October 6, 2012 at 1:46 PM

Penn State jumped out to a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter, but the Nittany Lions couldn't make it stand up. They conceded two touchdowns to Northwestern to enter the half with a 14-10 deficit.

After falling frustratingly short of a touchdown on its first three drives into Northwestern territory, Penn State finally cashed a drive in for six points when Zach Zwinak scored on a 1-yard run gave the Nittany Lions a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter.

Quarterback Matt McGloin and company. began the drive at the Wildcats' 40-yard line. A completion from McGloin to Brandon Moseby-Felder was good for 15 yards before runs of eight and 12 yards from Zwinak set Penn State up with a first-and-goal on Northwestern's door step. On first down, Zwinak took the carry and punched it in for his third score in the last two weeks.

The Wildcats got a big break, though, when Jesse Della Valle muffed a punt after the Penn State defense halted the ensuing punt. Northwestern recovered and moved 17 yards in three plays, getting on the board with a 2-yard touchdown from Venric Mark.

Northwestern wasn't done, either.

After an exchange of punts and a failed fourth down conversion by the Lions, the Wildcats drove to Penn State's 11-yard line before Trevor Siemian found Tony Jones for a touchdown with 30 seconds left in the half.

Penn State trails at the half for the first time this season. Northwestern's two touchdowns were the first given up by Penn State's defense in the first half all season.

Here are some first half stats leaders.

Passing

Penn State: Matt McGloin,16-28 for 132 yards.

Northwestern: Trevor Siemian, 12-21 for 89 yards and a touchdown

Rushing

Penn State: Zach Zwinak, 11 carries for 37 yards and a touchdown

Northwestern: Venric Mark, seven carries for 20 yards and a touchdown

Receiving

Penn State: Allen Robinson, three receptions for 35 yards

Northwestern: Mike Trumpy, three receptions for 28 yards