99 for 99 - #47 - The Penn State Series

99 for 99 takes a look at the 99 biggest moments in UB Football history in anticipation of the 99^th Season of UB Football which begins on September 1^st, 2012. These moments are not in any order, however the top 10 moments have been saved for last.

November 29, 1900 - Buffalo 10, Penn State 0 - Buffalo defeats Penn State in the only metting between the two squads in the 20th Century

Coming off a loss to Columbia, Buffalo (0-1-2) was on the brink of a winless season for the first time since 1895. After defeating Gettysburg, Penn State (4-5-1) had the opportunity to get to .500. To do that, the men from Pennsylvania traveld to Buffalo on a wet Thanksgiving day.

Penn State was the only team to challenge in the first half, they charged to the ten before fumbling away their chance at a touchdown.

In the second half, UB's defense stayed stout while Penn State started to wear. Buffalo scored twice and finished the season with a 10-0 victory over Penn State.

Penn State went on to get a noteworthy coach and some championships, but for 106 years, Buffalo fans could hold a 1-0 series victory over the State school 4 hours to the south.

September 15, 2007 - Buffalo 24, Penn State 45 - Morelli shines in win over Buffalo

Although the record books will say the game did not happen, 107,506 fans packed Happy Valley to see the 2-0 Nittany Lions face the 1-1 Buffalo Bulls. This represented the most fans to watch a UB game ever, over 22,000 fans more than the previous high at Auburn and more fans the top 4 crowds at UB Stadium combined.

UB's defense came in the game ready to keep the record crowd quiet. They forced Penn State into a 3-and-out on their first drive and forced a fumble on their second drive on the 8 yard line. Buffalo unable to score a touchdown, settled for a field goal and took a 3-0 lead. On the next drive, Buffalo forced and recovered another fumble.

Buffalo held a 3-0 lead for a 15 minutes until Penn State kicked a 27-yard field goal to tie the game midway through the second quarter. Morelli took over the game on his next chance with the ball, throwing a 21-yard touchdown pass. After a Brett Hamlin fumble, Morelli quickly tossed another touchdown, this time from 5 yards out. Buffalo drove down the field but missed a 49-yard field goal at the end of the half and Penn State maintained their 17-3 lead.

Despite a James Starks touchdown run and a Mario Henry (a Erie, PA native) pass to Ernest Jackson for a second touchdown in the second half, Morelli would not be stopped. He lead Penn State to two more touchdown drives in the 3rd quarter. Despite 25 minutes of shutout defense to start the game, Penn State was able to move to 3-0 behind 45 points from the offense.

Despite the outcome, Buffalo fought hard and provided a memorable moment for many Bulls fans who grew up with respect and admiration for Joe Pa and Penn State Football.

The Bulls will not have to wait 106 years for the rubbermatch, only 8 years, it is scheduled for September 12, 2015.