Minnesota players Steve Davis (92), Dominic Jones (2), Mike Sherels (58) and others react after Penn State beat Minnesota 28-27 in overtime Saturday in Minneapolis. Both teams scored in overtime but Minnesota's extra-point kick hit the post.

MINNEAPOLIS — Tony Hunt strode off the field, his uniform torn and covered with sweat and maroon paint.

"It feels good to come out of the game dirty," Hunt said with a smile after rushing for 144 yards and two touchdowns on Saturday in a 28-27 overtime victory at Minnesota. "Get a win in a rough game like that. We did a good job."

He may not have Larry Johnson's flash or Michael Robinson's sizzle, but there is no question who is getting the ball for Penn State in crunch time this season.

Hunt's latest workhorse effort — 31 carries, including eight for 47 yards on one marathon drive in the fourth quarter — validated the soft-spoken power back as Penn State's hammer.

Time and again at the Metrodome, with the Gophers keeping it close the whole way, Hunt rammed into the line of scrimmage. Five yards here. Ten yards there. Over and over.

The smaller Minnesota front did all it could against the relentless 230-pounder, but in the end, he was just too much.

The final play of the game was a fitting conclusion. On second-and-goal from the Minnesota 2 in overtime, with the Gophers clinging to a six-point lead and needing a stop, Hunt took the ball off right tackle and ran over two defenders before plowing into the end zone.

"I just cut it back and lowered my head," Hunt said.

It's that kind of plainspoken, aw-shucks demeanor that has kept the senior under the radar for most of his time in blue and white.

This year, people are starting to take notice. He topped 100 yards for the fourth straight game against Minnesota, the first Penn State back to do that since Johnson in 2002.

"He's our leader," running back Matt Hahn said. "He might not be too vocal, but he leads by example, how he plays, how tough he is."

Of course, it's easier to be a leader when you're getting the ball.