Wallace powers Penn State past Purdue for first Big Ten win

Cam Wallace rushed for more than 130 yards and a touchdown as Penn State ended a four-game losing streak with a 31-17 victory over Purdue. It was the Nittany Lions’ first Big Ten win under coach Matt Campbell and their 12th consecutive win in the series. Penn State improved to 4-4 overall and 1-4 in conference play; Purdue fell to 3-5 and 2-3.

Penn State ran for 269 yards, with Wallace and Carson Hansen leading the way. Hansen gained 96 yards and scored, while quarterback Rocco Becht added a rushing touchdown and threw a scoring pass to Andrew Rappleyea. Becht completed 16 of 24 passes for 175 yards without a turnover. The Nittany Lions leaned on the ground game despite missing receivers Chase Sowell and Koby Howard.

Purdue tied the game at 14 in the second quarter when Jalil Hall returned a blocked punt 31 yards for a touchdown. Penn State answered with a 65-yard drive capped by Hansen’s one-yard score, then took control after halftime. Jamison Patton intercepted Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne, setting up a field goal, and Wallace later helped cap an 85-yard drive with a touchdown.

Purdue managed a 49-yard field goal in the fourth quarter but did not get closer. Penn State’s defense held the Boilermakers to two conversions on 11 third-down attempts. The teams’ next games are Purdue hosting Maryland and Penn State visiting Washington, both next Saturday.