Penn State Football: Royster, Wagner Have Big Days in Small Victory

Freshman QB Rob Bolden had less than six minutes left in the game, and there was nothing comfortable about his two-point lead.

Facing a dangerous third down, he looked right, then left. Ten yards would give him the first down he so desperately needed.

Justin Brown gave him 27.

In a game dominated by runners, the receiver just might have been the hero.

His reception was followed by a long (17 yards) run by Evan Royster, a tough 8-yard rush by Michael Zordich, a first down by Zordich, a Royster rush to the 1, and a short TD rush by Zordich.

It was the Lions’ only touchdown in the 22-13 win.

Penn State trailed the underdog Owls for the majority of the game, thanks to two rushing touchdowns by Bernard Pierce.

But Collin Wagner kept the Lions in it and later gave them the lead with five field goals on six attempts. Both tied school records.

Temple continued to fight after the Penn State touchdown, but Nick Sukay’s interception at mid-field shut the door on the Owls with two minutes left in the game.

Royster had a terrific game after an early fumble. He carried the ball 50 yards on his first touch, but fumbled on Penn State’s second drive.

Royster ended the game with 187 rushing yards on 26 carries. Both are career highs.

Related coverage

• Penn State Football: Bolden’s Drive to Come of Age (Sept. 26, 2010)

• Penn State Football: Eliades Tears ACL, Out for Season (Sept. 26, 2010)