2007 Recap

2007 Record: 7-6 (3-5)

Spartan fans took a "wait and see" attitude into the 2007 season. They hadn't been to a bowl game since 2003, but there was reason for optimism as John L. Smith had finally slapped himself right out of town. Mark Dantonio took over and promised a return to the power running game of old. They started out 4-0 thanks to a couple cupcakes, a close win over Pitt, and a blowout win over the hapless Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

But once the conference slate came around it was a different story. The Spartans lost by three points in Madison and lost in overtime to Northwestern the following week. An impressive win over Indiana was followed up by a seven point loss to Ohio State. After back-to-back losses to Iowa and Michigan their impressive 4-0 start had become a 5-5 record and the Spartans were once again in danger of missing a bowl game.

A 48-31 win at Purdue ensured bowl eligibility, but in the final week of the season was when Michigan State pulled off their biggest win coming back from a 24-7 deficit to beat Penn State and lock up a bowl invitation. I don't know if Michigan State was more happy to go to a bowl game or take home the Land Grant Trophy, but we as Penn State fans must never forget this.

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