The Minnesota Golden Gophers fell short of a massive upset on Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium, losing to the No. 4-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions 26-25.
The Gophers controlled the first half as the Nittany Lions' offense - particularly its ground game - struggled to get anything going.
Minnesota blocked a punt that resulted in a touchdown on the next offensive possession and blocked an extra point, returning it for two points just before the half to lead 19-16 heading into the locker rooms.
Related: Upset Watch: Gophers lead No. 4 Penn State at halftime, 19-16
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However, it appeared Minnesota simply ran out of steam in the second half, and Penn State took advantage of it when it mattered most to save their College Football Playoff hopes.
Minnesota received the ball to start the second half and Dragan Kesich kicked a 42-yard field goal to put the Gophers up 22-16 in the third. The Nittany Lions punted on the ensuing possession, on a play that wasn't supposed to happen.
Quarterback Drew Allar attempted to call a timeout but the signal didn't appear to come through clear, as tight end Tyler Warren ended up with the snap in the backfield and shanked a 16-yard punt to Minnesota's 22-yard line.
However, the Gophers offense was shut down by Penn State's defense in a three-and-out and the Nittany Lions carried that momentum on offense, going five plays for 57 yards before Nicholas Singleton rushed for a 12-yard touchdown to give Penn State their first lead of the night, 23-22.
Minnesota once again failed to seize the opportunity on offense, as quarterback Max Brosmer fumbled and Penn State recovered at the 50-yard line.
The Nittany Lions grabbed another three points to go up 26-22 with 11:51 remaining in the game.
The Gophers offense got another chance to come through, but after 11 plays for 67 yards, they settled for another Kesich field goal to make it a 26-25 game with 5:48 remaining. That would be the final time the Gophers got a chance to on offense, as Penn State was able to run out the clock, thanks in part to a clutch fake punt by Luke Reynolds for 32 yards.
The Governor's Victory Bell goes to Penn State, their second consecutive win against the Gophers and 11th overall in the series.
The Gophers didn't force any turnovers and gave up two, a critical part to the outcome of the game on Saturday.
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar played well, completing 21-for-28 passes for 244 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for a touchdown as well. Tight end Tyler Warren was especially effective in the second half, finishing with 8 catches for 102 yards, including the final clincher of the game.
Brosmer finished completing 15-for-23 passes for 175 yards, a touchdown and interception in his final home game as a Gopher. Darius Taylor finished with 17 rushes for 58 yards and three catches for 8 yards. Daniel Jackson led the Gophers in receiving, hauling in 6 catches for 90 yards.
Minnesota (6-5) will wrap up its regular season on Friday when they travel to Camp Randall Stadium to take on the Wisconsin Badgers (5-6) for the battle of Paul Bunyan's Axe.