Late gains result in OT win for PSU

for a loss of 1 yard.

Sophomore running back Saquon Barkley, who had been pretty quiet with the still-struggling run game, took advantage of some big blocks on the offensive line and evaded a few tackles to score the winning 25-yard touchdown.

“I was just really excited to get into the end zone and being able to step up for my team,” Barkley said. “It’s like a dream. Something that I visualized when I was a recruit, scoring a touchdown and winning the game for the team. … It’s one of the greatest feelings I’ve ever had in my life.”

For a team coming off a hefty 39-point loss in its Big Ten Conference opener at Michigan a week ago, and for a team having to battle questions around the program, such as if Franklin’s job is on the line or if the new offense is really living up to expectations, this win was a necessary one.

“It was definitely something that our players needed. Everybody needed, there’s no doubt about it,” Franklin said. “And you kind of have some moments as a program. I remember when I first became a head coach, we had a game against UConn that we won early on, and it kind of built a lot of confidence in everybody and kind of went from there. And we needed that. I think we definitely needed that here. I think tonight’s one of those nights.” Penn State coach James Franklin celebrates with Saquon Barkley after the Nittany Lions’ dramatic win.