Penn State Vs Rutgers

The rivalry between Penn State and Rutgers is a longstanding one, with both universities having a rich history in athletics, particularly in football. The two teams have been competing against each other since 1918, with Penn State currently holding the lead in their overall series, 28-2. The Nittany Lions and the Scarlet Knights have a long and storied history, with their rivalry being fueled by their proximity to each other and their membership in the Big Ten Conference.

Penn State Football History

Penn State has a storied football program, with a history dating back to 1887. The Nittany Lions have won two national championships, in 1982 and 1986, and have produced some of the greatest players in college football history, including Jack Ham, Curt Warner, and Saquon Barkley. Penn State has also had some of the most successful coaches in college football history, including Joe Paterno, who led the team to 409 wins during his 46-year tenure.

Rutgers Football History

Rutgers, on the other hand, has a football program that dates back to 1869, making it one of the oldest programs in the country. The Scarlet Knights have had some successful seasons, including a 11-2 record in 2006, but have struggled to find consistency over the years. Rutgers has produced some notable players, including Ray Rice, who went on to have a successful NFL career, and has had some successful coaches, including Greg Schiano, who led the team to several bowl games during his tenure.

Despite their differences in success, both Penn State and Rutgers have a strong commitment to their football programs, with state-of-the-art facilities and a strong focus on recruiting top talent. The two teams have a fierce rivalry, with their games often being close and intense. In recent years, Penn State has dominated the series, winning 13 straight games against the Scarlet Knights.

Head-to-Head Matchups

The head-to-head matchups between Penn State and Rutgers have been dominated by the Nittany Lions, who have won 28 of the 30 games played between the two teams. The Scarlet Knights have had some close games against Penn State, but have struggled to find success against their rivals. In recent years, Penn State has won several blowout games against Rutgers, including a 59-0 win in 2018.

Notable Games

One of the most notable games between Penn State and Rutgers was played in 2014, when the Scarlet Knights pulled off a stunning upset, winning 28-10. The game was played at HighPoint Solutions Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey, and was one of the biggest upsets of the season. The win was Rutgers’ first against Penn State since 1988, and marked a rare victory for the Scarlet Knights in the series.

Despite their struggles against Penn State, Rutgers has continued to be a formidable opponent in the Big Ten Conference, with several close games against top-ranked teams. The Scarlet Knights have a strong commitment to their football program, and are always looking to improve and compete against the best teams in the conference.