Penn State entered the game with an 8-3 record and #22 ranking in the AP poll;[1] the Nittany Lions had been ranked as high as #7 in the AP poll that season.[1] Kentucky entered the game at 7-4, unranked, though having been ranked earlier in the season in the USA Today coaches' poll.[2] Penn State was favored by 7 points.[3] Kentucky entered the game with three starting offensive linemen replaced by freshman reserves.[4]
The game proved to be the first sellout in the history of the Outback Bowl.[4]
Kentucky started the scoring with a 36 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tim Couch to wide receiver Lance Mickelsen for an early 7-0 Kentucky lead. Penn State responded with a 43 yard field goal from kicker Travis Forney. Minutes later, Tim Couch found Anthony White for a 16 yard touchdown pass, to give Kentucky a 14-3 lead.
In the second quarter, Penn State quarterback Kevin Thompson connected with Joe Nastasi for a 56 yard touchdown pass, pulling Penn State to witin 14-10. Travis Forney kicked a 26 yard field goal before half to make the score 14-13.
In the third quarter, Forney connected on two field goals of 21 and 25 yards to give Penn State a 19-14 lead. In the fourth quarter, Chafie Fields scored on a 19 yard touchdown run with four minutes left to give Penn State a 26-14 lead. Penn State's defense held, and the final score stood up.
All of Penn State's wins between '98 and '11, including the 1999 Outback Bowl victory, were later vacated.
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