Penn State Secures Bowl Eligibility with Thrilling 40-36 Win Over Rutgers

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – In a gripping finale to the regular season, Penn State triumphed over Rutgers 40-36 on November 25, 2023, solidifying their bowl eligibility with a third consecutive victory. The Nittany Lions, now standing at 3-6 in the Big Ten and 6-6 overall, continued their dominance over the Scarlet Knights, marking their 18th consecutive win against the New Jersey team.

The game turned dramatically in the final eight minutes, highlighted by two pivotal defensive plays by Penn State. With Rutgers advancing and looking to regain the lead, linebacker Amare Campbell recovered a fumble by quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis and returned it 61 yards for a touchdown, putting Penn State ahead 40-36 with 7:27 remaining. Shortly after, safety Zion Tracy made a crucial tackle on a fourth-and-1 attempt, stopping Kaliakmanis for a one-yard loss at the Lions’ 28-yard line with 3:55 on the clock.

Offensive Powerhouses Shine

Penn State leaned heavily on the skills of running backs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton throughout the match. Allen recorded a career-high 226 rushing yards on 22 carries, including a significant 50-yard run that advanced the Lions to the Scarlet Knights’ 28. Singleton contributed 183 all-purpose yards and scored two touchdowns, breaking Saquon Barkley‘s records for career rushing touchdowns and overall touchdowns during the game.

In a high-scoring first half, both teams showcased their offensive capabilities. Penn State surged to a 24-21 lead by accumulating 311 total yards compared to Rutgers’ 296. The Scarlet Knights initiated the game with a strong 75-yard drive capped by a 19-yard touchdown run from Antwan Raymond.

Penn State responded quickly, tying the score with a 53-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Grunkemeyer to tight end Andrew Rappleyea on a critical fourth-and-1 situation. Following a defensive stand that prevented Rutgers from scoring at the 22-yard line, the Nittany Lions took control. Allen’s 55-yard burst and Singleton’s record-breaking 11-yard run helped Penn State take a 14-7 lead.

Defensive Stops and Final Moments

Despite some setbacks, including a holding penalty that negated a promising kickoff return by Singleton, the Nittany Lions continued to press forward. After another touchdown from Allen, Rutgers managed to equalize with a 21-yard touchdown pass from Kaliakmanis to DT Sheffield just before halftime. With only seconds left in the second quarter, Penn State regrouped and moved down the field to set up a 31-yard field goal by Barker, ending the half with a narrow 24-21 advantage.

The second half saw both teams exchanging blows, but Penn State’s late-game resilience, powered by their defense and dynamic running game, ultimately sealed their victory. With this win, Penn State not only secured their bowl eligibility but also demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure, setting a positive tone moving forward.

The Nittany Lions will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their upcoming bowl game, while Rutgers will reflect on a season that ended with a 2-7 record in the Big Ten and a 5-7 overall mark.