Penn State Upsets #18 Michigan in 4 OT 43-40

Oct 12, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (98) prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O

It took four overtimes to decide this game but when the dust cleared Penn State upsets #18 Michigan 43-40. The win in 4 OTs comes after a back and forth play in regualtion where the teams traded touchdowns and turnovers.

During regulation, the Michigan Wolverines running backs were completely shut down by the Penn State defensive front. Fitzgerald Toussaint and Derrick Green couldn’t even gain 30 yards combined.

Michigan’s entire offense rested on the arm and legs of Devin Gardner who passed for 204 yards and rushed for 114. Gardner’s favorite target was Devin Funchess who had 4 catches for 114 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Penn State had an offensive weapon of its own. Freshman QB Christian Hackenburg passed for over 300 and three touchdowns. However, Hackenburg’s biggest touchdown came at the end of regulation when he scored on a quarterback sneak to send the game into overtime.

The nail biting continued in overtime. Michigan kicker Brendan Gibbons had three opportunities to win the game but missed twice and had an attempt blocked.

Despite the back and forth Penn State freshman Christian Hackenburg never lost his nerve. Even under the pressure of overtime. In the fourth overtime he had a couple of key pass plays to set up RB Bill Belton for the winning touchdown.

This is the first loss for the Michigan Wolverines this season dropping their record to 5-1. It threatens to drop them to the bottom of the AP poll because Penn State was unranked.

The win for Penn State washes a bitter taste in the mouth left by an upset loss to Indiana. It is easily the biggest win of the Bill O’Brien era.

Scoring Summary

Drive info: 3 plays, 14 yds in 0:50

Watch Highlight07TD8:19Devin Gardner pass complete to Devin Funchess for 59 yards for a TOUCHDOWN. Brendan Gibbons extra point GOOD.

Drive info: 3 plays, 86 yds in 1:20

Watch Highlight77FG0:49Brendan Gibbons 47 yard field goal GOOD.

Drive info: 5 plays, 23 yds in 2:49

Watch Highlight107SECOND QUARTERMICHPSUTD11:27Christian Hackenberg pass complete to Jesse James for 20 yards for a TOUCHDOWN. Sam Ficken extra point GOOD.

Drive info: 1 plays, 20 yds in 0:10

Watch Highlight1014TD7:06Christian Hackenberg pass complete to Brandon Felder for 24 yards for a TOUCHDOWN. Sam Ficken extra point GOOD.

Drive info: 10 plays, 61 yds in 2:39

Watch Highlight1021THIRD QUARTERMICHPSUTD14:50Zach Zwinak rush, fumbled, forced by James Ross III, recovered by Mich Frank Clark at the PnSt 24, Frank Clark for 24 yards, to the PnSt 0 for a TOUCHDOWN. Brendan Gibbons extra point GOOD.

Drive info: 1 plays, -1 yds in 0:10

Watch Highlight1721FG8:50Brendan Gibbons 23 yard field goal GOOD.

Drive info: 5 plays, 19 yds in 1:52

Watch Highlight2021FG4:21Sam Ficken 45 yard field goal GOOD.

Drive info: 10 plays, 50 yds in 4:29

Watch Highlight2024TD0:28Devin Gardner pass complete to Jeremy Gallon for 16 yards for a TOUCHDOWN. Brendan Gibbons extra point GOOD.

Drive info: 9 plays, 73 yds in 3:53

Watch Highlight2724FOURTH QUARTERMICHPSUTD10:28Devin Gardner pass complete to Devin Funchess for 37 yards for a TOUCHDOWN. Brendan Gibbons extra point GOOD.

Drive info: 5 plays, 70 yds in 2:41

Watch Highlight3424FG6:35Sam Ficken 43 yard field goal GOOD.

Drive info: 12 plays, 49 yds in 3:53

Watch Highlight3427TD0:27Christian Hackenberg rush for 1 yard for a TOUCHDOWN. Sam Ficken extra point GOOD.

Drive info: 5 plays, 80 yds in 0:23

Watch Highlight34342ND OVERTIMEMICHPSUFGBrendan Gibbons 25 yard field goal GOOD.

Drive info: 5 plays, 17 yds in 0:00

Watch Highlight3734FGSam Ficken 36 yard field goal GOOD.

Drive info: 4 plays, 6 yds in 0:00

Watch Highlight37374TH OVERTIMEMICHPSUFGBrendan Gibbons 40 yard field goal GOOD.

Drive info: 3 plays, 2 yds in 0:00

Watch Highlight4037TDBill Belton rush for 2 yards for a TOUCHDOWN.

Drive info: 7 plays, 25 yds in 0:00

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