In a rare late-season non-conference matchup -- the 19th ranked Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Virginia Caveliers 35-14 in front of 108,698 at Beaver Stadium.

Virginia struck first after a Chris Canty fumble recovery led to a 1-yard TD pass from Matt Schuab to Heath Miller (1:14-mark). The Nittany Lions answered with a 13-yard TD pass from QB Zack Mills to TE Casey Williams (1:59-mark). Robbie Gould added a 33-yard FG in the 2nd-quarter and the Nittany Lions took a 10-7 lead into halftime.

A spetacular 41-yard catch and run by Cavs wideout Billy McMullen to open the second half had Virgnia threatening, but Penn State forced a fumble two plays later that reserve LB Andy Ryland recovered. A 10-yard shovel pass from Mills to fullback Paul Jefferson (4:49-mark) on the ensuing possession gave the Nittany Lions a 17-7 lead, which Robbie Gould extended to 20-7 with a monster 50-yard FG (6:27-mark). In the 4th-qtr Penn State went for the jugular, with 3rd-string quarterback Chris Ganter racing 30-yards for a TD on a fake field goal (7:54-mark). On the following Cavs possession All-American defensive end Michael Haynes forced his 6th fumble of the year on Matt Schuab, which safety Shawn Mayer recovered. Six plays later All-American RB Larry Johnson rumbled into the endzone from 6-yards out (9:17-mark) to give the Nittany Lions a 35-7 lead. Virginia's Wali Lundy added a 4-yard run in the games closing minutes to provide the final 35-14 margin.

Zack Mills completed 19 of 30 passes for 227 yards and 2 touchdowns, and also added 16 yards rushing. Larry Johnson rushed 31 times for 188 yards and 1 TD, and added 23 yards receiving to give him 211 all-purpose yards. All-American defensive end Michael Haynes recorded 3 sacks and 1 forced fumble

Virginia quarterback Matt Schuab completed 30 of 38 passes, for 260 yards and 1 touchdown. Billy McMullen led all receivers with 10 receptions for 122 yards and tight end Heath Miller added 6 catches for 50 yards and a TD.

The victory was Penn State head coach Joe Paterno's 334th of his career. The Nittany Lions improved to 7-3 on the season while Virginia fell to 6-4.