Orange Bowl Magic Countdown: #5

1981 Miami vs Penn State

Penn State entered this game undefeated and ranked #1 in the nation. Their offensive attack boasted two superstar juniors: Running Back Curt Warner and Quarterback Todd Blackledge. Miami was a big underdog and had two losses already having lost close games to Texas and Mississippi State. The Canes entered the match ranked #19 but from the get go played up to Penn State's level. Jim Kelly had a very nice game as did running back Speedy Neal as the Canes raced out to a late 17-14 lead. Late in the game Blackledge was bringing the Penn State offense down the field when Lester Williams made a great shoestring tackle on Curt Warner to force a third down and long from the Miami 34. Needing only another first down to enter field goal range, Blackledge fired over the middle of the field where Miami's Fred Marion picked off the pass and preserved the first of Miami's many wins over the number one ranked team in the 1980s. Some Halloween OB magic.