Wildcats Push Past Penn State, 14-7

Saturday, November 6

University Park, Pa.

11 a.m.

Northwestern

5-4 , 4-2

Penn State

2-7 , 0-6

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Northwestern

Penn State

11/6/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football

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Nov. 6, 2004

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STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Noah Herron doesn't even remember the play that set up Northwestern's first touchdown -- the play that sent him to the sideline for most of the first quarter. Once he came back in, though, Herron led the Wildcats to a memorable victory.

Herron rushed for 175 yards, setting up one touchdown and scoring another, to lead Northwestern past Penn State 14-7 Saturday for its first road victory this season.

After a scoreless third quarter, Herron carried on the first two plays of the fourth, punching it in from the 1-yard line to give the Wildcats (5-4, 4-2 Big Ten) a 14-7 lead. This was the first time Northwestern won at Penn State (2-7, 0-6) in five games. Two years ago, the Nittany Lions pounded Northwestern 49-0.

"The fact that we've never won here, and the fact that the last time we were here was a complete embarrassment, we had a pretty large chip on our shoulders," Herron said.

Zack Mills' 24-yard pass to Michael Robinson late in the fourth quarter gave the Nittany Lions a first down on Northwestern's 18. But Penn State couldn't advance the ball, turning it over on downs with just more than 3 minutes left.

Northwestern gave it again to Herron, who ran for two first downs, allowing the Wildcats to run out the clock. Herron has rushed for 1,038 yards this season, giving Northwestern a 1,000-yard rusher for the third consecutive year. He also moved ahead of Mike Adamle into sixth place on NU's all-time rushing list.

"As it turns out, the way the clock worked, we needed to get two first downs or they'd get it back with a minute," Northwestern coach Randy Walker said. "We actually got the first first down too quickly, and we needed to get a first down to keep them off the field."

Penn State's offensive woes continued, with its first possession lasting only one play. Robinson, a wide receiver and backup quarterback, took the ball on a reverse, but got trapped in the backfield and threw an interception.

"I think people are disappointed, and they should be disappointed. I mean, I'm disappointed," Penn State coach Joe Paterno said. "Nobody likes to lose, and I appreciate any of the sentiments of the people who are upset with the losing. They have every right to be upset."

On the ensuing possession, Brett Basanez threw a screen pass to Jonathan Fields, who ran 51 yards to give Northwestern first-and-goal on the 8. Herron ran to the 1 but was shaken up on the play. Terrell Jordan ran it in on the next play for a 7-0 lead.

"When I got to him, he wasn't aware of things," Walker said. "Obviously, he came out of it quickly, and thank God he did."

Paul Cronin's interception and 14-yard return set up Penn State's only touchdown, giving the Nittany Lions the ball on Northwestern's 22. Isaac Smolko's kneeling catch in the back of the end zone made it 7-7 with 37 seconds left in the half.

The Wildcats quickly moved the ball to the Penn State 14, but Scott Paxson blocked Brian Huffman's 31-yard field goal try on the last play of the half.

Northwestern, which took over sole possession of fourth place in the Big Ten at 4-2, is still mathematically alive for a share of the Big Ten championship. More realistic, however, is an opportunity to gain a second straight postseason bowl berth. For that to happen, Northwestern must win two more games this year. The Wildcats play at Michigan on Saturday, before finishing with Illinois (home) and Hawaii (away).

(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)