Penn State football: Best wins over 2024 opponents – Wisconsin

When Penn State football takes the field at Camp Randall in primetime on October 26, it will be a much different opponent than it was the last time they visited in 2021. Then it was Paul Chyrst leading a Badgers team with a potent rushing attack and tough-nosed defense. Now under coach Luke Fickell the Badgers run an air raid offense and their defense is decent but maybe not as stout as it was under previous coaches when the Nittany Lions head to Wisconsin.

Regardless Penn State and Wisconsin have had some good games in their non-annual series since the Nittany Lions joined the Big Ten. Eight of the 18 conference matchups between the schools have been decided by one score. The Nittany Lions currently lead the series 11 games to 9 overall. Two matchups occurred before the Nittany Lions joined the conference. Penn State also owns a five-game winning streak in the series.

Out of all the close wins for Penn State in the series, one stands alone above the others—the 2016 Big Ten Championship game.

An unexpected breakthrough season

Penn State football came into the 2016 season with hopes of improvement. The team had finished with 7-6 records the previous two seasons. In his third year at State College, head coach James Franklin had a talented team. However, there were still depth issues stemming from the NCAA sanctions issued in 2012.

Penn State started the season unranked and would finish the first month at 2-2, with wins against Kent State and Temple. A close loss at Pitt and a blowout loss at Michigan would stick in the minds of fans.

The Nittany Lions began October with a home game against Minnesota. Down 13-3 at halftime and some boos reigning down from the frustrated crowd, Penn State could have packed it in for the season. But something changed in that moment. Penn State roared back in the second half to beat Minnesota in overtime.

Following a win against Maryland, it was time for the annual White Out game against Ohio State. Down 21-7 going into the fourth quarter, another comeback was needed. Every Penn State fan can recite what happened next to score their signature win over the second-ranked Buckeyes.

Penn State would go on to run the table and with an Ohio State victory over Michigan, found themselves as unexpected Big Ten East champions. They would face off against the 10-2 Big Ten West champions Wisconsin in Indianapolis for the conference championship.

A wheel route and signature stop

Penn State, as they had nearly all season, would need a second-half comeback in this one. They were down 14-0 before Trace McSorley would find tight end Mike Gesicki for the Nittany Lions’ first score. Two more Badger touchdowns including a fumble scoop and score would have them up 28-7 late second quarter. It appeared the game could get out of hand.

Penn State would not quit though. McSorley found Saeed Blacknall for a touchdown near the end of the first half to cut the score 28-14 at the break. The duo would hook up again, this time on a 70-yard touchdown pass, early in the third quarter.

After Penn State found the endzone again to tie the game, Wisconsin would notch a field goal to take a three-point lead into the final quarter. Early into the final frame, Penn State would take their first lead of the game. McSorley to Saquon Barkley lives in Nittany Lion lore forever.

With about five minutes left to go, Tyler Davis would hit a field goal to extend the Nittany Lions lead to a touchdown. The Badgers would have one last chance, however.

Starting at their own 25, Wisconsin would drive to the Penn State 24-yard line where they faced a 4th and 1 with about a minute left on the clock. As they had against Ohio State, Grant Haley, and Marcus Allen would come up with the signature play of the game.

Penn State would take over on downs and run out the clock. The Nittany Lions were Big Ten champions in an improbable season that no one predicted. Not only was this game the clear best win over Wisconsin, it is one of the best wins overall in Penn State history.

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