Nits can’t get out of their own way
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The Nittany Lions added another chapter to what has become a forgettable 2026 season -- Matt Campbell's first -- by playing just well enough to lose, which they did to a very beatable Michigan team, 21-18, before 110,731 at the Big House.
It marked Penn State's fourth-straight defeat and sunk the Nits to 0-4 in the Big Ten and 3-4 overall after their paper mache non-conference schedule.
"This one hurts," offensive tackle Anthony Donkoh said. "Especially when we're in it the entire time."
Until, of course, the game was on the line.
That's when the Lions reverted back to their second-half failures that have dogged them throughout the season -- the blown 17-0 lead to Wisconsin, the squandered golden opportunity before the great White Out crowd vs. USC and allowing a freshman quarterback to beat them Saturday.
A case can be made the Lions beat themselves as Michigan turned three Penn State turnovers -- all by quarterback Rocco Becht (two interceptions and a fumble) -- into three touchdowns.
"The two areas we (emphasized) were taking care of the football and winning the running game," Campbell said, "and both things imploded in the second half."
The Wolverines' first six possessions resulted in four punts and two interceptions before the Lions, ever the gracious guest, coughed up three turnovers on their next five possessions, allowing Michigan to go up 14-3 and 21-11.
"We didn't stop the run, and we certainly didn't take care of the football," Campbell said.
State limited the Wolverines to 80 total yards in the first half, but after it was actually time to make some adjustments, the Lions were again gouged in the second half as Michigan outrushed them 174-34.
PSU linebacker and leading tackler Tony Rojas said, "We added some new calls in the second half."
Much of the offensive blame will fall to Becht. He underthrew both of his sideline interceptions and his fumble with three minutes left at the PSU 25 and the Nits down 14-11 pretty much sealed it.
Becht's first words afterward were "hurt and disappointment" and added, "I have to be better for my team."
Though the defense gave up some chunk plays on the ground in the second half, Becht said, "The defense did a good job today. We didn't help them out."
Becht started well (15-of-19) but finished poorly, and Campbell was asked if he plans to stick with his experienced Iowa State transfer.
A change, he said, "was never a consideration from my end."
He admitted Becht must play better but reiterated, "I have complete faith in Rocco Becht. We're going to continue to need his best as we move forward."
While it would make sense to at least get backup QB Alex Manske some meaningful experience for next year now that this season has careened south, Campbell is instead committed on a bigger picture.
"We're not giving up on the season," he said. "There's a lot of season and a lot of football left -- and my sole focus is this team and continuing to lay a foundation for the way we want to play."
Campbell knows it's a bottom-line business, but he takes some solace in what he sees as an improved performance.
"The offense has continued to grow. They're moving the football," he said. "I think we're a lot closer to the team we want to be in the last eight quarters. You can't flinch right now. Our program needs to show that it has the ability of when it gets hard, we have to work through that."
The players made available Saturday pledged not to let the losing negatively affect the locker room.
"This team has great leaders," Becht said.
Midseason open dates were invented for seasons like this, and the Lions welcome it.
"It's a great thing that we have a bye week," Donkoh said.
Indeed -- as it assures Penn State can't lose.
Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com.