Penn State 29, Minnesota 26

The Gophers went on the road today for the first time this season and fell 29-26 to Penn State in an overtime heartbreaker.  They had a 3 point lead with less than a minute go play, you have to win those games.  The Gophers fall to 3-1 on the season.  This one hurts, take away that miserable third quarter and this game was theirs.  The inexperience in their secondary really hurt, combine that with the lack of a pass rush and the result was too many big plays by Penn State.  I hate to blame officiating, but there were some really awful calls against the Gophers too that didn't help matters much.  Shake it off Gophers, there's a long season still ahead.

Observations:

• That 17-0 third quarter run for Penn State was a killer. 
• The Gophers did a great job of containing Saquon Barkley until OT. 
• It never helps when you throw an interception in the end zone. 
• That sure did look like a Penn State holding on that late 3rd down throw. 
• Adekunle Ayinde to it mildly did not have a good game
• I continue to like the Gophers three headed monster at running back. 
• The Gophers secondary could really use some reinforcements. 
• Time of Possession:  Minnesota 36:47, Penn State 23:13
• Total Yards:  Minnesota 471, Penn State 469
• I liked how aggressive the Gophers were to close out the first half. 
• Horrible first down call by officials to give Penn State that early first down. 
• I really like what I have seen from Brian Smith this season. 
• The Gophers always seem to struggle against scrambling quarterbacks. 
• There did definitely seemed to be some hometown officiating today. 
• Why all the hand wringing on that Jaylen Waters hit on Joey Julius?  
• The Gophers pass rush seemed to really miss Tai'yon Devers today. 
• I predict that Antoine Winfield Jr is going to have a nice career at Minnesota.
• Too many penalties by the Gophers, you have to play smarter than that on the road.
• Thoughts and prayers go out to Jay Johnson and his family. 
• Up next?  Iowa @ Minneapolis next Saturday.