Penn State vs. Washington: A Look Back at the Thrilling Showdown
On a chilly December evening in 2016, two college football powerhouses faced off in the
Setting the Stage
The first
quarter
saw both teams trading blows. Penn State’s quarterback, Trace McSorley, threw for 153 yards and a touchdown in the opening period. Washington responded with 172 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns from quarterback Jake Browning. In the
second quarter
, the Huskies extended their lead to 14 points, but Penn State clawed their way back, trailing by only three at halftime.
The Pendulum Swings
In the
third quarter
, the pendulum began to swing in Penn State’s favor. Saquon Barkley, the Nittany Lions’ star running back, broke free for a 50-yard touchdown run to give Penn State its first lead of the game. But Washington wasn’t ready to surrender. In the
fourth quarter
, Browning led a 13-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in a go-ahead touchdown. With time ticking away, McSorley and Barkley led a last-ditch effort to secure the win for Penn State.
The Final Stand
With just seconds remaining on the clock, McSorley took the snap and threw a Hail Mary pass into the end zone. Mike Gesicki, Penn State’s tight end, leapt above the Washington defense to secure the game-winning touchdown. The final score gave the Nittany Lions a thrilling 35-28 victory.
A Game for the Ages
This back-and-forth contest showcased the talents of both teams, with impressive offensive displays and key defensive stands. The link remain a testament to the exciting college football matches that continue to captivate audiences.
A Historic Clash: Penn State vs. Washington in the 2017 Rose Bowl
Background:
Penn State Nittany Lions and Washington Huskies, two esteemed football programs with rich histories, were set to lock horns in the grandest stage of college football – the
Rose Bowl
on New Year’s Day, 2017. Penn State, with their storied tradition and recent resurgence under Head Coach James Franklin, were looking to continue their winning ways. Washington, on the other hand, boasted a strong defense and an explosive offense led by Heisman finalist QB Jake Browning.
Historic Meeting:
This wasn’t just another game for both teams. The Rose Bowl represented a chance to etch their names in college football history books. Having not met since the 1994 season, this marked only the
third
encounter between these storied programs. Adding to the excitement was the fact that both teams were ranked in the top ten at the start of the New Year.
Intense and Closely Contested Game:
As the clock struck noon at the iconic Rose Bowl stadium, an electric atmosphere engulfed the crowd. The intensity was palpable as both teams traded blows in a
high-stakes battle
. Washington took an early lead, but Penn State fought back with determination. The game saw numerous lead changes and breathtaking moments, as both teams demonstrated their grit and resilience. In the end, it was Penn State who emerged victorious in a thrilling 35-28 finish. This intense and closely contested game left football fans enthralled, with many hailing it as one of the best bowl games in recent memory.
Setting the Stage: The 2016-17 College Football Season
Penn State: The Nittany Lions’ impressive turnaround under James Franklin is a noteworthy subplot of the 2016-17 college football season. After posting a 7-5 record in 2014 and a 7-6 record in 2015, Penn State found itself on the cusp of a major resurgence. Their rise to a #8 ranking before losing to Michigan was a testament to Franklin’s coaching ability and the team’s determination.
Washington:
On the other side of the spectrum, Washington‘s dominance in the Pac-12 Conference cannot be overlooked. With Chris Petersen at the helm, the Huskies have transformed into a formidable force. Their 12-1 record and #4 ranking entering the College Football Playoff are a direct result of Petersen’s impact on the program.
Penn State’s Turnaround:
James Franklin’s ability to turn the tide at Penn State has been nothing short of remarkable. In just two seasons, he has taken a team that was struggling to find its identity and transformed it into a contender. The Nittany Lions’ impressive turnaround started with a 7-5 record in 2014, followed by a 7-6 record in 2015. However, it was their climb to a #8 ranking before losing to Michigan that truly showcased their progress.
Washington’s Dominance:
Chris Petersen’s arrival at Washington marked the beginning of a new era for the Huskies. In just three seasons, he has led them to a 34-6 record and two Pac-12 Conference championships. With a 12-1 record and a #4 ranking entering the College Football Playoff, Washington is a force to be reckoned with. Petersen’s impact on the program has been significant, and his team’s success is a testament to his coaching abilities and the team’s dedication.
I The Buildup: The Lead-Up to the Rose Bowl
As Penn State prepared for the Big Ten Championship Game against Michigan in late November, they were driven by a strong desire for redemption. Just one year prior, they had suffered a heart-wrenching loss to the Wolverines in Ann Arbor, missing out on a potential New Year’s Six bowl bid. With another opportunity on the horizon, the Nittany Lions were determined not to let history repeat itself.
Penn State’s motivation for redemption against Michigan
Central to Penn State’s quest for victory was the electrifying play of their star Saquon Barkley. The versatile running back had enjoyed a standout season, amassing over 1,400 yards from scrimmage and scoring 18 touchdowns. Barkley’s electric performances had kept the Nittany Lion faithful optimistic through thick and thin, and his leadership on both sides of the ball was invaluable. With Michigan’s stout defense looming, Barkley knew that a dominant effort from him and his teammates would be crucial.
Michigan’s formidable challenge
But standing in Penn State’s way was a formidable Michigan team, led by their own talented duo of Jake Browning and Myles Gaskin. The Wolverines had enjoyed a dominant season, winning the Big Ten East Division with an impressive 10-2 record. Their confidence was sky-high after recent wins against Indiana and Wisconsin, and they were determined to make a statement in their biggest game of the year.
Washington’s confidence from a dominant season and recent wins
Browning, the senior quarterback, had been instrumental in Michigan’s success. He led the team in passing yards and touchdowns, while also boasting a respectable 66.9% completion percentage. Gaskin, meanwhile, had powered the Wolverines’ ground game with his bruising running style and quick feet, gaining over 1,200 yards on the season. With this dynamic duo leading the charge, Washington was poised to make a strong statement in the Big Ten Championship Game and potentially secure a spot in the College Football Playoff.
The stage was set for an epic showdown
As the teams took the field at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the tension was palpable. The stage was set for an epic showdown between two of the Big Ten’s most storied programs, each with a rich football history and a burning desire to come out on top. The Rose Bowl awaited the victor, offering a chance at redemption and glory for one team, while leaving the other to ponder what could have been.
The Showdown: An Exciting First Half
The first half of the Penn State vs. Washington game proved to be a thrilling display of college football, with both teams showcasing their strengths and weaknesses.
Recap of the opening quarter and Penn State’s initial 10-point lead
The opening quarter saw Penn State take an early lead, with Trace McSorley leading the charge. The Nittany Lions’ star quarterback tossed a touchdown pass to DaeSean Hamilton and added another TD on the ground, giving Penn State a commanding 10-point advantage.
Washington’s response with a dominant second quarter, taking a slim lead
However, Washington wasn’t going down without a fight. In the second quarter, Jake Browning and company responded with a vengeance. Browning connected on two touchdown passes, one each to Austin Seferian-Jenkins and John Ross. Meanwhile, Myles Gaskin dominated on the ground, racking up over 100 yards and a score.
Examination of key plays, turnovers, and adjustments from both sides
The remainder of the first half was a back-and-forth battle, with several key plays and turnovers shaping the outcome.
Barkley’s 92-yard touchdown run
One of the most notable plays came from Penn State’s Saquon Barkley, who broke free for a 92-yard touchdown run, reclaiming the lead for the Nittany Lions.
Washington’s missed opportunities
Washington, however, had their chances to take control of the game but failed to capitalize. They missed a field goal late in the second quarter and turned the ball over on downs deep in Penn State territory.
Adjustments from both sides
Both teams made adjustments throughout the half, with Penn State’s defense stepping up to hold Washington scoreless in the third quarter. Washington countered by shutting down Barkley and forcing McSorley into several turnovers.
The Tide Turns: A Thrilling Second Half
Third Quarter:
Both teams showed their mettle in the third quarter, trading leads and momentum back-and-forth. In a crucial moment, Penn State‘s defense stepped up with a goal-line stand, denying Washington a potential touchdown. The Nittany Lions then capitalized on the momentum shift, with Saquon Barkley plunging over the goal line for a critical 2-point conversion. This gave Penn State a brief lead, but Washington wasn’t about to give up without a fight.
Fourth Quarter:
In the final frame, Washington seized an early advantage, with their offense looking poised to score. However, Trace McSorley, Penn State’s quarterback, orchestrated a brilliant comeback. He led the team down the field, culminating in a touchdown pass to put Penn State back on top. With time running out and Washington pressing for a game-winning score, McSorley once again came up clutch, directing the offense to milk the clock and secure victory.
Final Minutes:
The final minutes of the game saw both teams battling fiercely, with Penn State determined to hold on to their lead. In a tense and nerve-wracking finish, Washington threw everything they had at the Nittany Lions’ defense but could not penetrate. Time ultimately ran out for them, and Penn State emerged victorious in a hard-fought battle that showcased the true grit and determination of both teams.
VI. Aftermath: The Impact of Penn State’s Victory
Following the historic upset win against Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game, Penn State’s journey to the College Football Playoff (CFP) was far from over. The Nittany Lions were set to face off against the top-ranked Clemson Tigers in the CFP Semifinal at the Cotton Bowl. With renewed confidence and valuable lessons gleaned from their hard-fought victory in the Rose Bowl, Penn State aimed to leave an indelible mark on college football’s biggest stage.
Penn State’s Confidence and Lessons from the Rose Bowl Victory
The Rose Bowl victory served as a crucial turning point for Penn State, highlighting their resilience and determination. Coach James Franklin and his team had proven that they could compete with the best in the nation. The Rose Bowl victory provided a tangible example of Penn State’s potential, igniting a fire within the team to continue defying expectations.
Confidence Boost
Bold, daring play-calling
The team’s newfound confidence manifested in bold, daring play-calling that kept opponents guessing. Penn State’s offense and defense both showed remarkable improvement, with players stepping up to the challenge.
Valuable Lessons
Experience and maturity
The Rose Bowl victory also afforded the Nittany Lions invaluable experience and maturity. Players like Sean Clifford, Jahan Dotson, and Brenton Strange gained crucial knowledge from the experience that would benefit them in future games.
Impact on James Franklin’s Coaching Tenure and the Nittany Lions Program
The victory against Clemson catapulted Penn State into the national spotlight, casting a favorable light on Coach James Franklin’s tenure. The success of his team brought about:
Future Recruiting Success
The Nittany Lions’ newfound status as a national contender made them a more attractive destination for top recruits. With increased exposure and success, Penn State’s recruiting efforts saw a significant boost.
Bowl Game Appearances
The team’s impressive performance led to multiple bowl game appearances, providing opportunities for the players to gain additional experience and exposure.
Potential National Championship Contention
As the years went on, Penn State continued to challenge for a national championship. The team’s progression from underdog to contender solidified Coach Franklin’s place as a top college football coach and further bolstered the Nittany Lions’ program.
V Conclusion
VRecap: In a thrilling display of football, Penn State emerged victorious over their formidable opponents with a nail-biting finish. The
key moments
of the game included the heroic comeback led by quarterback Sean Clifford, who rallied his team after being down by 14 points. The gritty performance of the Nittany Lions’ defense, which held the opposition scoreless in the second half, was also noteworthy. Meanwhile, on offense, Jahan Dotson‘s electrifying
touchdown catch
in the final minutes of the game proved to be the deciding factor.
VSignificance: This
historic victory
holds immense significance for both Penn State and their opponents. For the Nittany Lions, it marks a turning point in their season, demonstrating their
resilience
,
determination
, and
teamwork
. For their opponents, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of college football and the importance of staying focused until the final whistle.
VFuture Prospects: With this win, Penn State positions itself as a
contender
in the College Football Playoff race. Upcoming matchups against highly-ranked teams promise to be exciting and will test the mettle of the Nittany Lions. Stay tuned for more action-packed football as Penn State continues its pursuit of greatness.
