Penn State Citrus Bowl History

Story posted December 21, 2018 in CommRadio, Sports by Kevin McConlogue

After posting a 9-3 regular season record, No. 12 Penn State will head to the Citrus Bowl to take on No. 14 Kentucky on New Year's Day at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL.

This will be the Nittany Lions sixth appearance all-time in the Citrus Bowl. Let’s take a look back at those previous five appearances.

1987
No. 14 Clemson 35, No. 20 Penn State 10

This was a close game early as the score was tied 7-7 at the end of the first quarter, but the Tigers pulled away as Penn State’s offense failed to keep up without star running back Blair Thomas, who missed the game with a knee injury. Clemson running back Tracey Johnson rushed for 105 yards and three touchdowns in the victory.

1993
No. 13 Penn State 31, No. 6 Tennessee 10

This game was the start of a special time in Penn State football with stars all over the field. It was also the final game before the legendary 1994 undefeated team would take the college football world by storm. The Volunteers actually led 10-0, but then the Nittany Lion offense woke up.

Bobby Engram electrified the offense with a 35-yard run on a reverse, and he also had seven receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown while earning the game's MVP. Ki-Jana Carter also had two rushing touchdowns. Kerry Collins had two touchdown passes, one to Engram and another to tight end Kyle Brady.

1997
No. 6 Florida 31, No. 11 Penn State 6

Penn State’s offense struggled all day in this game, as the Nittany Lions did not find the end zone. Penn State was without some starters this game, mainly Curtis Enis for what Joe Paterno called “off the field issues”.

Mike McQueary started at quarterback for the Nittany Lions and threw for just 92 yards with three interceptions. Florida running back Fred Taylor had 234 yards in the Gators victory.

2002
No. 19 Auburn 13, No. 10 Penn State 9

Even though the Nittany Lions had a 6-0 lead at halftime, they came out on the short end of this defensive battle. The Auburn Tigers held Larry Johnson, who had 2,000 rushing yards during the regular season, to just 72 yards. This was Penn State’s only bowl appearance between 2000-2004.

2009
No. 11 Penn State 19, No. 15 LSU 17

In an exciting game, Penn State led 16-3 after three quarters. The Tigers then rallied to take a 17-16 lead. Collin Wagner would then kick a field goal with 57 seconds left to give the Nittany Lions the win. Quarterback Daryll Clark was named MVP in his final game as a Nittany Lion. This game was Joe Paterno’s 24th and final bowl game victory.

 

 

 

Kevin McConlogue is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism with a minor in political science. To contact him email kpm5520@psu.edu.