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Turnovers clinch Penn State Football victory over Wisconsin

By Matt Lombardo

Sep 4, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions safety Ji'Ayir Brown (16) is surrounded by teammates following the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions safety Ji'Ayir Brown (16) is surrounded by teammates following the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Penn State Football’s defense proved critical in 16-10 victory over Wisconsin to open the season

Penn State Football’s defense rode a series of momentum shifts, and ultimately slammed the door shut for a key road victory over Wisconsin to open the 2021 College Football season.

Ji’Ayir Brown made the biggest play of the day, intercepting Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz just as time expired at Camp Randall Stadium, lifting the No. 19 ranked Nittany Lions over the No. 12-ranked Badgers.

Unlike last season’s Week 1 loss to Indiana, Saturday’s road upset as the potential to springboard Penn State Football’s season, and potentially send the Lions climbing up the rankings.

https://twitter.com/CFBONFOX/status/1434243058648879115

Penn State Football’s defense was the backbone of Saturday’s upset, producing three turnovers and holding the Badgers to just one offensive touchdown, in a hostile environment, to open the B1g Ten Football schedule.

Mertz struggled against the relentless pressure from the Penn State Football front-seven, completing just 23-of-37 passes for 185 yards, and throwing a pair of interceptions, including the game-clincher for the Nittany Lions.

Mertz’s other interception came with just under 3:00 remaining, when Penn State safety Jaquan Brisker halted a Wisconsin red-zone drive.

Meanwhile, Penn State Football quarterback Sean Clifford overcame a sluggish first half to connect on several big passing plays downfield to power the Nittany Lions to a second-half resurgence. Clifford finished 18-of-33 for 247 yards and a touchdown.

Next up for Penn State Football is a return home to Beaver Stadium, and the start of a three-game homestead, hosting Ball State next Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m.

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