University of Minnesota Athletics
MINNESOTA TOPS NO. 2-RANKED PENN STATE 24-23
11/6/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
The game ended with a spectacular nine-play 65-yard drive in a 1:50 to set up a 32- yard field goal by freshman Dan Nystrom to win the game 24-23.
Minnesota started the drive on its own 20-yard line. On the first play of the drive quarterback Billy Cockerham connected with Ron Johnson on a 46-yard pass play. On third and 16, Cockerham's pass was incomplete to Luke Leverson. Then on fourth and 16, Cockerham threw a pass intended for Johnson, which bounced off him and into the hands of Arland Bruce for a 27-yard pass completion.
The Golden Gophers then used the clock and set up a 32-yard field goal by Nystrom. It marks the first time Minnesota has defeated a top five nationally ranked team since Nov. 15, 1986, when the Golden Gophers defeated No. 2- ranked Michigan 20-17.
Cockerham finished the game completing 14-of-24 pass attempts for 277 yards an two touchdowns. Senior running back Thomas Hamner had a career-high 38 carries for 96 yards. He also caught three passes for 58 yards, including a 49-yard touchdown strike.
For Penn State, quarterback Kevin Thompson completed 12- of-27 pass attempts for 158 yards and a touchdown. Running back Eric McCoo rushed for 107 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown.
Minnesota moves to 6-3 overall with a 3-3 record in the Big Ten having won all three Big Ten road games. Penn State drops to 9-1 overall and 5-1 in the conference. Minnesota will host Indiana in its final home game of the season, Saturday, Nov. 13, at 11:10 a.m.
