Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Penn State, Navy to resume rivalry

by Bob Herpen
The Phanatic Magazine


Penn State and the United States Naval Academy will resume their rivalry starting in the 2012 season, both schools announced on Wednesday.

The Nittany Lions and Midshipmen will play on September 15, 2012 at Beaver Stadium, in the resumption of a series which ended in 1974 after almost 80 years.

"We are excited to have Navy returning to the Penn State football schedule," said PSU director of athletics Tim Curley. "Navy was our season-opening opponent many times in the 1960's and '70's and we've had many memorable games against the Midshipmen."

The schools last squared off on September 21, 1974 -- a narrow 7-6 victory by Navy -- in Happy Valley. It was the last in a series which had been played nearly every season since the initial matchup in 1894.

"Playing Penn State again will bring back many memories for our alumni and friends of Navy football," admitted Navy director of athletics Chet Gladchuk. "The opportunity to visit one of the most impressive stadiums in all of college football and take on the challenge of this storied program will be very inspiring to our coaches and student-athletes."

Penn State holds an 18-17-2 edge in the all-time series, with a 7-3 record at home.
 

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