Notre Dame and Penn State are set to face off in the Orange Bowl for the chance to play for a National Championship. Here is a look at the history between these two famed programs before they add to an already memorable past.
Photo via Notre Dame Athletics
Notre Dame and Penn State are synonymous with tradition in the context of college football. Ironically enough, both programs played their first game in 1887, illustrating the immense amount of tradition both teams have. However, the first time the two teams shared the field was in 1913, when Notre Dame's 14-7 victory marked the first win of the series. Overall, the series is tied, sitting at 9-9-1. The one tie came in 1925 with a final score of 0-0. The two teams would play two more times in the 1920s, both Notre Dame victories, before seeing a 48-year matchup gap. In 1976, they would finally meet again, this time in the Gator Bowl. Notre Dame would win again, 20-9, giving Notre Dame the longest winning streak in the rivalry with three. From there, there would be one more gap in the series before 1981, which would be the start of an 11-year streak of the teams facing off. In that run, Penn State got the better of the Irish, winning eight. This period was at the peak of Penn State's powers while Notre Dame was transitioning from the Jerry Faust era to the Lou Holtz era. This was also at a time when Penn State was also independent, which allowed the game to be an annual installment. In 1990, Penn State joined the Big Ten, marking the beginning of the end of this historic matchup. It wasn't until 2006 that the two teams would play again, and the series would see its last game a year later. In those last two games, both programs saw blowout wins.
Notre Dame and Penn State have both had great success in their long history. As it currently stands, Notre Dame sits at fourth all-time in wins with 961, while Penn State sits at ninth with 943 wins. Although Notre Dame may have better overall success, Penn State holds better stats in bowl game appearances and bowl game wins. As a whole, these two programs rank highly in almost every statistical category when it comes to program history. With that being said, they are both trying to reach that mountain once again. They may make a huge part of the sport's past, but are now trying to become a massive part of its future. Before they face off in what will be a historic game at the Orange Bowl, here is a breakdown of some of their most memorable games over the years.
Holtz's Gutsy Call Wins it for Notre Dame, 17-16 (1992)
In the infamous "Snow Bowl", No. 8 Notre Dame took on No. 22 Penn State at snowy Notre Dame Stadium. The game started off as a slow and grueling one, as both teams exchanged three field goals. Penn State would take the lead late, making it 16-9 Penn State. With just 4:17 left in the game, Notre Dame drove down the field, helped by a pair of big plays from Jerome Bettis and Ray Griggs. Notre Dame was inside the 10-yard line when they were met with a fourth and goal. Bettis would find the end zone on the next play due to a pass from QB Rick Mirer. Instead of opting to tie the game, Holtz decided to go for two and the win. The Irish converted on the gutsy play call on a Reggie Brooks reception, giving Notre Dame the lead with just 15 seconds left.
Penn State Roars Back in the Second Half to Squander Notre Dame's National Championship Chances, 24-21 (1990)
Before this game, Notre Dame was the hottest team in the country, beating No. 4 Michigan, No. 2 Miami, and No. 9 Tennessee. All that stood between Notre Dame and a second straight National Championship was Penn State and USC. Notre Dame jumped out to a dominant 21-7 lead after the first half. The game would completely flip in the second half as Penn State mounted a ferocious comeback. The game would become tied in the fourth quarter due to a touchdown from a name very familiar to Notre Dame fans, Al Golden. Golden's touchdown knotted the game up at 21 a piece, and a last-second field goal would give Penn State the lead and win. The loss ended Notre Dame's chance at a second straight National Championship under Lou Holtz.
A Dominant Notre Dame First Half Bests Penn State, 20-9 (1976)
This game marks the only time these two teams have met in the postseason before their next matchup on Thursday in the Orange Bowl. The game's scoring opened up with a Penn State field goal to make it 3-0. After that, Notre Dame ran away with the game due to a 20-0 run. The Irish's two touchdowns came on the ground thanks to Notre Dame running back Al Hunter. Hunter's impressive performance also included 102 rushing yards. Notre Dame did all their scoring in the first half, but their stout defense only held Penn State to two field goals in the second half, giving Notre Dame a 20-9 victory.
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