September 15, 2012 at 4:22 PM

Matt McGloin twice connected with Allen Robinson on 45-yard passes in the first quarter. The first set up a touchdown catch by tight end Jesse James. The second was a touchdown itself.

Both completions were Penn State’s longest plays from scrimmage this season so far, and Robinson’s longest receptions of his career.

However, Sam Ficken’s extra points may have received equivalent applause to the touchdown.

Also during the first drive, Garry Gilliam caught his first pass of the season for 12 yards. Paul Jones lined up as a wide receiver on one play, but he wasn’t involved. With Derek Day and Bill Belton both inactive today, Michael Zordich had three carries for four yards. McGloin showed some initiative himself, scrambling three times for 14 yards.

On defense, Penn State smothered Navy’s triple option. The Nittany Lions pushed the Midshipmen back 12-yards for a 3-and-out, with key penetration from defensive linemen Sean Stanley and DaQuan Jones.

Navy’s second drive proved more effective as the Midshipmen marched the ball downfield with a handful of long runs. A couple of times, Navy’s ball carriers had one man in front of them and open field, but they couldn’t make the runs huge.

With the ball on Penn State’s 10, Navy quarterback Trey Miller, under pressure, lobbed one straight into the arms of linebacker Gerald Hodges to kill the Midshipmen’s drive.