Best run: On third-and-2, fullback Sean McHugh took an option pitch from Penn State quarterback Zack Mills. Nebraska middle linebacker Scott Shanle met McHugh head-on shy of the first-down marker, but McHugh muscled and bumped his way ahead for a 2-yard gain. Best catch: Bryant Johnson was blanketed by Nebraska cornerback Pat Ricketts yet slipped around him at the last instant to pull in a pass for a 24-yard gain.
Worst tackle: Shawn Mayer had a shot at Nebraska QB Jammal Lord in the backfield but missed. Lord shot past him and tore off a 27-yard gain. Six plays later, Nebraska scored to tie the game 7-7.
Turning point: Robinson's 8-yard TD run with 7:50 left in the third. It came on third down and gave the Lions a 19-7 lead.
The clincher: Rich Gardner's 42-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter. It put Penn State up 26-7. Best call: The side ref said Mike McCloskey was inbounds as he no, wait, that was in '82. Penn State coach Joe Paterno used backup quarterback Michael Robinson as a wideout and extra running back. Robinson, who has great speed and hands, was a fine decoy on fake reverses. He also ran for 28 yards on one reverse had an 8-yard TD run in the third quarter.
Worst call: A fumble by Lord was ruled an incompletion in the third quarter. Defensive end Michael Haynes ran the ball back to the end zone, but the ball was ruled dead. Replays showed the ball slipping out of Lord's hand before his arm came forward. It cost the Lions a touchdown.
D'Oh: Penn State had a second-and-goal at the 1, but tight end Casey Williams was flagged for a false start. Two passes netted just 3 yards, and the Lions had to settle for a field goal.
Up next: Penn State (1-1) will play host to Louisiana Tech (2-1) at 12:10 p.m. Saturday. Yesterday, Louisiana Tech beat Tulsa 53-9.
