PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — Kaytron Allen ran for a career-high 226 yards and a touchdown as Penn State edged Rutgers 40-36, marking the 18th straight victory over the Scarlet Knights and securing bowl eligibility after a tumultuous season.
The Nittany Lions (6-6, 3-6 Big Ten) retook the lead for good when linebacker Amare Campbell raced 61 yards with a fumble recovery with 7:27 remaining. Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis lost the ball without being touched, giving Penn State the critical turnover.
Rutgers (5-7, 2-7 Big Ten) had briefly moved ahead 36-33 early in the fourth quarter on a 46-yard touchdown pass from Kaliakmanis to Antwan Raymond. Raymond rushed for 189 yards on the day, while Kaliakmanis passed for 338 yards and three touchdowns. The game featured four lead changes in the second half, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Penn State has not missed a bowl game since 2020, the year the non-College Football Playoff bowl games were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After narrowly losing to Notre Dame in the CFP semifinals last season, expectations for the Nittany Lions were high in 2023.
The team began the season ranked No. 2 and was led by quarterback Drew Allar, who was on track for a Heisman-caliber season before suffering a season-ending leg injury in Week Six against Northwestern. The following day, head coach James Franklin was fired after Penn State lost its first three Big Ten games—including two in which the Nittany Lions were favored by more than 20 points.
After dropping five straight games, Penn State turned its season around by winning its last three contests to become bowl eligible.
### Key Takeaways
**Penn State:** Nicholas Singleton made school history by breaking ties with Saquon Barkley to claim the career rushing touchdown record with his 44th and 45th touchdowns. He also set the school career total touchdowns record at 55 and all-purpose yards record with 5,586.
**Rutgers:** For just the second time in program history, the Scarlet Knights had a quarterback (Athan Kaliakmanis) throw for over 3,000 yards, a running back (Antwan Raymond) rush for over 1,000 yards, and a receiver (KJ Duff) gain over 1,000 yards in the same season.
### What’s Next?
**Penn State:** The Nittany Lions now await word on which bowl game they will be invited to.
**Rutgers:** The Scarlet Knights will miss postseason play for the first time since 2022.
This hard-fought game showcased resilience and record-breaking performances on both sides, highlighting a dramatic finish to the college football regular season.
https://www.observer-reporter.com/sports/college_sports/2025/nov/29/penn-state-rallies-to-beat-rutgers-for-the-18th-straight-time/