Players of the game for Penn State in Minnesota win

The Nittany Lions got the job done in dominant fashion in a Week 11 win at home against Minnesota. On a rainy Saturday night in State College, the Nittany Lions put together their most comprehensive performance of the season. The game plan was clear: utilize the ground game and maintain possession o

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What is the story about?

The Nittany Lions got the job done in dominant fashion in a Week 11 win at home against Minnesota. On a rainy Saturday night in State College, the Nittany Lions put together their most comprehensive performance of the season.

The game plan was clear: utilize the ground game and maintain possession of the football for as long as possible. As a result, Carson Hansen had a huge game on the ground in the first half, recording 126 yards and a touchdown. On the other side of the ball, the defense was flying, with several players standing out. However, Colorado transfer Alex McPherson proved to be a bright light with his first sack as a Nittany Lion.

That's why they are this week's players of the game.

Offense: Carson Hansen

Nov 14, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Carson Hansen (21) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Sure, Ben Brahmer had two TD catches in the red zone,

and Rocco Becht threw three on the day, but the game was predicated on the running of Carson Hansen. In the rain, it was clear that they needed to run the football early and often. That saw Hansen get a heavy first half workload, with 11 carries that he turned into 125 yards and a touchdown. The most remarkable aspect of Hansen's performance was that he did not get a touch in the second half after apparently suffering an injury. Still, it felt good that the blue and white could rely on such a solid run game.

Defense: Alex McPherson

Nov 14, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Alexander McPherson (33) celebrates following a sack on Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey (5) (not pictured) during the first quarter at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Doesn't it feel good to see another name other than Tony Rojas in this slot? Well, you have one now. Colorado transfer Alex McPherson didn't really make a name for himself early this season, only recording 8 tackles all season long. In this game, though, he was everywhere. D'Anton Lynn used him in a lot of different ways, moving him around the defensive formation, and it paid dividends. He only had four tackles on the day, but recorded a sack and two tackles for loss. It has mainly been the Tony Rojas show on defense all year for this team, but now, there may be other stars emerging as well. Alex McPherson has finally arrived.

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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Players of the game for Penn State in Minnesota win