Ep 8. 1994 Penn State at Illinois
- September 25, 2007
The Big Ten's Greatest Games: Football is a show that highlights memorable football games from the past in the Big Ten Conference. Season 1, episode 8 features the game between Penn State and Illinois in 1994.
This was a highly anticipated game as both teams were ranked in the top ten at the time. Penn State, led by head coach Joe Paterno, was ranked #2 in the nation with a perfect record of 8-0. Illinois, coached by Lou Tepper, was ranked #7 with a record of 7-1.
The game took place at Illinois' Memorial Stadium on November 5, 1994, and the weather conditions were less than ideal with rain and strong winds. Despite the weather, the game was an intense battle from start to finish.
The first half was a defensive struggle as both teams struggled to score. Illinois was able to get on the board first with a field goal in the second quarter. Penn State responded with a touchdown later in the quarter to take a 7-3 lead into halftime.
In the second half, the game picked up with both teams trading touchdowns. Illinois took the lead in the third quarter with a touchdown pass from quarterback Johnny Johnson to wide receiver Jason Dulick. Penn State answered back with a touchdown of their own, a one-yard run by running back Ki-Jana Carter.
The fourth quarter was filled with drama as Illinois and Penn State continued to exchange touchdowns. Penn State took the lead with a touchdown pass from quarterback Kerry Collins to tight end Kyle Brady. Illinois responded with a touchdown run by running back Ty Douthard.
With less than two minutes left in the game, Penn State had the ball and was driving down the field. They were able to get into field-goal range, and kicker Brett Conway made a 24-yard field goal to give Penn State a 35-31 lead.
Illinois had one final chance to win the game, but their final drive fell short, and Penn State held on for the victory. The game was a classic Big Ten matchup between two talented teams that went down to the wire.
Overall, the 1994 Penn State at Illinois game was a thrilling battle between two top-ranked teams. The game featured standout performances from players such as Penn State's Kerry Collins and Kyle Brady and Illinois' Johnny Johnson and Ty Douthard. The win was a huge one for Penn State on their way to an undefeated regular season and a Rose Bowl victory.