Penn State at Illinois 1994 GAME STORY

An instant classic! The electricity was apparent from the get-go in Illinois' stadium. The home team was certainly fired up for this one. After falling asleep at the wheel, the Penn State offense overcame a 21 point deficit while going against the best defense in the country to salvage a perfect record. Once the second quarter was underway, the Nittany Lions looked like their typical selves offensively. Moving the ball with ease up and down the field. Andre Johnson, one of PSU's tackles, performed admirably against the nation's best defensive end in Simeon Rice, in protecting Collins in the pocket. The epic final possession for the Nittany Lions that has become known as simply "the drive" which covered the length of the field is drawn out in this video for context. As much attention was on the offense, it was Penn State's defense that sealed the deal as Kim Herring picked off the final pass as his blitzers drove the Illinois quarterback into the ground as he let go of the ball.

Penn State's Top Performers:
Kerry Collins: 24 for 38, 300 yards, TD, Int.
Ki-Jana Carter: 22 carries, 110 yards, TD
Brian Milne: 7 carries, 25 yards, 3 TDs

Penn State moved onto a 9-0 record by saving the near mishap. Illinois suffered its 4rd loss of the season and would finish 1994 with a 7-5 record, and a Liberty Bowl victory over East Carolina.