Penn State takes the lead over Wisconsin with a defensive touchdown

Penn State was reeling before halftime of its game against Wisconsin, dealing with injuries to defensive lineman Dani Dennis-Sutton and star quarterback Drew Allar. Those injuries, combined with a 10-7 deficit, left Penn State fans across the country feeling uneasy in the locker room.

The offense wasn't on track early in the second half, with backup quarterback Beau Pribula replacing the injured Allar, but the defense held strong. After another miss, the defense was asked to stop Wisconsin again and give the ball back to the offense.

Instead, they made it even better. Wisconsin QB Braedyn Locke dropped back near his end zone and fired a pass over the middle straight into the waiting arms of safety Jaylen Reed. Reed returned the interception all the way back for the go-ahead touchdown.

Penn State's defense was up and down in this game, but Reed stepped up when the team needed it most and made the big play. They allowed a few big plays on the ensuing drive that led to a Wisconsin field goal, but overall they kept Penn State in the game despite the offense not getting going yet.

Beau Pribula and the offense will have to find a way to score more points if they want to win this game, but the defense allowed them to play with a lead. Since the ground game is Pribula's strength, it could be the difference between winning and losing in this game.

The story originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire