Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State Football: Nittany Lions Come Back, Fall Short at Pitt

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Penn State fell down early, but came back before falling just short in the game at Pittsburgh.

The game that’s been talked about since it was announced a few years ago did not disappoint. After falling behind big early, the Penn State Nittany Lions tried to fight back, but fell just short at Pittsburgh. The Panthers held on for a 42-39 victory.

Penn State had a very sluggish start to the game and went down 14 points early. The Nittany Lions were down 21 at one points in the first half before cutting the deficit to 14 at the half.

Despite being down, the Nittany Lions didn’t quit and continued to fight in the second half. The game wasn’t decided until a Trace McSorley interception late in the game that sealed the game for the Panthers.

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The Nittany Lions committed four total turnovers, with McSorley responsible for three of them. The sophomore quarterback finished the game with 332 passing yards and a touchdown.

Sophomore running back Saquon Barkley had a huge game and accounted for five total touchdowns. He finished the game with 85 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. He also added a receiving touchdown and 45 yards through the air.

Wide receiver DeAndre Thompkins led the team with 87 receiving yards. DaeSean Hamilton made a team-high eight receptions with 82 yards. Hamilton had a big chance late in the game when he dropped what could have been a go-ahead touchdown.

A strong Pittsburgh running game had the Penn State defense on its heels the entire game. The Panthers combined for 341 rushing yards. Thanks to a very good offensive line and a young Penn State defensive line, Pittsburgh was able to do what it pleased on the ground.

James Conner led the game with 22 carries for 117 yards and a touchdown. He also added a receiving touchdown.

This loss will certainly sting for James Franklin and the Nittany Lions, but the resolve to come back and fight instead of laying down shows the heart of the team.

The Nitany Lions will get back on the field next week at Beaver Stadium against the Temple Owls.

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