The Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-4) are putting up a fight against the No. 4-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions (9-1), leading at Huntington Bank Stadium, 19-16.
Minnesota has dominated the ground game on offense, rushing 21 times for 84 yards (4 yards per carry), including a first-quarter rushing touchdown by running back Marcus Major.
The Golden Gophers jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead early in the second quarter before the Nittany Lions came back and tied it.
Related: Gophers opening drive results in touchdown vs. No. 4 Penn State
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Penn State quarterback Drew Allar found a wide open Omari Evans for a 45-yard touchdown pass, as the wide receiver was wide open on what appeared to be a blown coverage by Minnesota.
The Nittany Lions also capitalized on a Max Brosmer interception and turned it into three points, but Minnesota's defense stood strong on that offensive drive, driving Penn State backwards five yards on four plays.
The Gophers also made a huge play on special teams, as Derik LeCaptain blocked a punt in the end zone at the end of the half that was downed at the 21-yard line.
Minnesota ran a flea flicker end-around back to Brosmer, who found a wide open Jameson Geers for a 21-yard touchdown pass with just over a minute remaining in the half.
The Nittany Lions caught a big break towards the end of the half after Minnesota scored, as Allar threw a deep pass to Harrison Wallace II that appeared to be an uncatchable ball and a defensive pass interference call was made against the Gophers.
The penalty helped the Nittany Lions move the ball into Minnesota's territory and ultimately scored via an Allar four-yard touchdown run. However, the Gophers came through with another block, this time on the extra point, and returned it all the way back for two points to give them a 19-16 lead before the half.
Allar has played well so far, completing 14-for-18 passes for 159 yards.
Minnesota has done well in converting on third down, as they're 3-for-7 through one half. P.J. Fleck's team is also 1-for-1 on fourth down conversions. In comparison, Penn State is only 1-for-6 on third down and 0-for-1 on fourth down.
The Gophers are making big plays in all three areas (offense, defense and special teams), something Fleck said was crucial to have a shot in knocking off the Nittany Lions.
The Gophers have also won the time of possession through two quarters, 17:39 to 12:21.