UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa., Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Austin Scott rushed 28 times for 116 yards and two touchdowns Saturday as 15th-ranked Penn State defeated Notre Dame, 31-10.
Freshman Jimmy Clausen, making his debut as a starter for the Fighting Irish (0-2), struggled to a 17-for-32, 144-yard performance, with no touchdowns and an interception. The Notre Dame offense scored only three points, as Darrin Walls' 73-yard interception return was Notre Dame's only touchdown.
Anthony Morelli completed 12-of-22 passes for 131 yards, a touchdown and an interception for Penn State (2-0). Derrick Williams had a 78-yard punt return for a touchdown, and Jordan Norwood had three receptions for 20 yards and a TD for the Nittany Lions.
A close defensive battle broke open late in the third quarter. A 51-yard pass from Morelli to Chris Bell put Penn State at the Notre Dame eight-yard-line.
The Nittany Lions staged a 10-play, 62-yard scoring drive early in the fourth quarter. Scott gained 50 yards on eight carries during the drive, capped by a five-yard touchdown run, giving Penn State a 21-point lead with 7:40 left.
