Penn State’s offense may have sputtered, but the defense more than made up for any dropped balls or missed opportunities.

The Nittany Lions shut out Purdue by a score of 12-0 earlier today -- the first time in 10 years the Boilermakers didn’t score a point and Penn State's first shut out in four years

Linebackers Dan Connor and Paul Posluszny led the charge, combining for 21 tackles and an interception, as the defense limited the No. 8 passing offense in the nation to 178 yards and two turnovers.

Kicker Kevin Kelly put Penn State on the board early with a 29-yard field goal and again in the second quarter on a 44-yard try. That effort helped garner a 6-0 halftime advantage for the Lions, but Purdue’s offense threatened to take the lead several times in the second half.

Tony Hunt put up some insurance points early in the fourth quarter, though, by running for a 2-yard score, as Anthony Morelli overshot his intended receiver on the two-point conversion.

The win, which makes the Nittany Lions bowl eligible, puts Penn State at 6-3, 4-2 Big Ten.

Check Monday's Daily Collegian for the full story.