UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — No. 16 Penn State (6-1, 3-1 Big Ten) leaned on its tight ends, who combined for two receiving touchdowns, in the Nittany Lions’ 45-17 victory over Minnesota (4-3, 1-3) in their annual White Out game Saturday night.
Penn State’s offense started out slow, going three-and-out on its first two series for the second game in a row. The Nittany Lions then turned the ball over on their third drive when quarterback Sean Clifford threw an ill-advised pass that was intercepted by Minnesota cornerback Justin Walley. Minnesota kicker Matthew Trickett converted a 35-yard field goal shortly after to give the Golden Gophers a 3-0 lead.
Penn State scored the game’s next 17 points, first getting on the board with a 41-yard field goal by kicker Jake Pinegar. On the ensuing drives, Clifford connected with tight ends Tyler Warren and Theo Johnson for touchdown passes of 38 and 18 yards, respectively, to put the Nittany Lions up 17-3 in the second quarter.
