Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions. Running back Kaytron Allen led the rushing attack with 121 yards on 24 carries.

Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell threw for 355 yards and three touchdowns, but was also intercepted twice. Wide receiver Charlie Jones caught eight passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns.

Penn State took an early 10-0 lead, but Purdue fought back to tie the game at 17-17 at halftime. The Nittany Lions regained the lead in the third quarter, but the Boilermakers scored a touchdown with just over three minutes remaining in the game to make it 26-24.

Penn State was able to run out the clock and preserve the victory, but it was a much closer game than many expected.

“We knew Purdue was a good team,” said Penn State head coach James Franklin. “They played hard and we made some mistakes, but we found a way to win.”

“We’re not satisfied with the way we played today, but we’re happy to get the win,” said Clifford. “We have a lot of things to work on, but we’re excited about the rest of the season.”

Penn State will host No. 1 Ohio State next week in a game that could have major implications for the College Football Playoff.

Purdue’s loss to Penn State hurts the Boilermakers’ chances of making the College Football Playoff. Purdue is now 6-2 on the season, but their two losses have come against ranked opponents.

“We played hard today, but we didn’t make enough plays,” said Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm. “We’re still a good team, but we have to learn from our mistakes and get better.”

Purdue will host Northwestern next week in a game that they will need to win to stay in contention for the Big Ten West Division title.

Penn State will host No. 1 Ohio State next week in a game that could have major implications for the College Football Playoff. Ohio State is 8-0 on the season and has looked dominant all year long.

“Ohio State is a great team,” said Franklin. “We’re going to have to play our best game of the season to beat them.”

“We’re excited for the challenge,” said Clifford. “We know it’s going to be a tough game, but we’re confident that we can win.”

The game between Penn State and Ohio State will be played next Saturday at Beaver Stadium.