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UNIVERSITY PARK -- Penn State finally got its long-awaited payday that has been long overdue on Saturday.
For the first time in six weeks, and the first time in the Big Ten schedule, the Nittany Lions were winners with a 31-17 victory over Purdue at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium.
It was, by far, Penn State's best effort in the running game, and it was spearheaded by Cam Wallace. The Nits outrushed the Boilermakers 269-33 for the game.
Wallace, who hadn't seen much time at all since the start of Big Ten play, spearheaded the ground game. He carried the ball 22 times for 135 yards for the day. Carson Hansen also put together 96 yards on 17 carries.
The Lions, who have already been without Koby Howard since the start of Big Ten play, were also without Chase Sowell to injury on Saturday. That left Brett Eskildsen and Amarion Jackson as the top-2 healthiest receivers, and forced tight end Benjamin Brahmer to split out on occasion.
Quarterback Rocco Becht went 16 for 24 for 175 yards and a touchdown for the day. Brahmer led all pass-catchers with 58 yards on four receptions
Penn State was also successful on a trick play with a fake field goal. Holder Nathan Tiyce threw a shovel pass to Brahmer for 13 yards that kept the drive going for PSU's first touchdown of the game.
Former Nittany Lion and Miami Dolphins receiver O.J. McDuffie served as honorary captain for the game. After the first quarter, Penn State also honored former running back Ki-Jana Carter as he will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in December.
A member of last year's team in defensive end Dani-Dennis Sutton was also in attendance.
Penn State (4-4 overall, 1-4 in the Big Ten) will travel to the West Coast next weekend for its first game at Washington in Big Ten play. The game will have either a 3:30 or 4:15 kickoff, with specific details to be announced on Sunday for television.
Full coverage will be in Monday's edition of the MIrror.