Introducing Penn State's Greatest Games Of The Big Ten Era
by Adam Bittner on Jun 20, 2011 7:01 AM EDT
in Football
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PrintWhen Penn State joined the Big Ten in 1993, many across the conference feared the Nittany Lions would dominate and quickly become the league's premier team. Of course, that dominance never quite materialized as Penn State has won just three conference titles in 18 Big Ten seasons and suffered the worst downturn in its modern history between 2000-2004.
That said, Penn State's time as "new kid on the block" has seen its share of great moments, and as the winds of change prepare to blow through the conference again in the fall when Nebraska becomes a full member and the league implements divisional play for the first time in its storied history, we at BSD figured now might be as good a time as any to look back on the Lions' first nearly two decades in the Big Ten.
For that reason, we've enlisted the help of Penn State football historian Lou Prato and former cornerback Tony Pittman to look back on 15 of the Lions' greatest games since joining the league. Lou is the author of the Penn State Football Encyclopedia and the go-to source for everything about the program's history. Pittman started for Penn State's undefeated 1994 Rose Bowl team and today is a host of the Penn State Football podcast. Both men have seen the program's ups and downs in these first 18 Big Ten seasons and have unique perspective on what the games we'll profile mean.
We're excited to have them on board for this project and looking forward to including their insight in our work. They've put a lot of time into this thus far, so we owe them a big thank you. We only hope we do as good a job as they did in making this happen. If you haven't already, we highly encourage you to check out Lou's work with the Encyclopedia as well as other titles including the Penn State Football Vault and "Game Changers: The 50 Greatest Plays In Penn State Football History." We also recommend you head over the the Penn State Football Podcast home page and check out Pittman's work over there.
Our first game profile will run later today. We hope you like it, and we hope you're as excited for this journey though history as we are.
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Awesome idea
Here’s my top 5
1. 2005 FSU
2. 2005 OSU
3. 2010 Northwestern (yes I’m serious)
4. 2008 OSU
5. 2007 Tennessee
Anyway, the flashlights eat our human power grids, our souls if you will. So i destroyed them, and if a few precious panties were burnt or soiled in the reckoning then so be it
Mine
1. 2005 OSU
2. 1994 Michigan
3. 1994 Illinois (has a better second half of football ever been played?)
4. 2008 OSU
5. 2004 Michigan State
leaving out 2002 Nebraska, 2007 Tennessee, 1994 OSU, and yes, 2010 Northwestern was not easy.
is there anyway i can redeem myself, i was not sure if i should say "we" at that moment
by Skins4ever on Feb 2, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Me:
1. 2005 OSU
2. 2010 Northwestern
3. 2007 Tennessee
4. 2001 OSU
5. 2005 FSU
The Northwestern game, was, well weird. The crowd started off all right around where we were in the upper deck on the north end. Midway through the first quarter, it was dead. People were bitching and sulking. But with that Northwestern drive right before half, after Persa’s big 20 yard rush, everyone around really got into it. It was like the entire crowd woke up and said “F*$@ This, it’s Northwestern, and this is 400.”
2005 OSU was awesome, and by far the most energetic game I can think of. But I don’t think I can recall such a dramatic shift in crowd mood as at 400, where every single Penn State person in the stadium collectively said Hell No at the same time. And never looked back.
"This is being a Penn State fan. We’ll prove it, or we won’t. It’s not about proving it to them, it’s about proving to ourselves."
I'd take '94 Illinois, but I'll keep it to one game per season.
2005 Ohio State.
1994 at #5 Michigan. The greatest game of the greatest season in the Big Ten. It sits right with 1982 Nebraska in the rankings of greatest PSU regular season games.
2008 at Ohio State.
2001 Ohio State.
1997 Ohio State.
I feel ridiculous picking four games against one team, but I really believe those are the five greatest Big Ten games we’ve played.
"I can't go home until the carp is asleep. Because if I see it...swimming...I'll kill it."
by ReadingRambler on Jun 20, 2011 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions
2005 FSU?
Really? A triple overtime win in a meaningless game over a 7-4 team in a weak conference? That’s your greatest win of the Big Ten era?
Yup
In my opinion the FSU game was the most high-stakes, tension filled, nerve-wracking game we’ve had since we joined the B10. You may feel the stakes weren’t high, but I think they were as high as any game we’ve played since joining the B10.
It was our first BCS game, and still our only BCS win. Great seasons ending in a bowl loss end up being forever tainted. Had we lost that game, 2005 wouldn’t have meant nearly as much as it did, especially having lost to a 7-5 team. It would always be a “yeah but” season like 2008, maybe even more so considering USC’s caliber. We were back, and a couple contentious seconds in Ann Arbor were all that stood between us and undefeated, that’s the way we will always remember it.
We settled a big score that day and while Bobby’s career seemed to have eclipsed Joe’s up to that point, afterward he went into a tailspin while Joe is back better than ever. You end 2005 on a loss, we still lack a BCS win, we still don’t have a signature season since the dark ages, and we’re all a lot more pecisimistic about this program.
Biggest game since 1993, hands down.
Anyway, the flashlights eat our human power grids, our souls if you will. So i destroyed them, and if a few precious panties were burnt or soiled in the reckoning then so be it
Our Only BCS Win
I’ve heard this argument several times. Another variation is that it was our first BCS game.
Penn State has been playing in and winning BCS games for decades. They just weren’t called the BCS until 1999 or whatever. We have loads of wins in the Orange Bowl. Also wins in the Rose, Sugar, and Fiesta Bowl.
I also don’t care about the Joe vs. Bobby crap. That FSU team was 7-4 in a crappy conference and we played down to their level.
by BSD on Jun 20, 2011 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I wouldn't rank it Number 1
But I think you might be selling it a little bit short. Regardless of the exact importance of that game or the quality of FSU, we had a great team and we were playing in a BCS Bowl in Miami to prove we were back as a college football power. Our fanbase was HUNGRY and we filled a stadium in our opponent’s home state and made it throb and jump like Beaver Stadium South. And the game went into triple overtime. And we won.
I think it was a great, great game. Maybe not the most important (though I’d argue it was still AT LEAST in the top 5-6 most important), but one of the greatest in the past 18 years, considering context, historical significance, atmosphere, etc.
I’ll probably never be sold on that game being a “great” game. Knowing that we were 0:01 from possibly playing for the national championship will always leave a bitter taste in my mouth about the Orange Bowl. It was a letdown going into it, and letting a 7-4 ACC team take us into triple overtime made it worse. It was like admitting we weren’t good enough to play for the national championship. All of our detractors were able to point and say, “See, they weren’t good enough.”
I think people put too much emphasis on it b/c of the dark years like you suggest. I see too many fans who are either not aware or totally forget about our rich history prior to 2005. Even in Millzner’s list above he doesn’t list a single game prior to 2005. I flatly reject the notion that PSU didn’t play any great games from 1993-2004. We played some pretty damn good ones. Certainly some more memorable to me than the 2006 Orange Bowl.
by BSD on Jun 20, 2011 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
No doubt
There have been many great games. But I think the Orange Bowl is clearly among them, at least somewhere in the conversation.
That 7-4 ACC team line is cute, but tired.
FSU was very talented and their defense was exceptionally well coached. Joe said there was glory all over the field, and guess what? He was right.
"I can't go home until the carp is asleep. Because if I see it...swimming...I'll kill it."
by ReadingRambler on Jun 20, 2011 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Remember, this was the first year of the ACC Championship Game
Going in, Virginia Tech had one loss, and was ranked 5th in the BCS as well as the AP and Coaches polls. Florida State upset them running a classic Paterno gameplan: solid defense in the first half, and coming out like gangbusters in the third quarter. I say, if you can make the fifth ranked team in the country look like a mediocre Big East team from the 80s, you’re good.
Bowl Losses....
do taint great seasons. Look up at the top of the east stands-there is a missing year between 1973 and 1982 even though maybe the greatest PSU team ever played between those two seasons. One bad bowl game (albeit against a very good team) and nobody remembers 1978 (the first season PSU ever reached #1 in the rankings) as a great season. FTR-I am biased here-my wife is a proud member of the Classof 1979.
Nice hyperbole.
"I can't go home until the carp is asleep. Because if I see it...swimming...I'll kill it."
by ReadingRambler on Jun 20, 2011 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I have to agree with you, Mike.
We should have blown that team out (or at least won by a couple of TD’s, anyway). I cringe when they show that game on the BTN as a “Greatest” game.
Discovered by the Germans, in 1904, they named it San Dee-AH-go. Which of course, in German, means "a whale's vagina."
Although, to be fair, they were 8-4 going into that game, not 7-4.
Discovered by the Germans, in 1904, they named it San Dee-AH-go. Which of course, in German, means "a whale's vagina."
Maybe it felt like it at the time
but that Nebraska team would turn out to be very meh and would have a worse loss against Kansas State just a few weeks later. 2008 OSU tied for the Big Ten Championship and it was a road game against a team PSU hadn’t beaten on the road in 30 years.
is there anyway i can redeem myself, i was not sure if i should say "we" at that moment
by Skins4ever on Feb 2, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They didn't tie for anything.
They were cheating, and we beat them anyway. Sometimes I wonder if you’re secretly an Ohio State like Vint is secretly a Nebraska fan.
"I can't go home until the carp is asleep. Because if I see it...swimming...I'll kill it."
by ReadingRambler on Jun 20, 2011 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Why didn't you just kick my dog or call my mom a prostitute or something?
Accuse me of being an OSU fan? That’s a personal attack.
is there anyway i can redeem myself, i was not sure if i should say "we" at that moment
by Skins4ever on Feb 2, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good. That's the reaction I wanted.
"I can't go home until the carp is asleep. Because if I see it...swimming...I'll kill it."
by ReadingRambler on Jun 20, 2011 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions
But yeah, Vint is totally a closet Nebraska fan
is there anyway i can redeem myself, i was not sure if i should say "we" at that moment
by Skins4ever on Feb 2, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
2005 Orange Bowl vs. FSU
Everything else can tie for second. I was there, and seeing a Florida stadium filled with 75% PSU fans despite playing a Florida team — was amazing. Then triple OT for the win. Best…game…ever.
I just don't want to die without a few scars. ~Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club, Chapter 6
Great idea. I’ve only recently become a Penn Stater (through going to school there now) and used to be a fan of a different college football team for ten years before realizing my true calling. I’m not familiar with a lot of Penn State football history because I’m too busy with my Yankees. These greatest games of the Big Ten era should be fantastic though.
"Believe deep down in your heart that you're destined to do great things." - Joe Paterno
Call me crazy
But 08’ Iowa should be up there. Why? It was a great game that we lost. Maybe it’s because I pulled in some cash by going against PSU on the spread, but seriously, that was an exciting game, if not frustrating in every way.
Certainly not a top 15 accomplishment, but top 15 game. I’d say so.
I AM PHIL DAVISON AND I WILL NOT APOLOGIZE FOR MY TONE TONIGHT
by ICEICETHATGUY13 on Jun 20, 2011 8:58 AM EDT reply actions
If PSU hadn't lost that game (and maybe the MNC) on a terrible pass interference call, I might agree
is there anyway i can redeem myself, i was not sure if i should say "we" at that moment
by Skins4ever on Feb 2, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno, I'm not a fan of the PI call either
But at the same time, wasn’t as obvious as a wrong call as (Every call from Michigan in 05’) or Willis vs UF last year.
And I think I’ve already debated this, but I don’t think we beat OU that year, assuming the timeline of history plays out the exact same way sans that 1 game.
I AM PHIL DAVISON AND I WILL NOT APOLOGIZE FOR MY TONE TONIGHT
by ICEICETHATGUY13 on Jun 20, 2011 9:17 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I think you give the Big 12 waaaay more credit than it deserves
is there anyway i can redeem myself, i was not sure if i should say "we" at that moment
by Skins4ever on Feb 2, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
possibly/probably
But I do love me some Sam and they did do well vs TCU. Tejas didn’t field a bad D either
I AM PHIL DAVISON AND I WILL NOT APOLOGIZE FOR MY TONE TONIGHT
by ICEICETHATGUY13 on Jun 20, 2011 9:25 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Yes it was obviously the wrong call
It was on ’05 Michigan level spotting the ball bad
"Penn State is the standard for success with honor. Period. I can’t even believe we’re even discussing that" - ReadingRambler
by psuphysicist on Jun 20, 2011 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Define "let that one go"
I’m over it. It’s in the books, over and done with, and while it was both a huge and wrong call that almost certainly cost PSU the game, it’s not like PSU played a great game and deserved a win that day.
But am I ever going to say that it was the correct call or that it didn’t cost PSU a shot at the MNC? No. It was a bad call and it did.
As I write this, I am wearing a FRIEND OF THE PANTS t-shirt
is there anyway i can redeem myself, i was not sure if i should say "we" at that moment
by Skins4ever on Feb 2, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll disagree here
I won’t ever get over that call. But that call didn’t cost us the game. Coming out flat and generally playing piss poor for the first half of the game did.
"Penn State is the standard for success with honor. Period. I can’t even believe we’re even discussing that" - ReadingRambler
by psuphysicist on Jun 20, 2011 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
It was debateable.
It was nowhere near terrible, and it was far, far behind reasons like “Penn State playing like ass” in the why-we-lost ruling.
"I can't go home until the carp is asleep. Because if I see it...swimming...I'll kill it."
by ReadingRambler on Jun 20, 2011 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
So I got in to Iowa's law school
tell me if you wanna swing by for games in the next couple years, assuming I end up there
is there anyway i can redeem myself, i was not sure if i should say "we" at that moment
by Skins4ever on Feb 2, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I may consider this in the future, but I will be very busy for a while starting this week or next.
You gonna be there for what, two or three years (Showing my ignorance here)?
"I can't go home until the carp is asleep. Because if I see it...swimming...I'll kill it."
by ReadingRambler on Jun 20, 2011 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Three
is there anyway i can redeem myself, i was not sure if i should say "we" at that moment
by Skins4ever on Feb 2, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You leave the Navy or is this part of one of the many deals they offer?
"I can't go home until the carp is asleep. Because if I see it...swimming...I'll kill it."
by ReadingRambler on Jun 20, 2011 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm leaving
I could stay, but I’m ready to get my civilian on
is there anyway i can redeem myself, i was not sure if i should say "we" at that moment
by Skins4ever on Feb 2, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ugh, we're all uninformed douchebags.
Stay away from us.
"I can't go home until the carp is asleep. Because if I see it...swimming...I'll kill it."
by ReadingRambler on Jun 20, 2011 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Why it was terrible, in no order
1. Scirrotto was making a play on the ball, not a play on the receiver. This alone does not disqualify a play from a defensive pass interference call, but it does demonstrate that the call violated the spirit of the rule, if not the letter.
2. The ball was uncatchable. Think what you want about the “uncatchable” clause in that rule, I personally don’t care for it, but it’s there nonetheless, and that ball was uncatchable.
3. Scirrotto was in superior position for the catch when the receiver made contact with him. Offensive pass interference would’ve been a superior call.
is there anyway i can redeem myself, i was not sure if i should say "we" at that moment
by Skins4ever on Feb 2, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I always hate to see PSU lose, but that game got to me more than almost any game I can remember. Maybe even the Alabama national championship loss.
My daughter was in a “dinner/theater” play. I sat in the car and listened to the end (probably better that being able to see that ending) and when I went in to the dinner a little late, I couldn’t eat anything. I was so upset.
The Michigan game where they put time back on the clock for Lloyd, that was almost as frustrating.
Don't argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with his eperience.
It wasn't a great game.
Great games are games like 1982 Nebraska or 1994 Michigan, where everyone on the field played gloriously for the vast majority of the game. The 2008 Iowa game was a very sloppy, very painful game and neither team really played to their potential. If PSU had won, we would have gotten deserved flak for playing poorly.
"I can't go home until the carp is asleep. Because if I see it...swimming...I'll kill it."
by ReadingRambler on Jun 20, 2011 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Losses...
IMO go on a different list. Especially 24-23 losses in November with the opponent kicking a field goal from just over 30 yards away for the last play. But the first of those 2 losses will ALWAYS stick with me more-perhaps because I was there and because of the “Reverse Immaculate Reception” that set up the ending.
1994 vs OSU......
there was not a more “Perfect” game played by a PSU team under Joe. That team, which is no news, was so powerful and talented. That game was so much fun to watch and it did not matter that the scout team was in for the 4th quarter, but I actually had a thought that if Joe would ever have played games for the ratings(you know, keeping the 1st team in till about 3 minutes to go), PSU could have scored a 100 points that day, no problem. At least that’s my perception. You can fill out the top 5 with a 100 games to choose from, although I do like UGG Boot and Handbags to be included.
"The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God." The Government is like the Mob, you can check out, but never leave.
What's crazy about that game
Is that OSU was a consensus top 25 team in every poll and computer and borderline top 10 in some of the computers. That was a decent team.
is there anyway i can redeem myself, i was not sure if i should say "we" at that moment
by Skins4ever on Feb 2, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That OSU team
had a lot of NFL talent on it and PSU just destroyed them.
I am epic win.
by Esteban d' Amur on Jun 21, 2011 8:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Wifey Dear....
During all of the posts today, at least on my screen, the ad for Ugg Boots, sunglasses, bikinis(it appeared a few months back) was seen. To be a smart ass, I included them in my top games. No, I have not gone completely over the end….yet.
"The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God." The Government is like the Mob, you can check out, but never leave.
by DerryPharmer on Jun 20, 2011 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I suspected that might be why you mentioned it. Content based advertising...has your wife been shopping online using your computer?
Cookies. :)
Now you are likely to see EVEN MORE of these ads since you mentioned them.
Yep...
That ending was effing awesome!
Marge: "Oh Homer. You're only hearing what you want to hear."
Homer: "Thanks! I'd love an omelette right about now."
by LowcountryLion on Jun 20, 2011 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Also 2005 Minnesota and NW
If there are a few plays that define PSU the most, the Poz Goal line stand and Robinson to Kilmer (Was it Smolko, I forget) and then DWill was great
I AM PHIL DAVISON AND I WILL NOT APOLOGIZE FOR MY TONE TONIGHT
by ICEICETHATGUY13 on Jun 20, 2011 9:20 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
2005 NW was just scary
2005 Minnesota was an absolutely dominating performance over a not bad team (they beat Michigan and nearly beat OSU).
is there anyway i can redeem myself, i was not sure if i should say "we" at that moment
by Skins4ever on Feb 2, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
minnesota beating Michigan
I have to wonder, if UM wins that, do thy beat us the next week? Just saying though that the attitudes of UM seemed to change drastically (i only know this b/c they did just run the games on the BTN)
I AM PHIL DAVISON AND I WILL NOT APOLOGIZE FOR MY TONE TONIGHT
by ICEICETHATGUY13 on Jun 20, 2011 9:27 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
And yes, it was to Smolko
is there anyway i can redeem myself, i was not sure if i should say "we" at that moment
by Skins4ever on Feb 2, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I was at that Minnesota game,
it was awesome, we destroyed their two NFL caliber running backs and absolutely dominated that game.
I still remember MRob trucking that safety, the sound that was audible in the upper deck was insane.
WE'RE DANCIN!!!
I cannot believe it took this long (Unless I missed it) for someone to mention '94 Michigan.
Come on, people!
"I can't go home until the carp is asleep. Because if I see it...swimming...I'll kill it."
Yeah, I said it in the second post
is there anyway i can redeem myself, i was not sure if i should say "we" at that moment
by Skins4ever on Feb 2, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
'94 Illinois should be on there too
I was only 10 at the time but it is one of the first games I truly remember as a fan. The feeling of dispair as Penn State dug a big hole and then the utter joy as they stormed back to win it and keep the NC dreams alive.
"I want to be remembered as an ambassador of Penn State University. I want people to remember me not only athletically but for my character too. It’s important that I play well, but I want people to remember me for who I was as a person." ~Silas Redd
It is on there
is there anyway i can redeem myself, i was not sure if i should say "we" at that moment
by Skins4ever on Feb 2, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well then.
"I want to be remembered as an ambassador of Penn State University. I want people to remember me not only athletically but for my character too. It’s important that I play well, but I want people to remember me for who I was as a person." ~Silas Redd
I'll parahprase my Dad:
“I had no doubt we were going to win, even when the score was 21-0. That offense could do anything.”
He’s right. That offense was like Patton with a veteran army and a secure gas and ammo line to the rear.
"I can't go home until the carp is asleep. Because if I see it...swimming...I'll kill it."
by ReadingRambler on Jun 20, 2011 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
How about 1996 Minnesota?
They were down, I think 15-0 in the 4th, and scored two TDs and converted two 2-point conversions to win 16-15.
It wasn’t a great game per se, but it was exicitng.
Marge: "Oh Homer. You're only hearing what you want to hear."
Homer: "Thanks! I'd love an omelette right about now."
That sounds like '97.
And if that’s the game I’m thinking of, we lost Aaron Harris for the season and we only won because of a really bad call that went our way.
Honestly, I don’t like thinking about the ‘97 team or the ’99 team. For all of the good memories, there’s a black hole there.
"I can't go home until the carp is asleep. Because if I see it...swimming...I'll kill it."
by ReadingRambler on Jun 20, 2011 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Fall 99 was my senior year, that season was heartbreaking and lost potential
BUT…every home game was very warm, sunny, and great for tailgating.
Hire Mike Pettine Jr!!!!!!!!
by SweepTheLeg on Jun 20, 2011 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
I was watching some of the '98 MSU - OSU game
on the BTN the other night, and it made me feel all the worse about our ‘99 team. OSU, while ranked #1, lost @ home to an MSU team that wasn’t as good as the Minnesota team that beat us in ’99. But they sucked it up and won the rest of their games fairly easily, including games against Michigan (who owned OSU at the time), & the Sugar Bowl against a top 10 Texas A&M team. We used our big upset loss the next season as an excuse to feel sorry for ourselves and go in the tank for the next 2 games.
Discovered by the Germans, in 1904, they named it San Dee-AH-go. Which of course, in German, means "a whale's vagina."
Actually MSU was better than Minnesota.
They had a lot of talent, like Bill Burke, Plax, and a bunch of guys on their defense. They went 10-2 the next season with all of that grown up talent.
"I know only two tunes: one of them is 'Yankee Doodle,' and the other isn't." - USG
by ReadingRambler on Jun 25, 2011 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Excrutiating is how I would describe that '97 Minnesota game.
A game we should have lost if not for a bogus PI call in our favor.
Discovered by the Germans, in 1904, they named it San Dee-AH-go. Which of course, in German, means "a whale's vagina."
You are correct, sir...
It was 97 and I forgot about Harris. In retrospect, my contribution sucks.
Marge: "Oh Homer. You're only hearing what you want to hear."
Homer: "Thanks! I'd love an omelette right about now."
Any PSU victory is a great game. But here are my choices:
1 OSU (almost any victory) but the 2001 win was the best
2 USC 1994 That was a shocker, not necessarily that we won, but the pounding we gave them
3 MSU 2002 I know MSU sucked, but in that game LJ had like 200 yards at half! JoePa didn’t play him much (if at all) in the second half. Our OL just blew MSU up
4 Michigan 1994 (and any of the last three W’s
5 Oregon Rose Bowl – Kijana takes the first handoff 80 some yards and the game was over.
Don't argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with his eperience.
279 with a couple minutes to go before half
If Joe didn’t feel sorry for Bobby Williams, LJ could’ve gotten 600 in that game, and in no way is that an exaggeration.
is there anyway i can redeem myself, i was not sure if i should say "we" at that moment
by Skins4ever on Feb 2, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He got to 300, right?
"I can't go home until the carp is asleep. Because if I see it...swimming...I'll kill it."
by ReadingRambler on Jun 20, 2011 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Nope,
279 on 19 carries at half (took him out with about 2 to go), didn’t get a carry in the second.
I believe he only broke 300 against Indiana.
WE'RE DANCIN!!!
Yeah, that sounds right.
Also, IIRC, that IU game actually felt somewhat close for a very short stretch in the first half.
Pennsylvania: Leading the nation in Lyme disease since 1787.
by ReadingRambler on Jun 20, 2011 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions
2001 OSU
That game had everything:
Ball goes through Eddie Drummond’s hands, hits facemask, pops into air and into hands of OSU defender. Pick 6.
Zack Mills, a a spin, a hurdle, and that unbelievable 69-yard TD run.
The weather: It had been cloudy with a mix of snow flurries and mist with strong winds most of the day, until Ohio State starts its potentially winning drive. Of course.
I’ve never heard a stadium go from as eerily, terrifyingly quiet to a deafening roar when that field goal was blocked.
324
by ChrisHarrell's_stache05 on Jun 20, 2011 10:01 AM EDT reply actions
That Zach Mills run was unreal
Hire Mike Pettine Jr!!!!!!!!
by SweepTheLeg on Jun 20, 2011 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
When Joe was being honored after the 2001 O$U game, it started to snow.
My wife said the snow was God throwing down confetti.
by Ab4PSU on Jun 20, 2011 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
I could be wrong..
but it feels like OSU has about 15 pick 6s against PSU in the last 18 years with about 11 of them coming in Columbus.
I am epic win.
by Esteban d' Amur on Jun 21, 2011 8:09 AM EDT up reply actions
One in 1996, one in 2002, one in 2004, two in 2006, two in 2010.
It’s got to turn around someday.
Pennsylvania: Leading the nation in Lyme disease since 1787.
by ReadingRambler on Jun 21, 2011 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
And in '98, Kevin Thompson fumbled in our own end zone,
which of course OSU recovered for a TD. He was about to throw, and the ball just squirted out of his hand. That game also featured a blocked punt for another OSU TD. This was my first and only trip to Columbus for a game.
Discovered by the Germans, in 1904, they named it San Dee-AH-go. Which of course, in German, means "a whale's vagina."
Didn't Zemaitis have one agaist them in '03?
Discovered by the Germans, in 1904, they named it San Dee-AH-go. Which of course, in German, means "a whale's vagina."
Yes.
May have been Phillips.
"I know only two tunes: one of them is 'Yankee Doodle,' and the other isn't." - USG
by ReadingRambler on Jun 25, 2011 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Came darned close in 05
pick off and returned inside the 10. Troy Smith made the tackle. DWill ran it in a couple plays later.
is there anyway i can redeem myself, i was not sure if i should say "we" at that moment
by Skins4ever on Feb 2, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So..
It’s 7 to close, once in pick 6’s? This is one of those weird stats that makes you wonder.
I am epic win.
by Esteban d' Amur on Jun 21, 2011 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions
No one mentioned the 94 Illinois game?
Top 5:
Illinois 94’ to save perfect season
Nebraska 02’
OSU 05’
Miami 99’
FSU Orange Bowl
Hire Mike Pettine Jr!!!!!!!!
I remember the Illinois game for another reason. I was sitting in my easy chair whit an icepack between my legs. I had a vasectomy the day before. :-( I was feeling pretty sore and sorry for myself! Thank God, SU came back.
Don't argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with his eperience.
Hmmm
1. 1995 Rose Bowl – in the Big Ten the only thing that matters is the Rose Bowl, right?
2. 2006 Orange Bowl – and BCS wins
3. Tie: 1994, 2005, 2008 Ohio State – I can’t decide, they’re all Top 10. 94 because I love bringing it up in arguments, 05 because I love Tamba Hali, 08 because I love games that are so intense you can still hear the hits over the noise of a party
4. 2008 Michigan State – pretty sure no one’s mentioned this one yet. I could watch that 70 yard TD by Deon Butler all day.
5. Tie: 2010 Northwestern, 2001 Ohio State – take your pick on which JoePa record/overachieving white qb you like better
"Believe deep down in your heart that you're destined to do great things." - Joseph V. Paterno
My list (for today). This could change daily based on mood and memory:
1. O$U 1994: Just for giving them cheaters one of the worst ass beatings a ranked team ever got.
2. Illinois 1994: For showing heart and not quitting after a 21-0 hole. Everything went wrong that day: weather, pre-game meal, game. But they didn’t quit.
3. Miami 1999: When was the last time we won a game at the end like that? We were thumping them, they came back, and then Kevin Thompson and Chafie Fields save the day. That was incredible.
4. O$U 2005: The atmosphere was electric, the buildup was insane, to arrive back among the elite was just incredible. Also one of the best drunks I ever had: I was totally gooned, yet totally coherent. Wish I could remember how I did it. Drank about 25 Miller Lite’s during the game, and a pint of whiskey during it. It was all nuts.
5: Michigan 2008: To finally end the losing streak, and beat the hell out of them doing it.
Like I said, this could change daily, depending on mood, but this is the list for today.
Also, if the Indiana State kickoff is noon, we have
75 DAYS 7 MINUTES 13 SECONDS UNTIL KICKOFF!!!!
One small correction:
25 Miller Lites BEFORE the game.
My list
Since most have been talked about, I’m going to abandon objective criteria and just go with the games that gave me the most joy. Most will end up being the same as if I thought about them objectively, but maybe not:
5. 2002 Nebraska. Octa’s Freshman year – his first prime time night game in the student section. This was prior to the rule prohibiting the throwing of objects. Everything was absolutely electric, even 2 hours before kickoff. When Gardner returned the Pick 6 to blow open the second half, he might have actually been able to fly for a moment. He also got hit with a fountain Coca-Cola down my back and didn’t care in the slightest. Pandemonium.
4. 2008 Ohio State. Octa has graduated, and now lives in an apartment in Philly. He goes to the gym prior to the game to work off nervous energy, but it doesn’t really help. He watches the game alone and shirtless, never sitting down for more than 30 seconds, and constantly texting his brother and parents during commercial breaks. He wants to rip his eyes out as he watches his team struggle. Then “the fumble”. Octa jumps to his feet, and in one fluid motion grabs the part of the sectional he was sitting on and flips it up onto the other side of the couch, then fist-pumps and headbutts his mirror, then runs out onto the roofdeck and lets out a subhuman, heartfelt scream akin to “freedom” in Braveheart.
3. 1994 Michigan. Young Octa was so intense during Penn State games that he couldn’t barely watch with anyone else in the room. He paced back and forth between the family room and the downstairs room with the TV because he couldn’t take it, and during commercial breaks, he’d take his Hutch football and jump over the back of the couch like it was a goalline play. When we got the interception to seal it, he ran outside and circled the block a few times because he just couldn’t stop. This was his team.
2. 2006 Florida State. Senior year, New Year’s on South Beach with almost literally every single person Octa knew from college. Everyone was down there, and it was like a 4-day bender in beautiful weather. He couldn’t have asked for a better set-up. An all-day tailgate followed by a game that probably lasted 8 hours. The game itself was also very exciting, if not immaculately executed. When Penn State finally won, he couldn’t even talk anymore. His body basically shut down the next day and he was bedridden the next day to watch Vince Young (who he believes we’d have stopped) tear apart U$C’s cheatfense.
1. 2005 OSU. Octa will never, never forget this one – His senior year, all-day tailgate through rain and fog. Ridiculous and impressive whiteout and the most electric atmosphere he’d ever experienced from kickoff through the final whistle. The second half where Penn State just kept punting and daring O$U to beat their defense (they couldn’t), culminating in Tamba Hali decapitating Troy Smith in one of the loudest moments his eardrums have ever been exposed to. Then he managed to avoid the pepper spray and rush the field, grabbed a few blades of grass, sprinted the length of the field back and forth several times, calling out the yard markers (he could. go. all. the. way!) and ran out the field entrance when the SWAT team bore down on the revelers (and as a bonus, he congratulated Poz outside the stadium where he was talking to some people). He was so pumped that he watched the replay of the game that started at 3 a.m. well past halftime before falling asleep.
I'm pretty sure you just encapsulated the entirety of my Miami experience here...
2. 2006 Florida State. Senior year, New Year’s on South Beach with almost literally every single person Octa knew from college. Everyone was down there, and it was like a 4-day bender in beautiful weather. He couldn’t have asked for a better set-up. An all-day tailgate followed by a game that probably lasted 8 hours. The game itself was also very exciting, if not immaculately executed. When Penn State finally won, he couldn’t even talk anymore. His body basically shut down the next day and he was bedridden the next day to watch Vince Young (who he believes we’d have stopped) tear apart U$C’s cheatfense.
Take a shower, shine your shoes...
@AdamCollyer
by Adam Collyer on Jun 20, 2011 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions
That 2005 Defense would have owned Vince Young
"I want to be remembered as an ambassador of Penn State University. I want people to remember me not only athletically but for my character too. It’s important that I play well, but I want people to remember me for who I was as a person." ~Silas Redd
My 5
1. OSU 2005
2. Illinois 1994
3. OSU 2008
4. Orange Bowl 2006 vs. FSU
5. Michigan 1994
Honorable mention to Northwestern 2005 and 2010.
And on the other hand there are only 2 on my “worst/most heartbreaking list”-each with the same score and the same final play: Minnesota 1999 and Iowa 2008. Honorable mention to Michigan 2005.
Not for nothing
But all 3 of those losses stick out in my memory more than most of the wins. It’s like how you can remember nightmares more vividly and for much longer than you’d ever remember a good dream. I can still see effing Nystrom booting over the outstretched arms of Arrington and Brown, the PI call and Mario effing Manningham killing my soul (which happened about 50 feet in front of me, in person).
Losses Sticking Out
You are so right. I was at the 1999 Minnesota game (in the north end zone upper deck so I saw that pass and the FG clearly). The next game I saw in person was Purdue the following season. My memories of the Minnesota game are much more vivid (and frequent) than those of the Purdue game.
I was not at Minnesota, but I was at Purdue
I remember both pretty clearly, but one is of me watching on TV and crying and my soul dying and the other is of my mom grabbing my shoulders and turning away from the field because she couldn’t bear to watch Drew Brees hail mary at the end.
Anyway, the point you agreed to remains true.
by OctaShields on Jun 21, 2011 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions
These are always fun
I will refrain from attempting to rank the obvious ones. Instead, I will give you four great games—one from each of the dark years.
2000 vs. Purdue: After a truly atrocious start to my first year as a fan, this game was a welcome change. We shocked Drew Brees’s last Boilermaker team—who would finish their season in the Rose Bowl—in pretty thrilling fashion. This was the first time I got to witness Happy Valley celebrating a big victory.
2001 at Northwestern: Joe was stuck one win behind Bear Bryant, and after starting the season 0-4, it seemed like he’d be stuck there forever. He finally got number 323 in a thriller on the road against a ranked Northwestern team, setting up a monumental home game against OSU the following week (sound familiar?).
2003 vs. OSU: Of course, I’m hesitant to put a loss on here, but this game deserves a mention. Prior to this game, PSU was as bad a football team as they’ve ever been, or ever will be (with a possible exception for the 6-4 game in ‘04). Meanwhile, OSU was the reigning national champion, and despite a loss earlier that season, was still ranked in the top 10. When we tied them up 7-7 in the first half, the crowd developed this crazy, desperate energy—watching from the student section, it actually felt a little uncomfortable. But it energized the team, and kept them in it to the last second. From where I was sitting, it looked for a moment like that last field goal attempt made it through. We were that close to turning it all around. Unfortunately, we’d have to wait another year for the Dark Years to end. But man, what a game.
2004 vs. Michigan State: This was the one where we all knew for sure that the dark years were gone for good. Zack Mills finally regained his old form for one glorious game, the Nittany Lion cruised around the field in a cape and a Segway, the student section cranked up the “JOE-pa-TER-no, clap clap clapclapclap” chant for the first time since maybe the 324 game, and all was right with the world. Bonus little-remembered fact: this was the year that, in addition to the first white out, Guido tried to keep things interesting with a “code blue,” wherein all students were encouraged to wear blue. If my memory serves me, there were only ever two “Code Blue” games—this one, and two weeks prior, a loss to Northwestern.
by newenglandnittanylion on Jun 20, 2011 6:17 PM EDT reply actions
Loved 2004 MSU
That game felt good. The offense finally decided to actually help that amazing defense out and score some points.
The other game that was amazing that year was Purdue. Yeah, we lost another close one, but it was still a great psuedo night game. Say what you will, but when Anwar Phillips picked off Kyle Orton, who, at that point had not thrown an interception all year, the place went pretty crazy. Not 2002 Nebraska, or 2005 OSU crazy, but somewhere pretty close. I remember walking out of the student section thinking, man, even though we lost that was still a fun game to watch.
"Penn State is the standard for success with honor. Period. I can’t even believe we’re even discussing that" - ReadingRambler
by psuphysicist on Jun 22, 2011 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions
No one has mentioned the '93 Michigan State game.
Down 37-17 in the 2nd half, came back to win 38-37, behind 350+ passing yards from Kerry Collins. Great game.
Discovered by the Germans, in 1904, they named it San Dee-AH-go. Which of course, in German, means "a whale's vagina."
That Citrus Bowl
needs to be featured on the Big Ten’s Greatest Games.
Discovered by the Germans, in 1904, they named it San Dee-AH-go. Which of course, in German, means "a whale's vagina."
Agree
I wonder how hard/expensive it is for the Big Ten Network to acquire the rights. You’d think that a conference competing with the SEC like the Big Ten would relish the chance to show a Big Ten team kicking an SEC team all over the field.
I am epic win.
by Esteban d' Amur on Jun 21, 2011 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions
My List
1) 1994 @Illinois
I can’t think of anything that tops this. I think Illinois was far and away the best defensive team in the country that year. For us to come from far behind to beat them on their home field shows how great a team we had in 1994. This game is the reason I KNOW we would have beaten Nebraska had we been able to play them.
2) 1993 @Michigan State
This game was where we first realized how special Kerry Collins was going to be. We got way behind in the first half, but just before halftime Collins engineered a drive that got us back in the game. After this game I knew we were going to be something special in 1994
3) 2005 Ohio State
The game that restored the honor and glory of Penn State football. What I remember the most is the “White Out” for that game. That was the game that made the White Out what it is today. I also remember that last fumble late in the game. This is when the world knew Penn State football was back.
4) 1994 @Michigan
A true classic. Well played by both teams. We were coming off multiple seasons of 5-0 starts that fizzled. At last, we were elite again!
5) 2008 Michigan
Yes, this is in the Rich Rodriguez era, but I’m still putting it on my list. Ending that ridiculously long losing streak to the Wolverines was significant. Especially since so many of the losses during that streak had highly questionable decisions by various officials.
Some of my favorites not listed above
1) 1997 Ohio State – W 31-27
I think we were both undefeated, Curtis Enis had a huge game 211 yards I think, and it was a great back and forth affair.
2) 2004 @Indiana – W 22-18
The beginning of the end of the Dark Year, before 2004 MSU, Poz and crew had a very memorable goal line stand in final minutes.
3) 1993 Minnesota – W 38-20
Hello BigTen….
4) 1995 @MSU – W 24-20
I just remember Bobby Engram absolutely willing the team to victory in the 4th quarter.
5) 2007 & 2008 Wisc – W 38-7 & W 48-7
After the “Bielema Rule” on kickoffs, JoePa & Co. absolutely demolish the badgers.
6) 2000 Purdue – W 22-20
Adam Taliaferro paralyzed and watching from hospital bed, Drew Brees was a Heismann candidate and PSU was 1-4. Very emotional game for PSU.
Top 5 PSU games since joining Big Ten
1. 2005 Ohio State
2. 1994 Michigan
3. 1994 Illinois
4. 1997 Ohio State
5. 2002 Nebraska
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