September 8, 2012 at 1:49 PM

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.--Bill O'Brien continued rolling the dice in the second quarter against Virginia at Scott Stadium, where Penn State leads 7-3 at the half.

The first-year coach called a fake punt on Penn State's first drive of the second stanza, converted for a first down by linebacker Glenn Carson, who was playing on special teams. After the Nittany Lions were forced into another fourth-down situation on the next set of downs, O'Brien decided to go for it again. This time, though, quarterback Steve Bench, spelling an injured Matt McGloin, was sacked and Penn State turned the ball over on downs.

The next offensive drive showed why O'Brien has been willing to go for it on fourth down four times in the first half alone.

After a Jordan Hill interception set Penn State up deep inside Cavaliers territory, kicker Sam Ficken missed his second field goal of the day from 38 yards.

Ficken missed from 40 yards in the first quarter.

The Hoos responded to the missed Penn State opportunity by marching the ball 50 yards in 10 plays, scoring on a 46-yard field goal by Drew Jarrett.

Penn State closed out the half by failing to get the field goal unit on the field in time to get off an attempt as time expired.

Notes: McGloin went to locker room early in the quarter with an apparent elbow injury. Bench, a true freshman, replaced him for the rest of the half.

First half stats:

Penn State passing: Matt McGloin, 8-14, 57 yards, 1 TD.

Penn State rushing: Derek Day, 33 yards on 14 carries, 2.4 yards per carry.

Penn State receiving: Allen Robinson, six receptions for 34 yards.

Virginia passing: Michael Rocco, 10-19, 83 yards, one interception.

Virginia rushing: Kevin Parks, 16 yards on three attempts, 5.3 yards per carry.

Virginia receiving: Darius Jennings, three receptions for 36 yards.