Penn State 38 Oregon 20

Penn State rules in Pasadena but not the nation. After outlasting Oregon, 38-20, in the Rose Bowl, the Nittany Lions find themselves out-voted in both coaches and sports writers polls as Nebraska takes the national championship. Penn Staters feel they deserve at least a share of the crown but do get half of the Rose Bowl Player of the Game honors. Ki-Jana Carter gains 156 yards in 21 carries and scores three touchdowns, one an 83-yard dash on the first Penn State offensive play of the day. Quarterback Danny O'Neil of Oregon is also accorded Player of the Game honors. He breaks five Rose Bowl records: most passes completed (41), most attempts (61), most yardage (465), most plays (74) and total offense (456). Safety Chuck Penzenik of Penn State intercepts two of O'Neil's passes although the Duck passer finishes with two touchdown passes, one to Josh Wilcox (tight end, 11 catches for the day) and another to Cristin McLemore (10 catches for the day). Oregon makes it a tough game for Penn State but the Lions break it open after the score is tied 14-14 late in the third period. Ambrose Fletcher's 72-yard kickoff return sets up a Carter score and Penzenik's second interception and 44-yard return leads to another Carter tally from the three.

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