Sports

Penn State forces 5 turnovers to defeat Temple 30-13, become bowl-eligible

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Penn State running back Akeel Lynch (22) runs for a touchdown during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against Temple in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) (The Associated Press)

A banner celebrating the 409 wins of former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno waves over the parking lot tailgating outside Beaver Stadium before an NCAA college football game between the Penn State and the Temple in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) (The Associated Press)

Penn State capitalized on five Temple turnovers, Akeel Lynch rushed for 130 yards and the Nittany Lions defeated the Owls 30-13 on Saturday to become bowl-eligible for the first time since 2011.

Penn State (6-4) rushed for a season-high 254 yards as Bill Belton added 92 yards on 19 carries. Lynch rushed 18 times and scored on a 38-yard touchdown.

The Nittany Lions held Temple (5-5) to 268 yards and intercepted quarterback P.J. Walker four times to pull away from a 6-6 tie late in the third quarter.

Penn State capitalized on turnovers on four straight Temple possessions late in the third quarter and early in the fourth to pull away after the Owls had closed their deficit to 20-13.