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It’s amazing that two of the most iconic programs in college football — Georgia and Penn State — are meeting for only the second time in their extensive histories in the TaxSlayer Bowl in Jacksonville on Jan. 2.
But at least their previous meeting was huge: On Jan. 1, 1983, the second-ranked Nittany Lions defeated the top-ranked Bulldogs, 27-23, in the Sugar Bowl for Penn State’s first national title. Joe Paterno’s squad took a 27-17 lead in that matchup before Georgia scored an inconsequential touchdown. Herschel Walker ran for 103 yards and one score in his final college game.
Overall, Penn State is 19-20 — including postseason matchups — against the SEC, including five contests against Georgia Tech, which was in the conference until it withdrew from the league in 1964.
In addition to Penn State’s victory over Georgia, here’s a look at five memorable Penn State-SEC bowl matchups:
1. Jan. 1, 1979 Sugar Bowl: In a game between No. 2 Alabama and No. 1 Penn State, the Tide led 7-0 at the half and still by a touchdown with less than five minutes left. The Nittany Lions forced a fumble that they recovered at the Crimson Tide 19. After getting to the 1-yard line, Penn State was stuffed inches short of pay dirt in what is called “The Goal Line Stand.” The Nittany Lions got another possession, but Bama held on for a 14-7 victory.
2. Jan. 1, 2010 Capital One Bowl: A late game drive by QB Daryll Clark resulted in Collin Wagner’s field goal with 57 seconds to go, and LSU’s last possession fell short as Penn State hold on 19-17.
3. Jan. 1, 2011 Outback Bowl: In Urban Meyer’s last game as Florida’s coach, Mike Gillislee and Omarius Hines ran for TDs, Chas Henry made three field goals in the second half and Ahmad Black’s 80-yard INT return for a TD capped the Gators’ 37-24 victory.
4. Jan. 1, 2003 Capital One Bowl: Ronnie Brown scored on a 17-yard touchdown run with 2:19 remaining and outrushed Heisman Trophy finalist Larry Johnson 184-72 as Auburn edged Penn State 13-9.
5. Jan. 1, 1998 Citrus Bowl: Fred Taylor rushed for a Florida bowl-record 234 yards as the Gators pounded Penn State 21-6. As far as Gator running backs go, Taylor’s total trails that of only Emmitt Smith, who gashed New Mexico for a school-record 316 yards in a 27-21 victory in 1989.
Stan Chrapowicki is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers SEC football, Alabama and Auburn.
