In the 1992 Fiesta Bowl, Penn State proved that it really is never over until it's over. The Nittany Lions were dominated and outplayed by a determined Tennessee team after two-and-a-half quarters falling behind, 17-7, and being outgained 324-59 in total yardage.
But Penn State erupted for five touchdowns in a span of seven minutes and 49 seconds to post a 42-17 victory over a stunned Volunteer football team.
The win gave the Nittany Lions a perfect 5-0 mark in trips to Tempe for the Fiesta Bowl.
Penn State quarterback Tony Sacca completed only 11 passes on the day, but four of those went for touchdowns, including three during the scoring frenzy.
However, it was the PSU defense that led the team to the come-from-behind victory. Linebacker Keith Goganious set a Fiesta Bowl record with 14 solo tackles in the game, and Reggie Givens had a touchdown on an interception return and recovered a fumble which resulted in a fourth quarter touchdown.
Penn State began its triumphant comeback with 4:55 left in the third quarter. Following a short drive, Sacca hit Chip LaBarca with a three-yard TD toss and after a turnover, threw a 13-yarder to Kyle Brady that gave the Nittany Lions the lead for good.
Richie Anderson added a two-yard TD scamper, and O.J. McDuffie, the Offensive Player of the Game, added a 37-yard TD reception to sandwich the interception return by Givens and complete the scoring.
