The Nittany Lions have a rich history in college football, with numerous memorable games that have shaped the program into what it is today. From thrilling comebacks to dominant victories, Penn State has been part of some of the most iconic moments in college football history. Let’s take a closer look at five of the most significant games that have left an indelible mark on Penn State football.
1987: Penn State vs. Notre Dame - The “House of Pain”
On November 14, 1987, Penn State faced off against Notre Dame in what would become one of the most infamous games in college football history. The game, played at Notre Dame Stadium, was dubbed the “House of Pain” due to the intense physicality displayed by both teams. Penn State, led by quarterback John Shaffer and a stout defense, emerged victorious with a 14-7 win. The victory marked Penn State’s first win at Notre Dame since 1949 and was a testament to the team’s toughness and resilience.
The "House of Pain" game is still remembered today for its brutality and intensity. Penn State's defense held Notre Dame to just 55 rushing yards, and the Nittany Lions' running backs pounded out 226 yards on the ground.
1994: Penn State vs. USC - The Rose Bowl Showdown
On January 1, 1994, Penn State traveled to the Rose Bowl to face off against USC in the postseason matchup. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading scores throughout. In the end, Penn State emerged victorious with a 38-20 win, capping off an impressive season under coach Joe Paterno. The victory marked Penn State’s second Rose Bowl win in school history and was a highlight of the program’s successful run in the early 1990s.
| Team | 1st Quarter | 2nd Quarter | 3rd Quarter | 4th Quarter | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn State | 0 | 17 | 7 | 14 | 38 |
| USC | 3 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 20 |
2006: Penn State vs. Michigan - The Comeback Kids
On October 21, 2006, Penn State hosted Michigan in a Big Ten showdown. Trailing 17-10 at halftime, the Nittany Lions mounted an impressive comeback, scoring 24 unanswered points in the second half to secure a 17-17 tie was avoided as Penn State won 31-17. The victory marked Penn State’s fifth consecutive win over Michigan and was a testament to the team’s resilience under coach Joe Paterno.
Key Moments:
- Penn State trailed 17-10 at halftime, but the Nittany Lions' offense came alive in the second half.
- Anthony Morelli threw for 214 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Penn State offense.
- The Penn State defense held Michigan to just 73 rushing yards, stifling the Wolverines' running game.
2016: Penn State vs. Wisconsin - The White Out
On November 26, 2016, Penn State hosted Wisconsin in a Big Ten showdown, with the Nittany Lions donning their famous white jerseys for the annual “White Out” game. The game was a defensive slugfest, with both teams trading blows throughout. In the end, Penn State emerged victorious with a 24-17 win, thanks in large part to the efforts of quarterback Trace McSorley and a stout Nittany Lions defense.
"It was a great team win. We knew it was going to be a tough game, and we were ready for it."
Trace McSorley, Penn State quarterback
2019: Penn State vs. OSU - The Thrilling Upset
On November 23, 2019, Penn State traveled to Columbus to face off against No. 2 Ohio State in a highly anticipated matchup. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading scores throughout. In the end, Penn State emerged victorious with a 24-21 overtime upset, thanks in large part to the efforts of quarterback Sean Clifford and a stout Nittany Lions defense.
Takeaway:
The 2019 win over Ohio State marked Penn State's first victory over the Buckeyes since 2013 and was a highlight of the program's successful 2019 season.
These five games represent some of the most memorable moments in Penn State football history. From thrilling comebacks to dominant victories, the Nittany Lions have consistently shown their ability to compete at the highest level.
What is the significance of the “House of Pain” game?
+The “House of Pain” game was a 1987 matchup between Penn State and Notre Dame that was marked by its intense physicality and brutality. Penn State’s 14-7 win was a testament to the team’s toughness and resilience.
Who was the quarterback for Penn State in the 1994 Rose Bowl win?
+The quarterback for Penn State in the 1994 Rose Bowl win was Kerry Collins.
What was the final score of the 2006 game between Penn State and Michigan?
+Penn State won the 2006 game against Michigan with a final score of 31-17.
Who was the quarterback for Penn State in the 2016 “White Out” game?
+The quarterback for Penn State in the 2016 “White Out” game was Trace McSorley.
What was the significance of the 2019 win over Ohio State?
+The 2019 win over Ohio State marked Penn State’s first victory over the Buckeyes since 2013 and was a highlight of the program’s successful 2019 season.
