1998 – Michigan 27, Penn State 0
2000 – Michigan 33, Penn State 11
2002 – Michigan 27, Penn State 24 (OT)
2005 – Michigan 27, Penn State 25
2007 – Michigan 14, Penn state 9
2009 – ?

We all know the problems Penn State has faced in Michigan Stadium. But try to remember that it is not impossible for Penn State to win there.

1994
Penn State 31, Michigan 24

This is the most memorable game for me as it is the game that vaulted Penn State to the top ranking in college football, at least for one week. Kerry Collins, Ki-Jana Carter, Kyle Brady, Bobby Engram and company got their revenge from the first meeting in the series in 1993, Penn State’s first season in the Big Ten. After losing the highly anticipated match-up with Michigan in Beaver Stadium, Penn state was on a mission in 1994, and Michigan was the biggest obstacle from the start. Carter rushed for 165 yards, second most by a PSU running back in series history after Evan Royster’s performance last year. Collins passed for 231 yards, third most by a PSU quarterback behind two games by Zack Mills. Michigan’s Amani Toomer had seven receptions for 157 yards.

How good was that 1994 team? The lowest point total they had that year was 31 points, and it came against Michigan.

1996
Penn State 29, Michigan 17

In a year in which neither team had the high power team that was going to make a run for a Big Ten title, let alone a national championship, it was the Nittany Lions who came away victorious for the second straight time in Ann Arbor.

Penn State utilized good play on defense and a couple nifty plays on offense to stun the Michigan crowd, but the Penn State contingent of fans was more than capable of setting some high audible levels. I remember watching the game on TV and my mom was upstairs. She heard the crowd roaring at one point and yelled downstairs to me “That doesn’t sound good!” But I calmed her down by saying, “Don;t worry – that is the Penn State section you hear cheering!”

Penn State can win at Michigan Stadium. They are 2-5 there in history and should be 3-4, or 4-3, if not for a game that lasted 60 minutes and two seconds in 2005 and a controversial call in 2002.

Be sure to stop by our friends of Phinally Philly for this week’s guest post. In it you will get an update on former Penn State opponent Temple and their quest for not only a bowl game, but a possible MAC championsip!