MINNEAPOLIS, MN, Oct. 7 — The Penn State Nittany Lions (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) escaped with an overtime win by the slimmest of possible margins over the Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-4, 0-3 Big Ten). The final score was 28–27, and in this case it really was that close. The Lions were able to capitalize on gifts of a missed extra point and a questionable pass interference call after Minnesota had easily scored a touchdown in the overtime period.
It appeared as if Minnesota had the win when in its overtime series, Penn State could not move the ball, leading to a 4th and 9 at the 24 yard-line. Morelli threw a desperation pass to Deon Butler, which looked like it was cleanly broken up by Trumaine Banks, but Banks was called for pass interference. Looking at the replay, I couldn’t see how Banks could be flagged. And so, Gift #2 for Penn State, this one at the behest of the officials, led to a first down at the 12. The Lions got the touchdown and Kelly kicked the extra point for the winning margin. And we got out of this one by the skin of our teeth.
