Penn State's Ryan Barker hits 'Night Night' celebration after hitting game-winning OT field goal vs. USC

All Ryan Barker was thinking about as he sized up his game-winning field goal attempt in overtime against USC was celebrating, he said. And celebrate he did.

After knocking in his fourth field goal in four tries to give his Penn State squad a 33-30 road win to stay undefeated, Barker was quick on the trigger with his celebration, hitting the “Night Night” celebration, one that’s been recently commonly associated with Steph Curry. It was a move he was quite ready for, he said to CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell postgame.

“You know, all week during practice, we visual these types of moments, so all I felt was how I’m ready to celebrate after I make it,” Barker said.

Ryan Barker hit the "Night Night" after kicking the winner pic.twitter.com/JZ2NXOHDY2

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) October 12, 2024

Barker finished his day 4-for-4 on field goals and perfect on extra points, in what was just his second start as the former walk on has been tabbed as the new starter.

And with the win, Penn State managed to move to 6-0 and remain undefeated on the season, coming back from a 14-point halftime deficit.

James Franklin was so fired up with Barker, he dropped an F-bomb

It was a long, emotional day for Penn State in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. But the final result against USC will make the long journey back to central Pennsylvania and enjoyable trek for James Franklin and Co.

And they in large part have Barker to thank. Barker went 4-for-4 on field goals for the day, including a walk off game winner in overtime after Penn State climbed back from a 14-point halftime deficit.

So when Barker walked up to Franklin and Dell during a postgame interview, Franklin had to pause and embrace his kicker. And that’s when the mics caught some not-safe-for-TV language from the fired-up coach.

“Are you kidding me? Huh? F***ing awesome!” Franklin said while embracing his kicker.

"Are you kidding me? Huh? Fucking awesome."

Penn State coach James Franklin to kicker Ryan Barker after Barker kicked the game-winning field goal against USC. pic.twitter.com/GbhJTtpGJw

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 12, 2024

Barker also only recently became the full-time kicker at Penn State, taking over the starting job last week.

So Franklin was gushing with praise after the former walk on stepped into a massive spot and didn’t flinch.

“I’m just so proud of him,” Franklin said. “Came to Penn State as a walk on, busted his ass. I’m just so proud of him. Opportunity knocks and he took it. Just proud,” Franklin said.