Homecoming Woes, Penn State loses to Northwestern

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA-- It was a forgettable homecoming for Penn State fans. Northwestern came into Happy Valley and did whatever they wanted offensively and defensively. They held the Nittany Lions dismal running game to 50 yards on 25 carries. Quarterback Christian Hackenberg was trying to avoid pressure on nearly every play as the Wildcats were frustrating the sophomore, sacking him four times. Only down 14-6 at the beginning of the fourth quarter, Hackenberg found Northwestern linebacker Anthony Walker as he intercepted the pass and took it 49 yards for a touchdown. They would add another touchdown to make it 29-6. The offensive line for Penn State showed why they were labeled at the weak spot of the team. There were no holes to run through, there was no time for Hackenberg to look down field, and the Penn State faithful became restless.

The defense allowed 300 total yards for the first time (361) and gave up some big plays. The time of possession was about even but Northwestern was able to control the ball and work their way down the field. They only had 103 rushing yards but their quick-pace, quick strike offense worked their way up and down the field on a very good Penn State defense. A homecoming crowd of 102,000 watched their team struggle but still remain 4-1 (1-1 in the Big Ten) heading into their bye week. The Nittany Lions will be in action in two weeks when they travel out to Ann Arbor to take on a struggling Michigan team who lost this weekend 30-14 to Minnesota.