Backup QB Matt McGloin saves the day for Penn St.

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS

Penn State had some life back, even if it came against the conference’s worst team. The Nittany Lions got their sputtering offense going, too, even after losing their starting quarterback.

Matt McGloin threw two touchdown passes to Derek Moye in relief of Rob Bolden, and Penn State beat Minnesota 33-21 on Saturday.

After a lopsided homecoming loss to Illinois, the Nittany Lions (4-3, 1-2 Big Ten) used a needed week off and the struggling Gophers (1-7, 0-4) to build some momentum.

“We had a whole week to come together, figure out what’s happening and change what was going on,” linebacker Nate Stupar said. “We got our mind back and focused.”

Bolden threw six interceptions — and for only two scores — in the previous five games, but the freshman completed his first nine passes in this game before leaving with a possible concussion. He was 11 for 13 for 130 yards and a touchdown to Brett Brackett before getting hurt midway through the second quarter when he was tackled by Mike Rallis near the sideline.

Bolden’s status for next week is uncertain, but his teammates said he looked coherent enough to return.

“He just said he was a little dizzy,” wide receiver Derek Moye said.

“He felt like he could’ve been back in the game.”

McGloin finished only 6 for 13 for 76 yards and an interception, but the sophomore’s first career completion was a beauty. Right after Adam Weber’s end-zone heave to double-covered Da’Jon McKnight was intercepted by D’Anton Lynn and returned for 58 yards, McGloin zipped a 42-yard pass to Moye for a touchdown that stretched the lead to 21-7.

“You have to make something happen for yourself,” coach Joe Paterno said, lamenting his team’s recent lack of forced turnovers.

McGloin shared time in the second half with fellow backup Kevin Newsome. Silas Redd rushed nine times for 71 yards and Evan Royster ran 10 times for 62 yards and a second-quarter touchdown on a drive kept alive by a pair of third-down pass-interference penalties.

The Nittany Lions even scored a touchdown in the red zone, after doing so only six times in their first 20 trips inside the 20-yard line this season. McGloin was beaming after the game.

“I’m glad the coaches had faith in me,” he said.

Said Brackett: “The one thing that really stood out was the way he handled the huddle. Just took command and was calm and poised.”