The Maryland vs Penn State football rivalry is a highly anticipated matchup in the Big Ten Conference. With a rich history dating back to 1917, this rivalry has been fueled by geographical proximity, cultural differences, and a desire for conference supremacy. As one of the most intense and closely contested rivalries in college football, the Terrapins and Nittany Lions have been battling it out on the gridiron for over a century, with each team seeking to claim bragging rights and conference dominance.
Historically, Penn State has held the upper hand in the series, with a 40-20-1 record against Maryland. However, the Terrapins have been working to close the gap in recent years, with notable victories in 2014 and 2019. The rivalry has been marked by intense and physical games, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. From the iconic 1985 matchup, where Penn State defeated Maryland 20-18, to the 2014 game, where the Terrapins stunned the Nittany Lions 20-19, this rivalry has consistently delivered exciting and unpredictable football.
Key Points
- The Maryland vs Penn State football rivalry dates back to 1917, with Penn State holding a 40-20-1 record against Maryland.
- The rivalry is fueled by geographical proximity, cultural differences, and a desire for conference supremacy.
- Notable victories for Maryland include the 2014 and 2019 games, where the Terrapins defeated the Nittany Lions 20-19 and 35-28, respectively.
- The rivalry has been marked by intense and physical games, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination.
- The series has seen its fair share of iconic matchups, including the 1985 game, where Penn State defeated Maryland 20-18.
History of the Rivalry
The Maryland vs Penn State football rivalry has a long and storied history, with the first game played in 1917. The series was initially dominated by Penn State, with the Nittany Lions winning 10 of the first 12 games. However, Maryland began to close the gap in the 1950s and 1960s, with the Terrapins winning 5 of 7 games between 1955 and 1961. The rivalry continued to ebb and flow over the years, with Penn State regaining the upper hand in the 1970s and 1980s.
Notable Games and Moments
One of the most iconic games in the series was the 1985 matchup, where Penn State defeated Maryland 20-18. The game was marked by a intense and physical battle, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. Another notable game was the 2014 matchup, where Maryland stunned Penn State 20-19. The Terrapins’ victory was fueled by a strong defensive performance, which held the Nittany Lions to just 19 points.
| Year | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Maryland 20, Penn State 19 | State College, PA |
| 2019 | Maryland 35, Penn State 28 | |
| 1985 | Penn State 20, Maryland 18 | State College, PA |
Current State of the Rivalry
Today, the Maryland vs Penn State football rivalry remains one of the most intense and closely contested in the Big Ten Conference. With both teams consistently competing for conference championships, the stakes are high whenever they face off on the gridiron. The Terrapins and Nittany Lions have a long history of battling it out for supremacy, and the rivalry shows no signs of slowing down. As the series continues to evolve, one thing is certain - the Maryland vs Penn State football rivalry will remain a thrilling and unpredictable matchup for years to come.
Impact on the Big Ten Conference
The Maryland vs Penn State football rivalry has significant implications for the Big Ten Conference. With both teams competing in the East division, the winner of the matchup can gain a crucial advantage in the conference standings. The rivalry also has a significant impact on the conference’s reputation, with the winner often being considered a top contender for the conference championship. As the series continues to grow in intensity and competitiveness, it’s clear that the Maryland vs Penn State football rivalry will remain a key factor in shaping the Big Ten Conference landscape.
What is the history of the Maryland vs Penn State football rivalry?
+The Maryland vs Penn State football rivalry dates back to 1917, with Penn State holding a 40-20-1 record against Maryland. The series has been marked by intense and physical games, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination.
What are some notable games and moments in the series?
+Some notable games and moments in the series include the 1985 matchup, where Penn State defeated Maryland 20-18, and the 2014 game, where Maryland stunned Penn State 20-19. The series has also seen its fair share of iconic performances, including a 2019 game where Maryland defeated Penn State 35-28.
What is the current state of the rivalry?
+Today, the Maryland vs Penn State football rivalry remains one of the most intense and closely contested in the Big Ten Conference. With both teams consistently competing for conference championships, the stakes are high whenever they face off on the gridiron.
Meta Description: Explore the history and intensity of the Maryland vs Penn State football rivalry, one of the most anticipated matchups in the Big Ten Conference. With a rich history dating back to 1917, this rivalry is fueled by geographical proximity, cultural differences, and a desire for conference supremacy.
