Penn State had to fight hard for every yard it earned on Saturday. Indiana did what few teams have been able to do all season which is tame Saquon Barkley. The sophomore running back was held to 60 yards on 33 carries.
Much of this season Penn State has been a second half team. Down 24-14 to Indiana, the offense finally found its stride.
Late third quarter, Trace McSorley hit Chris Godwin with an exceptional 21-yard touchdown reception to cut the lead to 24-21.
In the fourth quarter both teams went back forth with lead changes. After getting the ball back, McSorley pulled out a trick play. The flea flicker play went deep to DaeSean Hamilton for a 54-yard gain. Two plays later, Penn State punched the ball into the end zone for a 28-24 lead.
McSorley was under pressure all day, but managed to make big plays when it counted. He finished the day 16-of-30 for 332 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT.
Indiana struck back as quarterback Richard Lagow connected with Nick Westbrook for a 40-yard touchdown to give the Hoosiers at 31-28 lead.
With four minutes left in the game Barkley put Penn State in front for good. He and two strong runs as he powered his way in for a score to put the Lions up 35-31.
After a fourth-down stop, Penn State added a field goal. Then with no time outs the Lions defense came up big again, scooping up a fumble and running it back for a touchdown.
Penn State wins its sixth straight Big Ten game 45-31 over Indiana.