Quick Hits: Penn State 39 Northwestern 28

Penn State uses a fourth-quarter comeback to remain undefeated in the Big Ten and keep Northwestern from its first 6-0 start in 50 years.

By Tom Fornelli

Oct 6, 2012 at 3:45 pm ET • 2 min read

Matt McGloin was at his best during the fourth quarter on Saturday. (US Presswire)

PENN STATE WON: Penn State outscored Northwestern 22-0 in the final 10 minutes on Saturday to erase a 28-17 deficit and improve to 2-0 in the Big Ten. Northwestern scored twice in the final three minutes of the third quarter to take an 11-point lead, but then Penn State absolutely dominated the final frame.

The Nittany Lions racked up 195 yards of offense in the fourth quarter while holding Northwestern to only 23. Matt McGloin completed 13 of 15 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter. He also rushed for a 5-yard touchdown to give the Nittany Lions a lead with 2:37 left.

WHY PENN STATE WON: Because as has often been the case for Northwestern in recent years, its defense just wasn't there when it was needed. The Wildcats have had a history of making things more interesting than they need to be in the fourth quarter, and this week it bit them in the behind. Matt McGloin deserves a lot of credit, too. He didn't panic with his team down two scores, instead taking what the Northwestern defense would give him and making short, smart passes to move his offense downfield.

WHEN PENN STATE WON: After Penn State took a 32-28 lead, Northwestern ran four plays and turned the ball over on downs. Three plays later, Michael Zordich was scoring from 3 yards out to give Penn State a 39-28 lead with only 1:30 remaining in the game.

WHAT PENN STATE WON: Considering Penn State isn't allowed to play for a Big Ten title or in a bowl this season, every week is essentially a bowl for the Nittany Lions. This win improves Penn State to 2-0 in Big Ten play and 4-2 overall. They also look like a team fully capable of beating anybody else in the Big Ten this season.

WHAT NORTHWESTERN LOST: One loss will not eliminate Northwestern from the Leaders Division, but it would have been nice for the Wildcats to get off to their first 6-0 start since the 1962 season. The good news for Northwestern is that the two teams now ahead of them in the division standings -- Iowa and Nebraska -- both come to Evanston this season. But this defense will have to improve if the Wildcats want to have a realistic chance.