Franklin was right. Minnesota initially had a punt-safe defense out on the field but later switched to a traditional punt return unit. Rulli kept the fake punt on, and the Nittany Lions ran it to perfection. They fooled Minnesota — and even some of their own teammates.

Penn State's fourth-quarter fake punt was a postgame topic. 'That's a heck of a call by James [Franklin],' Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck said.

MINNEAPOLIS — Penn State wanted to end the game on its terms. In the end, that’s why it went for a trio of fourth downs late in its 26-25 win over Minnesota. If the first didn’t work, the second two never would have happened.