Kerry Collins
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For this week in Penn State sports history, let’s look back at a memorable game during the Nittany Lions’ 12-0 season in 1994.

On Oct. 15, 1994, the third-ranked Nittany Lions went into the Big House in Ann Arbor, Michigan and took down the No. 5 Wolverines.

Led by quarterback Kerry Collins and the rest of the talented offense, Penn State faced its first big test of the season and answered the bell with a 31-24 victory on the road.

The Nittany Lions were in just their second season as a member of the Big Ten and in need of a “prove it” type of win.

Ki-Jana Carter and Bobby Engram did their parts to ensure Penn State and head coach Joe Paterno would leave Michigan with that win.

Carter and Collins helped the Nittany Lions race out to a 16-0 lead, but Michigan, led by star running back Tyrone Wheatley, scored 17 unanswered points to take the lead.

Despite not having any momentum, the Nittany Lions quickly answered with a touchdown strike from Collins to Jon Witman and a two-point conversion to regain a one-score lead.

After Michigan tied things up at 24 after a long touchdown drive, Penn State responded in less than two minutes. It was Collins and Engram who connected on a 16-yard touchdown pass to take the lead with under three minutes remaining.

Paradise Lost

Former Penn State tailback Ki-Jana Carter kneels before the start of the 1995 Rose Bowl.

On the ensuing Michigan drive, the Nittany Lions secured the victory with an interception.

The next week, the Nittany Lions went on to blowout Ohio State at home, winning by a final of 63-14.

The Michigan game was a major victory for Penn State on the road to their undefeated season that was ultimately capped off with a win over Oregon in the Rose Bowl.

The Saturday experience as a whole was a memorable one for the Nittany Lions as it was the first time the College GameDay set was at the site of a Penn State game, albeit on the road.

Now, for the third time ever, College GameDay will return to the site of a Penn State-Michigan matchup this Saturday.

College GameDay became a full-time event in the 1994 season and the Nittany Lions and Wolverines provided one of the most exciting matchups of the season.


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