Penn State tight end Andrew Rappleyea (87) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

With just more than a minute remaining, Penn State tight end Andrew Rappleyea caught a huge first-down pass on a fourth-down conversion to seal Penn State’s 40-36 win against Rutgers on the road and secure a bowl trip for the Nittany Lions in their regular-season finale.

Penn State returned a fumble 61 yards with 7:27 to play in the game to go ahead by four points and defensively, the Nittany Lions stopped a fourth-down attempt by Rutgers past midfield with less than five minutes to play.

The two teams combined for 1,042 yards yards of offense, the second-most in a Big Ten game this fall.

Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis threw for 338 yards and two touchdowns and Ethan Grunkemeyer led Penn State with 209 passing yards.

Nick Singleton became Penn State’s all-time scoring leader with a rushing touchdown, moving past Saquon Barkley. Antwan Raymond had 189 yards and a touchdown for the Scarlet Knights. Kaytron Allen had 226 yards and a touchdown.

The two were tied 14-14 after the first quarter and the Nittany Lions held a 24-21 lead going into the break.

Penn State held a 33-28 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Rappleyea led Penn State with four receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown while KJ Duff had 127 yards on five catches and a touchdown for Rugers.