Penn State Countdown: 58
8-3 Michigan was ranked 13th in the nation as they prepared to face the 18th ranked Nittany Lions in Beaver Stadium on November 18, 1995.
The weather was absolutely uncooperative during the week preceding the game. A massive storm dumped 19 inches of snow the Wednesday prior to the matchup forcing officials to consider relocating the game to Ann Arbor. Fortunately, Penn State officials recruited hundreds of student volunteers and low-security inmates form nearby prisons to clear out the field, seats and walkways.
A estimated 80,000 of the 96,677 fans who bought tickets braved the weather to watch Penn State and the Wolverines rack up 883 yards of total offense.
The Nittany Lions jumped on the Wolverines early by racing to a 10-0 lead eventually extending it to 20-10 in the second half before Michigan quarterback Brian Griese led the Wolverines back into the game with a quick score cutting State’s lead to 20-17.
On the ensuing drive, Penn State tailback, Stephan Pitts broke through the nation’s top rushing defense for 58 yards before the Nittany Lions offense stalled with a three and out.
With 2:40 left in the game, Penn State lined up for a short field goal which would have forced Michigan to score a touchdown for the win. With the snap from the 2-yard line, Joe Nastasi ran the fake field goal into the endzone with the help of a critical block by guard Jeff Hartings.
Penn State 27 – Michigan 17.
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