Minnesota stuns Penn State, jumps into AP top 10 for first time since 1962

Local news - Minnesota stuns Penn State, jumps into AP top 10 for first time since 1962

By Zach Batia

PJ FLeck's University of Minnesota football team took down B1G ten rival Penn State 31-26 Saturday in a massive upset that saw the undefeated Gophers hand the Nittany Lions their first loss of the season.

Heavily favored coming into the matchup, Penn State gave up 14 first quarter points and were never able to recover. Quarterback Sean Clifford threw a game deciding interception to Jordan Howden from the 24 yard line with just over a minute remaining to seal the win for Minnesota.

The win marks the Gophers' first win against a top five school in 20 years, according to Sports Illustrated. Penn State had been ranked 5th in the AP poll and 4th in the playoff rankings coming into the game.

Following the win, the Gophers moved up from 13th to 7th in the AP poll, marking the first time since 1962 that Minnesota has earned top 10 recognition, according to Fox Sports.

Minnesota is also certain to improve in the all important playoff rankings, which decide what teams quality for bowl games. The Gophers had been ranked only 17th, but defeated the committee's 4th ranked team. The new rankings will be released Tuesday.

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