Hull's big day not enough for Penn State

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Mike Hull made one of his career-high 16 tackles to set the tone on Northwestern's final third-quarter drive - the second straight three-and-out forced by Penn State. So despite several previously missed opportunities, the Nittany Lions trailed by just eight heading into the fourth quarter on Saturday at Beaver Stadium.

"Yeah, we were feeling really good about it. We were feeling really confident," Hull said. "And then they get a quick score, and it kind of flips."

The Wildcats' 49-yard interception return for a touchdown was not only quick, but became a sign of things to come throughout a nightmarish fourth quarter that saw the Nittany Lions lose, 29-6, for the first time this season.

Hull - a fifth-year senior who carried the Lions' defense with several big plays Saturday - said it will fall on the more-experienced players to push one of the youngest teams in the country through its first major setback.

"That's up to the senior leaders to keep them levelheaded, and communicate with them just so they don't get too down on themselves and the whole team vibe stays high," Hull said. "I don't think we'll have any problem getting their heads right."

The middle linebacker credited his career game at least in part to the inexperience playing alongside him. An arm injury for Nyeem Wartman kept the outside linebacker from taking the field, offering extended playing time to true freshman Jason Cabinda and sophomore walk-on Von Walker.

Hull stopped a fake field-goal attempt that could have extended the Wildcats' 14-0 lead in the first quarter, bringing Christian Salem to the ground for no gain. Later in the first half, he took down Warren Long for a loss after the running back caught a screen, keeping the Wildcats from crossing midfield.

"Some days you just feel on and feel like you can make every single play, and I guess today was one of those days," Hull said.

The Lions defense behind Hull was often exposed, particularly in the first quarter, when Northwestern quarterback Trevor Siemian picked apart the home team's secondary for 11 completions and 150 yards.

But despite Penn State's defense giving up just 118 yards in the second and third quarters combined, the offense was unable to carry that momentum into the final quarter.

"It's tough whenever that happens. You put so much effort into making big plays and stops," Hull said. "But that's just how football goes sometimes."

@JohnStuetz_PSU