Penn State vs. Minnesota 2005 GAME STORY

This was a fun game for Penn State fans. At this point in the 2005 season, each week showed more improvement from the week before from the Nittany Lions. And with an undefeated record, welcoming a quality opponent into Beaver Stadium was the next big test for this squad. It ended up being the first real game of the season where the offense limited the turnovers, and the result was a blowout of Minnesota. The Gophers, by the way, at the time were leading the nation in rushing offense and had one of the more productive offenses in the early season and carried a national ranking of 18th, with them. The defense shut down Lawrence Moroney and the rushing attack while limiting big plays in the passing game. But this contest was more about Penn State's offense and the versatility of Michael Robinson, and then true freshman Derrick Williams. They piled up an insane amount of first downs with their ball control offense, and the points followed suit, naturally. This win was as solid as they come, and it came at the perfect time to instill confidence and momentum for the following week's monster match-up against Ohio State. And of course, during this game fans got to see three Nittany Lions make legendary plays which will live in Lion lore for generations.
Penn State's Top Performers:
Michael Robinson: 13 of 32, 175 yards .. 18 carries, 112 yards
Derrick Williams: 6 carries, 40 yards, 2 TDs .. 4 catches, 32 yards
Tony Hunt: 21 carries, 114 yards, 2 TDs
Penn State gained a 5-0 record with the win over a ranked opponent. Minnesota suffered its first loss of the year against Penn State, coming in at 4-1 for the season. The Gophers ended 2005 at 7-5 and lost to Virginia in the Music City Bowl.

[@bryanb9907]

I was at this game. You could hear the collision Robinson had with the safety. It was insane. I was at the Ohio State game this season too. Still the loudest and craziest I've ever scene and heard it.

[@stevenmcnabb9185]

I was thinking the other day about how much the 2022 Penn State team reminds me of 2005. Both teams were coming off of disappointing seasons because the offense just wasn't good enough. In 2004 it was a complete lack of weapons outside, in 2021 it was a complete lack of weapons in the backfield. The defenses had certainly done their part. The 2004 team gave up 15.3 points/game, 5th-best in the country. The 2021 team gave up 17.3 points/game, 7th-best in the country. The 2022 team may not be returning as many starters on defense as the 2005 team did, but they have plenty of experience. What's changed for both teams is an exciting freshman class. In 2005, it was a trio of freshman receivers in Williams, Butler, and Norwood. In 2022, it's the freshmen duo of Singleton and Allen. Both teams are quarterbacked by 5th-year seniors praised for their leadership. It remains to be seen if this year's Penn State team will see the level of success that the 2005 team did, but it's exciting to see it unfold (like going down to Auburn and pasting them 41-12!).

[@SmedleyWarIsaRacket]

The 2005 nittany Lions are probably the 2nd or 3rd best PSU team of the Big Ten era. The only thing this team did not do was take out the ref in the Michigan game. This team should have been undefeated, they certainly did not do a damn thing to cause it not to be. Looking back on this game I am reminded how tough, hard hitting and physical on both sides of the ball the 2005 team was. The Dline was extremely active, the LB were punishing and the secondary would pop the snot out of you. #12 & #26 are two of the toughest Nittany Lion of all time.

[@jc4388]

Up there with the 94 squad, kerry collins laid a few people out just like mike. That michigan call was sickening. That ref was from michigan if I recall.

[@johnvillella1087]

22:31 Poz was different man. Idk if this is a Hot take but he may have been a better College Player than Lavar.