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UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State emerged from Saturday afternoon still unbeaten on the season, but it didn’t do so with style points.
The Nittany Lions jumped out to a quick two-touchdown lead against Central Michigan then played on fairly even terms with the Chippewas before eventually settling for a 33-14 victory in front of 106,624 at Beaver Stadium.
After Central Michigan tied the game at 14 midway through the second quarter, Penn State took the lead for good on Kaytron Allen's 13-yard touchdown run with 1:58 remaining in the first half.
The Lions' defense did not allow any points in the first, third and fourth quarters.
Sean Clifford completed 22-of-34 passes for 217 yards and three touchdowns -- he also ran for a score -- as Penn State, ranked No. 14, improved to 4-0.
Parker Washington caught six passes for 64 yards, tight end Brenton Strange caught five passes for 42 - including two touchdowns - and Mitchell Tinsley added four receptions for 51 yards and a TD.
Freshman Kaytron Allen led the Lions' ground game with 111 yards on 13 carries.
Penn State's defense forced four turnovers, and Curtis Jacobs pounced on a fumbled punt at the Central Michigan 7 early in the third quarter. Two plays later, Strange's second touchdown gave the Lions a 27-14 lead.
The Chippewas fell to 1-3 but hung in the game by throwing for 275 yards.
State will host Northwestern next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The game will be televised on either ABC or ESPN, which will be determined on Sunday.