Penn State’s Bowl Hopes Are Dashed by Virginia, 20-14

Virginia’s Art Thomas returned a fumble 92 yards for a game-changing touchdown Saturday at Charlottesville, Va., as Virginia rallied for a 20-14 victory against Penn State, ending the Nittany Lions’ bowl aspirations.

It was the longest fumble return in Virginia history.

“That’s one of the biggest plays of our entire year, if not the biggest play,” Cavalier tailback Alvin Pearman said. “After that, we got fired up and once we got that going, we just sucked the will out of them.”

It was the first time Penn State (5-6) had lost a fumble in seven games.

“The guy made a great play, and I didn’t protect the ball,” Penn State quarterback Zack Mills said, speaking of John Duckett’s strip in the third quarter, when the Nittany Lions seemed on the brink of taking a commanding lead.

Thomas’ return pulled the Cavaliers (5-7) to within 14-13, and interceptions by Chris Williams and then Angelo Crowell with 1:12 left put the Nittany Lions away for good.

Penn State, which started with four losses, then won five of six games, all by coming from behind, had five turnovers.

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Michigan State 55, Missouri 7--T.J. Duckett and Charles Rogers each scored three touchdowns at East Lansing, Mich., as the Spartans (6-5) became bowl eligible.

Duckett ran for 149 yards in 25 carries.

The Tigers finished 4-7.

Indiana 26, Kentucky 15--Antwaan Randle El threw two touchdown passes in his final college game and Jeremi Johnson ran for two scores at Bloomington, Ind., as the Hoosiers (5-6) ended a six-game losing streak to the Wildcats (2-9).