Penn State led Minnesota 21-7 at the half.
Evan Royster scored two rushing touchdowns. The Nittany Lions also were helped by Minnesota penalties.
Rob Bolden was knocked out of the game early in the second quarter after a broken play. Matt McGloin came in to replace Rob Bolden and went two plays and out. Minnesota was moving the ball well, but an interception by the Minnesota quarterback in the Penn State end zone led to a 60-yard play by D’Anton Lynn.
The interception was immediately followed up by a touchdown strike by McGloin to Derek Moye on the first play from scrimmage, putting Penn State up by 14.