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PLAYER OF THE GAMEPenn State quarterback Trace McSorley was a heavy lifter for the Nittany Lion of- fense, both in the running game and through the air. Carrying 10 times for 13 yards, his contributions to Penn State's 109 yards rushing emerged from its im- pact on the passing game. Connecting on 17 of 23 pass attempts, McSorley racked up 376 yards and four touch- downs, good for an average of 20.6 yards per completion. PLAY OF THE GAMEHanging in the pocket for what seemed like an eternity, McSorley burst into the open field to- ward the line of scrimmage. Heaving a pass with all his might, he directed a missile to tight end Mike Gesicki, who had broken free behind two Spartan de- fenders. Leaping above them, the Nit- tany Lion tight end hauled in the 45-yard reception, falling backward into the end zone to give Penn State a 24-12 third-quarter cushion. BEST PASSMcSorley set them up, then he knocked them down. Reeling in the Spartans with the run, the Nittany Lion quarterback's pump fake – along with a beautiful double-move from Chris Godwin – left the wideout in the clear to haul in a 34-yard touchdown catch. The score put the Nittany Lions ahead 17-12 to open the third quarter. BEST RUNStruggling to get much going Saturday afternoon on the ground, Andre Robinson was the Nit- tany Lion who finally found the end zone through the running game. His 14- yard touchdown carry in the fourth quarter gave the Lions a 38-12 lead. BEST CATCHThere were multiple im- pressive receptions for the Nittany Lions Saturday evening, but none were better than Mike Gesicki's catch over two Spartan defenders at the goal line. Reeling in the 45-yard bomb, Gesicki grabbed it, then fell backward into the end zone to give the Lions a 24-12 lead. WORST DROPMichigan State really could not afford a fumble. With the Spartans trailing 24-12 late in the third quarter, a botched snap squirted away from quarterback Tyler O'Connor and wound up in the hands of Grant Haley, snuffing out the Spartans' drive and re- turning the ball to Penn State's explo- sive offense. BEST SACKWith the Spartans threat- ening to punch in a touchdown midway through the second quarter, Manny Bowen was one of five Nittany Lions to take down O'Connor in the backfield. The sack forced Michigan State's third field goal of the first half, and Penn State stayed within striking distance. JUDGMENT CALLS N O V E M B E R 2 6 , 2 0 1 6 B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . c O M 4 N A T E B A U E R | N B A U E R @ B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . c O M

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