Penn State Football: Ranking the top 20 wins in program history

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 21: A Penn State Nittany Lions helmet is seen during the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2018, in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

3. 1970 Orange Bowl

The 1970 Orange Bowl featured the Penn State Nittany Lions against the Missouri Tigers, though it was a game that actually could not have happened. Penn State had declined an invitation to take on No. 1 Texas in the Cotton Bowl, deciding instead to participate in the Orange Bowl for a second straight season.

Going into this game against Missouri, Penn State had not been beaten in 29 straight contests and had a 21-game winning streak. In a defensive battle, the Nittany Lions got out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter, thanks to a Mike Reitz field goal and a Chuck Burkhart to Lydell Mitchell touchdown connection.

However, they would be blanked the rest of the way, but luckily for them, their defense certainly came to play in this one. The Penn State defense forced nine turnovers in the game, yes that is right, nine turnovers, including seven interceptions. When the weather picked up in the fourth quarter, Missouri had no shot of coming back, as Penn State won the game 10-3.

Texas was declared the No. 1 team in the country after their win in the Cotton Bowl, and though undefeated, Penn State would come in at No. 2.

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