the ground, managing just 56 yards on 19 carries through three quarters. However, running back Nic Singleton found his stride late, rushing for 63 yards and a touchdown, including a critical 12-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to regain the lead. Singleton’s late-game heroics were crucial in keeping the Nittany Lions in front after Minnesota had pulled within a point.
The College Football Playoff Picture
With the win, Penn State remains firmly in the hunt for a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Nittany Lions came into the game ranked No. 4 in the CFP rankings and needed to survive close games against both Minnesota and Maryland to keep their chances alive. Although the win wasn’t pretty, style points don’t matter this late in the season. What matters is surviving and advancing—and that’s exactly what Penn State did.
After No. 5 Indiana and No. 11 Ole Miss both suffered losses, Penn State is now in an even stronger position for a postseason spot. The Nittany Lions are still in contention for a potential home playoff game at Beaver Stadium, with the possibility of hosting a first-round matchup if they can continue to win out.
Key Takeaways from Penn State vs. Minnesota:
James Franklin’s Bold Decisions: Penn State’s coach dialed up two crucial fourth-down conversions, including a gutsy fake punt, which allowed the Nittany Lions to run out the clock and escape Minnesota with the win.
Tyler Warren’s Big Day: Warren’s 8 catches for 102 yards proved crucial as he continued to dominate in key moments, particularly late in the game.
Minnesota’s Mistakes: Despite strong performances from their offense and defense, Minnesota’s two turnovers, including a crucial fumble by quarterback Max Brosmer, ultimately proved too costly to overcome.
Nic Singleton Finds His Footing: After a slow start, Singleton’s 63 yards and a touchdown in the second half helped Penn State finish strong on offense.
Playoff Implications: With the win, Penn State’s path to the College Football Playoff remains intact, and they are now in a good position to secure a spot, especially after the losses by other CFP contenders.
Final Thoughts
Penn State’s narrow win over Minnesota was a microcosm of the unpredictable nature of college football. Despite not playing their best game, the Nittany Lions showed resilience and an ability to execute in the clutch when it mattered most. Coach Franklin’s bold decisions and the continued emergence of Allar, Warren, and Singleton helped ensure that Penn State stayed alive in the playoff race. As they head into their final regular-season game against Maryland, the Nittany Lions will need to build on this gritty win to make a strong case for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Author
Cameron Williams
DiSportsPhotoAgency
Senior Writer
