Penn State’s Biggest Wins This Century – Part 1
By Corey Hunter
Game #6: Penn State Finishes in the Top-3 After Outdueling Florida State 26 – 23 3OTs (1/3/06)
What Penn State fan could forget the last great duel between legendary coaches Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden? Penn State outlasted the Seminoles to finish the season ranked in the Top-3 in both the AP and Coach’s Polls. It was Penn State’s best finish since 1994 season when Penn State finished dubiously ranked No. 2 in both polls.
All-time, Paterno really had Bowden’s number. Paterno was 7-1 lifetime against his good friend.
Florida State, a team that won the ACC conference by defeating Virginia Tech, was coming off one of their worst seasons in 30 years. Normally a fixture on the national scene, the Seminoles were reeling, having lost three of their last four contests coming into the Orange Bowl.
On the other hand, there was Penn State. The Lions entered the Orange Bowl a team looking for national redemption. Amid two years of sputtering, calls for Joe Paterno to be ushered into retirement were growing louder. He successfully lobbied (arm twisted) President Spanier and Athletic Director Tim Curley into letting him try for one more national title run. Only a disputed last-second touchdown in Ann Arbor prevented Penn State from playing for the National Title.
Despite the last second loss, Penn State forged ahead with its remaining schedule. Everything culminated in a BCS bowl game – The Orange Bowl.
The Lions defense, led by defensive linemen Scott Paxson and Tamba Hali, as well as linebackers Dan Connor and Paul Posluszny, were a terror for opposing offenses. Penn State sported not only one of the best defenses in the Big Ten, but also in the country.
Penn State’s swarming defense kept Seminoles quarterback Drew Weatherford in check. He completed just slightly over 50 percent of his passes and only threw one touchdown. They also stymied Leon Washington and the Florida State rushing attack. Washignton was the Seminoles leading ground gainer with 30 yards rushing.
Both teams’ place kickers were shaky. Florida State’s Gary Cismesia and Penn State’s Kevin Kelly went back and forth in overtime. Each missed kicks to either win the game or give their team the lead. Finally, in the third overtime, Kevin Kelly nailed a 29-yard game winner for the Lions.
The 2003 edition of the Nittany Lions were a portrait of finding success amid doubt. So many people counted out players like quarterback Michael Robinson or running back Austin Scott. Head coach Joe Paterno had his many detractors as well. No matter the obstacle, these Lions aimed high and reached their goals.
Coming soon look for Part 2 of my countdown of the greatest Penn State victories of from 2000 to the present. There we will countdown from #5 to the greatest Penn State program win from this century.