Hoosiers Fall to Nittany Lions, 34-27
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Image; Matthew O'Haren
Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)
To say that Beaver Stadium has been a difficult place for Indiana to play would be an understatement. They entered today’s contest without a single victory in State College and despite a great battle, that did not change. Penn State used a long drive to hold off the underdog Hoosiers and prevailed 34-27 to drop IU to 7-3 (4-3). Peyton Ramsey was 31-41 for 371 yards with a touchdown and a pair of rushing touchdowns. The Hoosiers out-gained Penn State 462-371 but the Nittany Lions made a couple fewer mistakes and held on for the win.
Indiana’s defense began the day with a terrific series, forcing Penn State into a punt without picking up a first down. However, officials ruled that Whop Philyor touched the ball on the punt return and it was pounced on by the Nittany Lions at the 27-yard line. Sean Clifford and the PSU offense capitalized as Clifford connected with Nick Bowers for a 12-yard score to put the home squad ahead 7-0. The Hoosiers offense finally got on the field and quickly attacked the Nittany Lions defense. Peyton Ramsey threw to a wide open Ty Fryfogle for a 38-yard touchdown that tied the game. PSU got a first down after a pass interference penalty on IU and a long pass to KJ Hamler set up a 47-yard field goal from Jake Pinegar. Indiana’s offense marched down the field quickly again on the ensuing possession. Peyton Ramsey threw to Whop Philyor for a long gain and Ramsey dove in from one-yard out for IU’s first lead at 14-10. PSU’s dynamic playmaker KJ Hamler returned the kickoff and was injured, appearing to suffer a neck stinger that would keep him out for the rest of the game. Pat Freiermuth fumbled but it was ruled to be recovered by the PSU tight end. Sean Clifford then scrambled for a 38-yard score to give the Nittany Lions the lead back at 17-14. The Hoosiers had to punt on their next possession and Penn State looked to be driving in for another score. However, James Head stripped Sean Clifford and Michael Ziemba dove on the fumble. IU would lose their playmaker just a couple of plays later though as Whop Philyor was the victim of helmet-to-helmet that was not called. Philyor fumbled and would not return to the contest. PSU could not capitalize on the change of possession as the teams traded punts. Penn State got back into offensive rhythm but the Hoosiers forced them to settle for a 27-yard field goal that made it 20-14. Indiana got a couple of first downs but had to punt just before halftime.
Indiana got the ball first in the second half and got near midfield. After a timeout, the Hoosiers lined up to punt and the ball was snapped directly to Peyton Hendershot. The tight end was swallowed in the backfield and Penn State got the ball in IU territory. They quickly scored as Journey Brown broke loose for a 35-yard touchdown. The Nittany Lions were up and looked to be lining up a knockout blow in front of more than 100,000 screaming fans. Indiana’s offense regrouped and went on an impressive drive inside the ten-yard line but Donavan Hale dropped a touchdown and IU had to settle for a field goal that made it 27-17 Nittany Lions. PSU was forced to punt and pinned the Hoosiers at the nine-yard line. Peyton Ramsey connected with David Ellis for a couple of big plays and then finished the drive himself with his second short rushing touchdown of the afternoon. The Hoosiers trailed just 27-24. Penn State’s offense responded with a long drive and multiple third and fourth-down conversions that drained the clock. On fourth and goal from the one-yard line with less than two minutes remaining, Sean Clifford dove in for a one-yard score that sealed the game for the Nittany Lions. It was an 18-play drive that took off 9:20 seconds. Indiana took over with 1:44 on the 25-yard line and a long play on fourth down to Ty Fryfogle got the Hoosiers inside the ten-yard line and a 27-yard field goal from Logan Justus cut the deficit to seven points with 13 seconds remaining. The Nittany Lions recovered the onside kick and took a knee to end the contest at 34-27.
Indiana will now return home to host the 8-2 Michigan Wolverines on Senior Day. Hoosier Huddle will have extensive coverage of the Penn State game and the upcoming contest with the Maize and Blue.