Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer had not turned the ball over since September, but he threw his first interception in 206 attempts in the first half. It led to a Penn State field goal. In the second half, Brosmer fumbled while attempting a pitch and it led to another Penn State field goal and a 26-22 hole.

The Gophers (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten) came out of the gates like a team hungry for an upset. After forcing a Penn State three-and-out on the first drive of the game, they answered with a nine-play, 70-yard touchdown drive that lasted 4:20. A 20-yard Marcus Major touchdown run gave them an early 7-0 lead.

The Minnesota Golden Gophers came up short in their bid to upset No. 4 Penn State on Saturday night but several players shined in Pro Football Focus's grades from Week 13. Aireontae Ersery and Anthony Smith were two of the top players in the loss to the Nittany Lions and it could provide a silver lining as the Gophers head to Madison to close out the regular season against the Wisconsin Badgers on Friday.