MINNEAPOLIS -- Kevin Kelly knows what it feels like to be in Jason Giannini's shoes.
After watching Giannini shank the extra point in overtime that ultimately cost Minnesota the game against Penn State on Saturday, Kelly went looking for his fellow kicker, but couldn't find him.
"Definitely, it's really frustrating when that happens, especially in overtime," said Kelly, who missed two short field goals against Florida State in the Orange Bowl last season before kicking the winner in the third overtime.
"I've been in that situation before and I'm feeling for him."
Tony Hunt rushed for 144 yards and two touchdowns, the last in overtime, and Kelly made his extra point to lift Penn State to a 28-27 victory over Minnesota.
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The Nittany Lions (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) took advantage of Giannini's miss and a questionable pass interference call to get their first road victory of the season.
Bryan Cupito threw for 347 yards and two touchdowns, the last one a 25-yarder to Eric Decker that gave the Gophers (2-4, 0-3) a 27-21 lead in overtime. But Giannini, who missed eight extra-point attempts last season and already had one blocked this year, hit the left upright with his kick.
Giannini was unavailable for comment.
"What do you do to console him?" Gophers coach Glen Mason said. "I'm sure he's down. You expect to make those things. ... But that's why you kick it, because it's not automatic. I feel for the kid."
The Gophers still appeared to be in good shape with Penn State facing a fourth-and-9 from the 24. But Trumaine Banks was called for pass interference for what appeared to be a clean breakup of Anthony Morelli's throw to Deon Butler, giving the Lions a first down at the 12.
Derrick Williams rushed 10 yards to the 2, and Hunt capped a workhorse day with a tough run to tie the game. Kelly then drilled the extra point to allow the Lions to escape with the win.
The Gophers trailed 14-7 going into halftime, and the student section was booing and chanting "Fire Mason!" after the coach's conservative approach allowed the Lions to get the ball near midfield and score a quick TD before the break.
Those boos turned to cheers when Cupito led a furious comeback late in the game.
