Penn State somehow managed to defeat Iowa despite the Hawkeyes playing the role of the better team for most of the game. How exactly did this all happen? A walk-off touchdown sure as hell helped.

Before discussing the game, let's look at the walk-off TD together:

This wasn't the only highlight of the game. Circling back in time a bit, Iowa's Akrum Wadley had a pair of wonderful touchdown scanters. One of them was actually a reception, but he did most of the work with his legs. Let's take a gander at those:

Here is Wadley's second TD:

Article Continues Below
More NCAA Football News
It's time that HBCU athletics leaders take inspiration from the NBA and look to innovate with their media rights.
HBCUs must innovate with sports media rights; use the NBA as inspirationRandall Barnes ·
Michigan Wolverines running back Hassan Haskins runs by Notre Dame defenders during the second half
Michigan football, Notre Dame finalists for 4-star DLScotty White ·
A Michigan Wolverines marching band color guard flag member carries the Michigan flag across the field before the Wolverines played against the Washington Huskies in the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium.
Michigan football battling 3 CFP contenders for 4-star EDGEScotty White ·
Florida A&M is under scrutiny for low pass rates in its law and nursing programs. The university has plans to enhance student outcomes.
Florida A&M lands JUCO QB after losing Kent State starRandall Barnes ·
A general overall view of a United States flag and fireworks during the playing of the national anthem before the game between the Southern California Trojans and the Stanford Cardinal at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
5-star TE has a message for the country after USC football commitmentScotty White ·
North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Travis Shaw (4) runs on to the field with the american flag before the game at Kenan Memorial Stadium.
Full North Carolina football game-by-game predictions for 2025 seasonScotty White ·

https://twitter.com/CFBPlus/status/911787796960092161

Penn State got the ball back with only 1:42 left on the clock in the fourth quarter for that walk-off victory. It is worth noting that the team did have two timeouts left. With the way that quarterback Trace McSorley had played, however, it was hard to feel wholly confident in what he was going to be able to do.

James Franklin and company had their College Football Playoff hopes on the line in that last drive.

The Nittany Lions pieced together that clutch drive, including a monster fourth-down throw by McSorley to get a big first down. Once in the red zone, it all came down to one final play with four seconds left. With the spotlight the brightest, McSorley stepped up with a touchdown pass to Juwan Johnson for the walk-off touchdown.

Iowa is certainly a very good football team. Even though that game was offensively inept, Penn State did what it needed to do — survive and advance.