November 10, 2012 at 5:27 PM
Halftime: Penn State leads Nebraska
LINCOLN, Neb.--With the sun shining and the wind blowing, Penn State jumped out to a 20-6 halftime lead in its game against Nebraska on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
The Nittany Lions didn't waste any time getting on the board, scoring on their first possession of the contest with a 50-yard touchdown rush by tailback Zach Zwinak. The run was set up by a 23-yard catch by wide receiver Brandon Moseby-Felder on a key third-and-9 play.
After a Cornhuskers field goal on their first drive, the Penn State offense again appeared to be in business, driving to the Nebraska 13-yard line before Zwinak lost a fumble to the Huskers' Will Compton. That turnover set Nebraska up for another field goal drive, which narrowed Penn State's advantage to 7-6.
Penn State got a break from the wind in the second quarter, though, when Huskers punter Brett Maher was forced to kick a low, line-drive of a punt, which was returned for 19 yards by Jesse Della Valle to the Nebraska 36. Sam Ficken cashed in on the field position with a 27-yard field goal a few plays later.
The Lions kept their special teams momentum going on their next punt, too, as Mike Hull recovered a muff by Nebraska returned Tim Marlowe at the Huskers' 31-yard line.
Five plays later, McGloin quarterback Matt McGloin found tight end Jesse James for an 10-yard touchdown pass in the corner of the far end zone.
Another Ficken field goal, this one from 38 yards out on the ensuing drive, capped an emphatic half from Penn State's offense and sent the teams to the half with the Lions leading by two touchdowns.
Overall, Penn State outgained the Huskers 255-188 in the half and 160-56 through the air.
Here are your statistical leaders.
Passing
Penn State: Matt McGloin, 10-18, 160 yards, one touchdown.
Nebraska: Taylor Martinez, 6-14, 56 yards.
Rushing
Penn State: Zach Zwinak, 82 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.
Nebraska: Ameer Abdullah, 66 yards on 15 carries.
Receiving
Penn State: Allen Robinson, four catches, 56 yards.
Nebraska: Jamal Turner, one catch, 30 yards.