Penn State and Notre Dame have been remarkably evenly matched when going head-to-head. Their all-time series is deadlocked at 9-9-1. On Thursday night in Miami, one of these storied programs will break the tie.
The Orange Bowl showdown kicks off at 7:30 p.m. inside Hard Rock Stadium, with ESPN broadcasting the action.
As pointed out by Joel Hass of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, both programs rank among college football’s elite in winning percentage, weeks in the AP poll and NFL draft picks.
This rivalry, while sporadic since Penn State began playing the Big Ten in 1993, has delivered unforgettable moments that shaped championship seasons.
The first postseason matchup
The series’ only previous postseason meeting came in the 1976 Gator Bowl.
Notre Dame’s All-American tight end Ken McAfee dominated with five catches for 76 yards, helping his team to a 20-9 victory. Junior halfback Al Hunter, named the game’s most outstanding player, carried the ball 30 times for 102 yards and scored both of Notre Dame’s touchdowns.
Penn State’s lone touchdown came from fullback Matt Suhey.
