FINAL: Northwestern 22, Penn State 21
An outstanding performance from Northwestern's defense leads to the biggest win of David Braun's career. Just two weeks ago, Penn State was the No. 2 team in the country, but the 'Cats prevailed to win their first game in Happy Valley since 2014!
Northwestern advances to 4-2, including 2-1 in Big Ten play. Penn State falls to 3-3 (0-3 Big Ten).
Q4 3:00: Northwestern 22, Penn State 21
The 'Cats take over on downs after a massive hit by Aidan Hubbard stuffs Ethan Grunkemeyer! Drew Allar limped off the field after being tackled hard on third down, and the Nittany Lions still have all three timeouts. A first down from Northwestern would be huge in terms of salting this game away.
Q4 4:51: Northwestern 22, Penn State 21
Touchdown, Northwestern! The Wildcats go 75 yards in 11 plays and run almost six minutes off the clock, finished with a nine-yard rushing touchdown by Caleb Komolafe.
Q4 10:50: Penn State 21, Northwestern 16
Devonte Ross and Kaytron Allen go 86 yards in two plays, and Drew Allar sneaks it in to regain the lead. Northwestern will need to rely on its ground game to drain the clock and wear down Penn State's defense.
Q4 14:08: Northwestern 16, Penn State 14
Preston Stone is sacked for a loss of 15 on third down, but Jack Olsen converted on his third field goal of the day to give the Wildcats the lead. Northwestern has not beaten Penn State on the road since 2014.
End Q3: Penn State 14, Northwestern 13
What a massive break for Northwestern! Devonte Ross muffs the punt return and freshman running back Dashun Reeder recovers the ball at Penn State's nine-yard line — Northwestern will have second-and-goal to start the fourth quarter.
Q3 6:19: Penn State 14, Northwestern 13
The boo birds are out in Happy Valley. Penn State has now punted twice to start the second half, and if there's any time for the Wildcats to take control of this game, it's now.
HALF: Penn State 14, Northwestern 13
Two big personal foul penalties made the difference in moving the Wildcats down the field, and David Braun has to feel pleased about how his team has played so far. Penn State will start with the ball in the second half, but Northwestern's defense has been solid against Drew Allar and the Nittany Lions' passing game.
Q2 1:19: Penn State 14, Northwestern 10
Northwestern's defense bent as far as it could, but Nick Singleton eventually reached the end zone on fourth-and-goal. Penn State has three timeouts and receives the ball to start the second half, so the Wildcats need to get at least a few first downs, if not score.
Q2 7:14: Northwestern 10, Penn State 7
Touchdown, Northwestern! The 'Cats go 75 yards in eight plays, capped off by a 29-yard strike to Griffin Wilde.
Q2 11:20: Penn State 7, Northwestern 3
Kaytron Allen showed what he was capable of on that drive, and he now has 59 rushing yards on nine carries. His 11-yard rushing touchdown gave the Nittany Lions their first lead of the day.
Q1 2:51: Northwestern 3, Penn State 0
Northwestern has dominated the time of possession battle, thanks to a long drive after Ore Adeyi's interception. Conservative play-calling on third down stalls the offense, though, and the 'Cats settle for a field goal.
The Game
Northwestern (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten) @ Penn State (3-2, 0-2 Big Ten)
Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, October 11, 2025
Location: Beaver Stadium | State College, PA
TV: FS1 | Radio: WGN Radio 720
Line: Penn State -21.5
Injury Report
Northwestern OUT:
- Tito Williams Jr.
- Matthew Smith
- Tate Crane
- Matt Keeler
- Jace Borcherding
- Braden Blueitt
- Migo Jackson
- Braxton Strong
- Cam Porter (Season)
- Yannis Karlaftis (Season)
- Jalen Lewis (Season)
- Dylan Roberts (Season)
Northwestern QUESTIONABLE:
- Tyler Gant
Penn State OUT:
- Kaden Saunders
- Tony Rojas
- Bekkem Kritza
- Max Granville
- Josiah Brown
- Lamont Payne Jr.
- Kari Jackson
- Mason Robinson
- Cooper Cousins
- Kaleb Artis
- Brady O'Hara
- Liam Horan
- Donte Natasi
- Peter Gonzalez
- Jordan Mayer
Penn State QUESTIONABLE:
- Zion Tracy
- Cam Wallace
- Anthony Donkoh
- J'ven Williams