Members of one of the most beloved teams in Penn State football history will be in Beaver Stadium for Saturday’s game against Illinois, and they are the boys of 1994.
30 years ago, quarterback Kerry Collins, running back Ki-Jana Carter and tight end Kyle Brady were part of one of the most electric offenses in college football history which spearheaded Penn State’s most recent undefeated season.
Honoring '94 🌹
Looking forward to welcoming Ki-Jana Carter, Kerry Collins, Kyle Brady & the 1994 Team back to Happy Valley this weekend!#WeArePennState pic.twitter.com/tww7oxrM9w
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) September 23, 2024
Although that team didn’t win a national title— a subject which is still sore for many Penn State fans— one could argue that it’s just as beloved as either of Penn State’s two national title teams.
Much like in 2012, when the 1982 national title team reunited, and 2016, when Penn State’s 1986 champions did the same, the 1994 Penn State football team will be honored to celebrate the occasion.
It’s probably not intentional that Illinois happens to be the opponent for this occasion but it is fitting. The 1994 game against Illinois ended up being one of the highlights of Penn State’s magical season. After being down 21-0 in the first quarter and 31-28 with six minutes left when it started a drive at its own four yard line.
That drive became “the drive,” ending with a two-yard touchdown run by Brian Milne that put Penn State ahead for good and clinched the Big Ten title.
It would be hard for this Saturday’s game to top that but it should be a good one. Illinois is much-improved from last season, when it went 5-7, having already won four games before the end of September. Illinois’ hot start has earned it a No. 19 ranking, which makes it the first ranked team Penn State will play in 2024. It also seems to be an unofficial White Out.
