Jesse Luketa snares incredible one-handed interception, scores pick-6 vs Ball State

It’s been all Penn State against Ball State Saturday afternoon. Now, the defense is getting in on the scoring fun.

Nittany Lions linebacker Jesse Luketa made a one-handed grab to intercept Cardinals quarterback Drew Plitt and took it to the house for a pick-six to give Penn State a 31-6 lead.

Chills on chills on chills💯

Jesse Luketa (@OttawasVeryOwn)
with the 🚨 PICK – 6 for @PennStateFball 🚨 pic.twitter.com/EGd2KMZt3O

— Penn State On BTN (@PennStateOnBTN) September 11, 2021

The pick-six is also noteworthy as Penn State’s first since the 2019 season. That pick-six also came in competition against a MAC opponent.

Penn State's second consecutive game vs. a MAC team with a pick-6.

Jesse Luketa returns his first career INT for a TD. Penn State's last pick-6? John Reid vs. Buffalo in 2019.

Penn State 31-6

— Mark Wogenrich (@MarkWogenrich) September 11, 2021

Penn State is coming off a 16-10 season-opening upset of Wisconsin in Week 1 and was listed as a 22.5-point favorite over Ball State Saturday afternoon.

Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford is having a good day passing, completing 19 of 25 passes for 200 yards and a touchdown so far. He also has 60 yards rushing and a touchdown on the ground.

Penn State currently leads Ball State 34-6 with 1:53 left in the 3rd quarter.

Nick Schultz

Nick Schultz is a columnist and breaking news writer for Saturday Tradition. A 2020 graduate of Loyola Chicago, he covered the Ramblers' 2018 Final Four run from beginning to end and has worked at NBC Sports Chicago. Follow Nick on Twitter @NickSchultz_7.