Kentucky
(7-4 record; Hal Mumme, 2nd season) |
Penn State
(9-3 record; Joe Paterno, 33rd season) |
School's Bowl Record: 5-3
Coach's Bowl Record: 0-0
Last Bowl Appearance: December 1993 Peach Bowl (lost to Clemson 14-13)
Record in Outback Bowl: 1-1 (Last appearance 1984, beat Wisconsin 20-19) |
School's Bowl Record: 21-11-2
Coach's Bowl Record: 18-9-1
Last Bowl Appearance: January 1998 Citrus Bowl (lost to Florida 21-6)
Record in Outback Bowl: 10-1 (Last appearance January 1996, beat Auburn 43-14) |
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Offensive Stud |
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Tim Couch, QB, Jr. (400-553, 4,275 yards, 36 TDs, 15 INTs): Heisman finalist is already projected as a top NFL pick should he decide to go pro
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Eric McCoo, RB, Fr. (127 carries, 822 yards, 3 TDs): Has become a bright star in the Penn State offense after a 206-yard effort in the season finale against Michigan State.
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Defensive Stud |
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Marlon McRee, LB, So. (18 tackles for loss, 6 sacks): The team leader is TFLs and sacks
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LaVar Arrington, LB, Sr. (65 tackles, 2 INTs): Big Ten defensive player of the year
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Player to Watch |
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Craig Yeast, WR, Sr. (85 catches, 1,311 yards, 14 TDs): Couch's favorite target is on the All-SEC team and has merited some All-America consideration
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Brandon Short, LB, Sr. (67 tackles, 5.5 sacks): Another product of Linebacker U. He was a Butkus Award semifinalist along with Arrington
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Key Stats |
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Second in the nation in total passing at 412.1 yards per game
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The Nittany Lions are 12th in the country in both total defense (294.5 yards per game) and scoring defense (15.4 points per game).
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Surprise Stat |
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Worst turnover ratio among all bowl teams at minus-11
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Ranked just 83rd in the nation in passing at 169 yards per game.
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1998 Turning Point |
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A November 15 car accident that killed defensive lineman Artie Steinmetz and Tim Couch's childhood friend Chris Brock. Starting center Jason Watts was charged with drunken driving and has since been kicked off the team.
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The Nittany Lions discovered the problems with their offense after managing just 181 yards and nine first downs against Ohio State
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Key to Victory |
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Make sure Couch continues to throw touchdowns and not interceptions. |
Shutting down Tim Couch as much as possible with both the great pass rush and solid secondary
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Outlook |
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Couch could have a tough time with a fierce Penn State defense. Avoid the rush and the Wildcats could come away with its first bowl win since '84.
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The defense will have a huge challenge ahead of them. If it can hold up its end of the bargain, the Nittany Lions have a shot against an average Kentucky defense.
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