Keenum leads Houston to win over Penn State

DALLAS --- Houston quarterback Case Keenum had his way with Penn State's defense at the Cotton Bowl on Monday, leading the Cougars to a 30-14 win over the Nittany Lions in the TicketCity Bowl.

Keenum, the game's MVP, put up mind-boggling numbers. The senior standout finished 45-of-69 for 532 passing yards with three touchdowns. He threw for 227 passing yards in the first quarter alone, a record for any bowl game.

Keenum is just the ninth player all-time to throw for 500 yards or more in a bowl game.

Penn State interim coach Tom Bradley, in what could have been his last game as a Penn State coach, said he was disappointed in how his team played.

"I thought we'd play better today," Bradley said. "I thought we'd play better defensively. I didn't anticipate us giving up those big plays."

Penn State's offense didn't fare too well, either. Sophomore quarterback Rob Bolden was just 7-of-26 for 137 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions.

Standout wide receiver Derek Moye was held without a catch, and running back Silas Redd rushed for just 55 yards on 14 carries. Senior Stephfon Green, who scored one of Penn State's two touchdowns, added 65 yards on 15 carries.

Justin Brown caught one pass, a 69-yard completion that went for a touchdown.

--Jake Kaplan