Penn State Defeats Washington 28-25 Behind Rocco Becht's Two Touchdown Passes
SEATTLE, Wash. — Penn State survived a furious second-half comeback from Washington to secure a 28-25 victory on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Husky Stadium, extending its winning streak to two games in Big Ten Conference play.
Quarterback Rocco Becht threw for 240 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Carson Hansen rushed for a season-high 119 yards and a score. Wide receiver Chase Sowell added 125 receiving yards and a touchdown in his return from injury.
The Nittany Lions built a commanding 28-6 halftime lead before Washington scored 19 unanswered points to pull within three. Penn State ultimately protected its advantage with a crucial fourth-quarter possession.
The victory improved Penn State to 5-4 overall and 2-4 in the Big Ten, while Washington fell to 5-4 overall and 2-4 in conference play.
Rocco Becht Leads Explosive Penn State Offense
Becht delivered an efficient performance, completing 16 of 27 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns while adding 10 rushing yards.
The redshirt senior quarterback helped Penn State generate 414 total offensive yards, marking the team's fifth game this season with at least 400 yards.
Becht connected with several receivers throughout the contest, but Sowell emerged as his most productive target.
The senior wide receiver caught four passes for 125 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown reception during Penn State's dominant second quarter.
Becht also connected with Zay Robinson for a 24-yard touchdown, helping the Nittany Lions establish a substantial early advantage.
The performance marked Becht's fourth game this season with multiple touchdown passes and his seventh 200-yard passing performance.
Carson Hansen Opens Scoring With 12-Yard Touchdown
Washington opened the game with a lengthy 14-play, 65-yard possession.
The Huskies moved inside Penn State's 15-yard line before the Nittany Lions' defense forced them to settle for a field goal.
Tyler Robles converted from 29 yards, giving Washington an early 3-0 lead.
Penn State responded immediately.
Becht completed all four of his passes on the ensuing seven-play, 75-yard drive, while Hansen contributed a 20-yard rushing gain.
Hansen finished the possession with a 12-yard touchdown run, giving the Nittany Lions a 7-3 advantage with 4:35 remaining in the opening quarter.
The scoring drive established Penn State's offensive rhythm and demonstrated its ability to combine an efficient passing attack with productive rushing plays.
Hansen finished with 119 yards on 14 carries, averaging 8.5 yards per attempt.
Chase Sowell Sparks Penn State's Second-Quarter Surge
Penn State's offense exploded during the second quarter, producing 21 points while its defense repeatedly forced Washington off the field.
After the Nittany Lions forced a three-and-out, Becht led another scoring possession.
A 32-yard completion to Sowell on third-and-nine helped extend the drive.
Becht later found Robinson for a 24-yard touchdown pass, increasing Penn State's lead to 14-3.
The defense immediately delivered another stop, forcing Washington to punt from deep inside its own territory.
Penn State capitalized with a two-play touchdown drive.
Following a 10-yard Hansen run, Becht connected with Sowell for a 45-yard touchdown, extending the advantage to 21-3.
Sowell's return was particularly significant after he missed Penn State's previous victory over Purdue because of an undisclosed injury.
The senior demonstrated his importance to the offense with several explosive receptions, including a remarkable one-handed, 36-yard catch during the third quarter.
Cam Wallace Extends Penn State's Lead to 28-6
Washington attempted to slow Penn State's momentum with another scoring possession.
Jayden Limar broke free for a 27-yard run, helping the Huskies advance deep into Nittany Lions territory.
However, Penn State's defense prevented Washington from reaching the end zone.
Tony Rojas recorded a tackle for loss, Josiah Zayas made another important stop, and Ty Blanding combined with Yvan Kemajou for a sack.
Robles converted a 31-yard field goal, reducing the deficit to 21-6.
Penn State answered with another explosive drive.
Becht connected with Benjamin Brahmer for a 24-yard gain before running back Cam Wallace broke free for a 46-yard touchdown run.
The score extended Penn State's advantage to 28-6 before halftime.
Wallace finished with 56 rushing yards on seven carries, providing another productive option alongside Hansen.
Penn State entered the break with four touchdowns and complete control of the scoreboard.
Penn State Defense Controls Washington in First Half
The Nittany Lions' defense played an essential role in establishing the early advantage.
Penn State forced three consecutive Washington three-and-outs during its first-half scoring surge.
The defensive unit also prevented the Huskies from scoring touchdowns on their first two trips into scoring position.
Rojas and Kooper Ebel led Penn State with eight tackles apiece.
Rojas contributed a tackle for loss, while Ebel added half a tackle for loss.
Alexander McPherson recorded four tackles and one tackle for loss, while Zayas added four tackles and half a tackle for loss.
The defense's ability to create negative plays and force field goals helped Penn State establish a 22-point halftime advantage.
However, Washington responded with a much stronger offensive performance after the break.
Washington Scores 19 Unanswered Points in Second Half
Washington began its comeback with a 47-yard field goal from Robles early in the third quarter.
The kick reduced Penn State's advantage to 28-9.
After Penn State failed to convert on fourth down during its next possession, Washington capitalized with a seven-play, 60-yard touchdown drive.
A four-yard touchdown reception and successful two-point conversion brought the Huskies within 28-17 late in the third quarter.
Penn State's offense struggled to regain its first-half rhythm, giving Washington additional opportunities.
The Huskies continued moving the ball effectively, although Penn State defensive back Ibn McDaniels briefly interrupted their momentum with his first career interception.
Washington eventually assembled another scoring drive.
Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. connected with Dezmen Roebuck for a six-yard touchdown pass.
The Huskies converted another two-point attempt, cutting Penn State's lead to 28-25.
What had appeared to be a comfortable road victory suddenly became a three-point contest.
Carson Hansen Helps Penn State Seal 28-25 Victory
With Washington threatening to complete its comeback, Penn State needed a productive final possession.
Hansen delivered the critical play.
The senior running back broke free for a 36-yard rush, moving the Nittany Lions deep into Washington territory.
A Huskies penalty advanced Penn State to the 12-yard line.
The Nittany Lions then converted crucial third- and fourth-down opportunities, allowing them to maintain possession and drain the remaining time.
Washington never regained the football.
Penn State completed the 28-25 victory without scoring during the second half, relying on its explosive first-half performance and disciplined execution during the final possession.
Hansen's 119 rushing yards represented his highest single-game total of the season.
His combination of early scoring production and late-game execution proved essential to Penn State's victory.
Penn State Overcomes Injuries to Secure Second Straight Win
Penn State entered the matchup with several players dealing with injuries.
Sowell, Robinson, offensive tackle Malachi Goodman and defensive tackle Armstrong Nnodim were listed as game-time decisions.
All four contributed against Washington.
Sowell delivered one of his strongest performances of the season, while Robinson caught two passes for 30 yards and a touchdown.
Goodman started before Garrett Sexton replaced him early in the second half.
Nnodim contributed three solo tackles.
Their availability helped Penn State maintain depth during a challenging road matchup.
The Nittany Lions' ability to overcome injuries and withstand Washington's comeback reflected the team's resilience under head coach Matt Campbell.
Penn State Builds Momentum With Important Big Ten Road Win
Penn State's victory represented another step forward following its earlier 31-17 win over Purdue.
The Nittany Lions have now secured consecutive conference victories, improving to 5-4 overall.
Becht's efficient passing, Sowell's explosive receiving performance and Hansen's productive rushing attack provided the foundation for the win.
Washington demonstrated considerable resilience by scoring 19 unanswered points after halftime.
However, the Huskies could not overcome Penn State's decisive second-quarter performance.
The Nittany Lions will look to build on their recent success as they continue their Big Ten schedule, while Washington must regroup after falling just short of a remarkable comeback.
For Penn State, the 28-25 victory highlighted both the team's explosive offensive potential and its ability to execute when the game was on the line.









