This game was known for being the seventh, and ultimately final meeting, between the two coaches, Joe Paterno of Penn State and Bobby Bowden of Florida State.
In July 2012, the NCAA vacated Penn State's win in the game as a result of the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal; according to NCAA policies on vacated wins,[2] the game officially has no winner.
Florida State started on offense to begin the first overtime. Kicker Gary Cismesia's 44-yard attempt went wide right. Penn State conservatively rushed three times and attempted a 38-yard field goal on their first overtime drive. However, kicker Kevin Kelly's try pushed wide left.
In the second overtime, both team scored on 1-yard touchdown runs tying the game at 23–23.
In the third overtime, Florida State's kicking woes continued. Cismesia's 38-yard attempt hit the right upright. On 2nd and 9 on the 12 yard line, Kelly hit a 29-yard field goal to give Joe Paterno and the Nittany Lions the win over Bobby Bowden and the Seminoles.