Penn State takes lead over Wisconsin with clutch defensive touchdown

Jaylen Reed’s pick-six could not have come at a better time for Penn State.

Penn State was reeling heading into halftime of its game against Wisconsin, dealing with injuries to defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton and star quarterback [autotag]Drew Allar[/autotag]. Those injuries combined with a 10-7 deficit heading into the locker room created an uneasy feeling for Penn State fans across the country.

The offense was not going anywhere to start the second half with backup QB [autotag]Beau Pribula[/autotag] in for the injured Allar, but the defense was holding strong. After another failed drive, the defense was asked to stop Wisconsin once again and give the ball back to the offense.

Instead, they did them one better. Wisconsin QB Braedyn Locke dropped back near his endzone and fired a pass over the middle right into the waiting arms of safety [autotag]Jaylen Reed[/autotag]. Reed returned the interception all the way back for a go-ahead touchdown.

Penn State’s defense has been up and down in this game, but Reed stepped up when the team needed it most and made the huge play. They allowed a few big plays on the following drive that led to a Wisconsin field goal, but overall they have kept Penn State in the game despite the offense failing to get going so far.

Beau Pribula and the offense will have to find a way to get more points on the board if they want to win this game, but the defense has allowed them to play with a lead. With the ground game being Pribula’s strong suit, that could be the difference between winning and losing this game.