The Spartans’ seventh win of the season secures their shot at a bowl game bid.

“Up and down throughout the game I thought our players showed great character and resilience on the field,” Dantonio said.

“Down by 10 at half, down by 17 fighting back into it, something
else happens bad, they keep coming back.”

Despite throwing two interceptions in the first half, Hoyer bounced back in the second half, and finished 16-of-21 for 257 yards and four touchdown passes.

Thomas was his favorite target, catching seven passes for 139 yards and three touchdowns.

Leading 17-7 at the half, Penn State charged down to MSU’s 5-yard-line on their first possession of the third quarter, and it appeared the Spartans would hold them to a fieldgoal.

But Penn State faked it, snapping it directly to kicker Kevin Kelly who bolted five yards untouched into the endzone, making it 24-7.

On MSU’s next drive, the Spartans got tricky, running a double reverse hand-off to junior wide receiver Ryan Allison, who threw a low bullet to senior tight end Kellen Davis at the 2-yard line.

Two plays later, Hoyer connected with junior fullback Jeff McPherson for the touchdown, bringing MSU to within 10 points.

Penn State went three-and-out on their next possession, and MSU
responded with a 33-yard touchdown bomb from Hoyer to Thomas, making it 24-21.

MSU would once again hold the Nittany Lions three-and-out, but when the Spartans got the ball back, Hoyer fumbled the snap on the first play.

Penn State recovered the ball on the MSU 35, and drove into the
endzone on three plays, making their lead 31-21.

The Spartans then went on a 14-0 run, and held Penn State scoreless in the final five minutes of the game, securing the victory.

Senior running back Jehuu Caulcrick was instrumental in MSU’s running attack, rushing for 99 yards on 22 carries, and scoring one touchdown.