We asked you a question I’m sure you’ve thought about before: If you could change the outcome of one Penn State game, which one would it be?
Your answers run the gamut of losses we all remember to losses we want to forget.
Below are a few of the games you’d change the outcome to and why. And when you’re done, you can read Steve’s and my answers here and here.
Note: Some of the responses have been edited for clarity. Others have been cleaned up for foul language because you’re still that upset about it.
Ohio State 39, Penn State 38 – 2017
This was the most common answer.
“I think it’s the game most likely to a) facilitate a much bigger outcome than that team ultimately had while b) occurring within the confines of my memory. The OSU game over Michigan State later that year because of the division championship tiebreaker.”
“That was the statement game to take over OSU’s post as head of the B1G and we choked.”
“They hold on there, they definitely beat MSU the next week and the future of PSU and OSU are completely different in my opinion.”
Minnesota 24, Penn State 23 – 1999
“This was my first PSU game and I legit cried when we lost.”
“The ‘99 team was national championship caliber. I believe by completing that fluke Hail Mary and kicking the subsequent field goal, the Gophers beat us three times. I contend that we would not have lost to Michigan and Michigan State had we still been undefeated heading into that stretch – leading us to play Florida State for the chip.”
Michigan 27, Penn State 25 – 2005
“I think this was the first game where I was let down based on my own personal conclusions. I had seen tough losses, and I had seen some of the terrible teams just a few years prior to this, but in many of those instances I had probably copied most of my thoughts from my dad.
With that 2005 team I felt I knew enough about the college football landscape, season, and that particular squad— all to develop my own conclusions. Plus, as a 12 year old in the middle of a divorcing family, I had plenty of angst and self-righteousness that I felt entitled to a win.
The Manningham catch sickens me to this day.”
“Not sure if it would have been enough to earn a spot in the title game, but would love to have another undefeated season to celebrate.”
Ohio State 63, Penn State 14 – 2013
“Niche reason. I was the Nittany Lion for this game and had never been to the Shoe before.
Penn State had no business winning this game, and the 2014 loss was certainly more of a heartbreaker, but the 2013 loss was just embarrassing.
Part of the deal for this one too is that my dad hates going to Columbus. Never has had a good trip out there. He went to this one watch me on the road and I felt so guilty the team just didn’t show up.
Not an impactful game in the grand scheme, but I would give a lot for this game to have even been competitive.”
Oklahoma 25, Penn State 10 – 1986 Orange Bowl
“A win in the Orange Bowl for the 1985 season would be the only national title result of all these 4 games, in my opinion. Hence my pick. The risk/result there though could have been that some players may not have returned for the 1986 title (and the huge desire to complete the mission would be lost).”
“Wanted Joe [Paterno to get the win over Barry [Switzer] and win the National Championship.”
Iowa 21, Penn State 10 – 2009
“Ugh. This one is somehow worse than the 2008 loss for me.
I was a junior in high school and stayed in my sister’s [then] Paternoville tent the second half of the week because I was off school for some reason that escapes me now.
But this was just a heartbreaking disaster. I was painted, cold, and soaking wet in the front row of Beaver Stadium to witness an all-time pitiful performance against an unimpressive Iowa team.
The 2008 loss was certainly more impactful, but this one felt like such a personal letdown.”
Illinois 20, Penn State 18 (9OT) – 2021
“9 overtimes: Illinois QB threw for less than 50 yards and won. We looked like complete idiots.”
Penn State 38, West Virginia 15 – 2023
????
“Well it’s simple…I got married the same day. Planned the wedding, bought season tickets. Got so excited for a full season and then..had to sell the home opener. Oh well…at least I’ll never forget my anniversary.”
Thank you to everyone who submitted.
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