Favored Penn State took an early lead and won 42–30 on the Sun Devils' home field.
[2][3][4][5] Penn State was ranked as high as fourth until a home loss to #16 Kentucky in early October, but then won seven straight.
In the Sun Devils' final year in the WAC, they were co-champion for the seventh and last time, and appeared in their fifth Fiesta Bowl.
Joe Lally blocked a punt and returned it 21 yards to give Penn State the lead early in the first quarter.
Washington caught another touchdown pass from Sproul to narrow it to 31–21, but Bahr kicked another field goal to make it 34–21.