Penn State Returns Home With Momentum, Room to Improve After Washington Win

Penn State left Seattle with a second straight victory, but its narrow finish against Washington showed how much work remains.

The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 28-25 on Saturday, improving to 5-4 overall and 2-4 in Big Ten play. After beating Purdue the previous week, Penn State now returns home with an opportunity to extend its winning streak against Minnesota. 

For much of the first half at Washington, Penn State’s offense delivered. The Nittany Lions scored 21 points in the second quarter and entered halftime ahead 28-6. Three touchdowns covering at least 20 yards helped create that cushion, while the defense kept Washington out of the end zone through the opening two quarters. 

Quarterback Rocco Becht finished with 240 passing yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Carson Hansen added 119 rushing yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, while Chase Sowell caught four passes for 125 yards and a score. Together, those performances gave Penn State production through the air and on the ground. 

The second half told a different story.

Penn State went scoreless after halftime as Washington steadily closed the gap. The Huskies scored 11 points in the third quarter, then pulled within three on a touchdown and successful two-point conversion with 7:40 remaining. What had looked like a comfortable afternoon became a fight to protect a shrinking lead.  

That contrast gives Penn State a clear focus heading into its next game. Its first-half offense showed how quickly it can build an advantage. The final two quarters showed why maintaining drives and adding points remain essential, even with a sizable lead.

Minnesota visits Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 14, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern. Penn State then hosts Rutgers before closing the regular season at Maryland.  

With three games remaining, the Nittany Lions have an opportunity to turn consecutive wins into a stronger finish. Against Minnesota, the next step is sustaining the level of play that put them in control in Seattle.

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