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

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Ki-Jana Carter, Penn State Nittany Lions

PENN STATE RUNNING BACK KI-JANA CARTER CARRIES THE FOOTBALL DURING THE NITTANY LION 38-14 VICTORY OVER THE USC TROJANS AT BEAVER STADIUM IN UNIVERSITY PARK, PA. /

13. 1994 Penn State football 35, Illinois 31

Staying with that incredible 1994 Penn State football team, the season was nearly ruined by an unranked team late in the season. After starting the year off with impressive victories against ranked teams like USC, Ohio State, and Michigan, the Nittany Lions were given all they could handle by Illinois.

In a game considered one of the best in Big Ten history, Penn State got down early against the Fighting Illini, trailing 21-0 in the first quarter. It would take a strong team effort to come back, which they did, but did not actually hold a lead until there was less than a minute left in the game.

The victory not only was thrilling, but it gave Penn State their first Big Ten title, as they closed the year out with wins against Northwestern and Michigan State before beating the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl.

As stated earlier, this is a team that many feels should have been at least a co-national champion, based on their strength of schedule, and quality of wins.

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