The Nittany Lions didn't play a particularly clean or efficient game. But they hardened at key moments to edge the Golden Gophers.

MINNEAPOLIS – Fourth-ranked Penn State survived a scare from double-digit underdog Minnesota and moved closer to a College Football Playoff berth with a 26-25 victory Saturday. The Nittany Lions (7-1, 10-1) overcame two blocked kicks to subdue the Golden Gophers (4-4, 6-5) at Huntington Bank Stadium.

The first order of business is Penn State still has to beat Minnesota, and then take care of Maryland in next week’s regular-season finale at home. Without wins in these two games, Penn State will not be able to get past Ohio State in the Big Ten title race thanks to a head-to-head tie-breaker favoring Ohio State over the Nittany Lions.

The pair of Gophers defensive ends displayed the pain they felt after a difficult 26-25 loss to Penn State on Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium. Instead of duplicating a home upset of a fourth-ranked Penn State team like they did in unforgettable fashion in 2019,

Gophers football coach P.J. Fleck spoke with reporters after Saturday's 26-25 loss to Penn State on Senior Day at Huntington Bank Stadium. Minnesota drops to 6-5 with the loss.

The penalty helped the Nittany Lions move the ball into Minnesota's territory and ultimately scored via an Allar four-yard touchdown run. However, the Gophers came through with another block, this time on the extra point, and returned it all the way back for two points to give them a 19-16 lead before the half.