Penn State vs Cincinnati 2005 GAME STORY

Cincinnati came to Beaver Stadium as an opponent that would have historically been a "cupcake" game for most Penn State teams. But given how the Nittany Lions faired in recent years, nothing was guaranteed. The Lions struggled in the first half despite owning a 14-3 advantage at halftime. The yardage was about even between the two teams, and Penn State kept turning the ball over on offense. But it wasn't until about halfway through the third quarter when quarterback Michael Robinson and the freshman receivers began to show the potential and future promise of the explosiveness this offense would come to showcase. They hit a few bombs deep down the field and pulled away from the Bearcats. Two late touchdowns by the visitors made the score look more respectable than it actually was. And the Nittany Lions seemed to be turning the ship around in terms of winning the games they were expected to win, in the way they historically have been expected to win them.

Penn State's Top Performers:

Michael Robinson: 11-17, 220 yards, 3 TDs, Int. .. 10 carries, 62 yards, TD
Paul Posluszny: 8 tackles, 2 TFLs, Sack
Deon Butler: 2 catches, 73 yards, TD

Penn State moved on to a 2-0 record while Cincinnati lost it's first game of the year to roll in at 1-1. The Bearcats ended their 2005 season with a 4-7 record as a member of the Big East conference.