Drake Dunsmore's one-handed grab in the end zone was the firecracker that NU needed going into halftime. Dunsmore's right-handed nine-yard catch that left him barely in bounds put the Wildcats ahead 21-0 with 56 seconds to play in the first half.

But Penn State quarterback Matt McGloin moved the Lions 91 yards in nine plays over just 47 seconds to avoid the first half shutout, tossing a seven-yard pass with three seconds to go to Brett Brackett in the end zone.

At halftime, the Wildcats had no penalties.