Lions collapse in fourth quarter in 24-20 loss to Wisconsin in Big Ten opener
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UNIVERSITY PARK -- A fourth quarter collapse was the difference on Homecoming for Penn State.
The Lions held a 20-10 lead with eight minutes to play after a Tony Rojas interception, but Penn State couldn't hang on in a 24-20 loss to Wisconsin at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium.
True freshman Josiah Zayas had an interception returned 51 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter, and Daryus Dixson recorded another pick on the next possession.
With Penn State leading 3-0 early in the second quarter, Zayas read Badger quarterback Colton Joseph perfectly, jumping the route for a 55-yard touchdown.
After Dixson's interception a few plays later, the Lions' offense needed just three plays to find the end zone again, capped on a Rocco Becht quarterback keeper to make it 17-0.
Wisconsin put together a scoring drive late in the first half to keep it close at 17-7 at the break.
The two teams traded field goals in the third quarter. Barker hit one from 37 yards, while Wisconsin's Gavin Lahm booted a 34-yarder.
On an up-and-down day for Becht, he finished going 12 of 29 for just 129 yards. James Peoples was the hot hand for the running backs with 14 carries for 67 yards.
Chase Sowell led the receivers in their first game without Koby Howard with 6 receptions for 70 yards.
Joseph, one of the better dual-threat QBs in the Big Ten, went 18 for 38 with 235 yards. He ran for 39 yards on 13 carries.
Kim Herring was the honorary captain for the game, while Terry Smith served as honorary grand marshal.
Penn State (3-1 overall, 0-1 Big Ten) is on a short week as it travels to Northwestern on Friday night for an 8 p.m. kickoff. The game will be televised on Fox.
Full coverage can be found in Monday's edition of the Mirror.