BRACKET #40 FINALS

BRACKET #40

Click HERE for first round results.
Click HERE for second round results.
Click HERE for third round results.

BRACKET SEMI-FINALS

(89) 2006 USC - 21
(168) 1990 Washington - 24

This Pac-10 matchup found USC upset by Washington. John David Booty had an off day and the defense couldn't make a clutch stop down the stretch.

(217) 1993 Penn State - 20
(40) 1981 Penn State - 27

Joe Paterno needed a goal-line stand to beat Joe Paterno and advance. Kerry Collins and Ki-Jana Carter were each held out of the end zone twice from the one yard line and the '93 Nittany Lions never recovered.

BRACKET FINAL

(168) 1990 Washington - 23
(40) 1981 Penn State - 24

In a developing theme, Joe Paterno advanced a third Penn State team into the Bracket of Champions. This time his '81 edition beat Don James' "Purple Reign" defense in a nail biter.

Todd Blackledge threw 2 interceptions for the Nittany Lions, thanks in large part to the immense pressure applied by All-Everything Steve Emtman. But tailback Curt Warner had two touchdown catches in the second half - one on a screen pass - that gave Penn State some breathing room.

Mark Brunell's mobility saved some plays for the Huskies, but he also ran into three turnovers. Guiseppe Harris picked off a pass, and Walker Lee Ashley forced a fumble on two separate Brunell scrambles. PSU was also able to hold talented running back Greg Lewis under 100 yards rushing in the ball game.

The game ended when Brunell's hail mary attempt was picked off by Dan Biondi in the end zone.

1981 Penn State (#40 overall seed) advances to the Bracket of Champions. The Nittany Lions will face the winner of Bracket 25 in the first round.