1970 Orange Bowl
| MVP | QB Chuck Burkhart DT Mike Reid |
|---|---|
The 1970 Orange Bowl was a college football bowl game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Missouri Tigers.
Background
This was Penn State's second straight Orange Bowl appearance, after they declined an invitation to play #1 ranked Texas in the Cotton Bowl Classic, due to segregation issues. This was Missouri's third Orange Bowl appearance in ten years. Missouri was co champion of the Big Eight Conference for the first time since 1960. This is to date the last time Missouri has won a conference championship.
Game summary
A field goal gave the Nittany Lions an early lead. On the ensuing kickoff, the Tigers fumbled, and Penn State recovered. On their first play, quarterback Chuck Burkhart threw a touchdown to Lydell Mitchel, giving them a 10-0 lead. Missouri had more turnovers (9, including 7 interceptions) than points (a field goal, scored before the first half ended). The second half was scoreless as Penn State clinched their second straight undefeated season, but due to Texas' victory in the Cotton Bowl the same day, they were declared champions. [1]
Aftermath
The Nittany Lions returned to the Orange Bowl four years later. Devine would leave Missouri a season later. The Tigers haven't returned to the Orange Bowl since this game.
Statistics
| Statistics | Penn State | Missouri |
|---|---|---|
| First Downs | 12 | 13 |
| Yards Rushing | 57 | 189 |
| Yards Passing | 187 | 117 |
| Total Yards | 244 | 306 |
| Punts-Average | 12-43.1 | 6-44.7 |
| Fumbles-Lost | 0-0 | 4-2 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 7 |
| Penalties-Yards | 5-40 | 3-25 |