Penn State Wears Rose Crown Despite Thorny Ranking Issue

Second-ranked Penn State began Monday’s Rose Bowl game as if it was out to overwhelm not only Oregon but also those who vote for the national championship.

But after Ki-Jana Carter’s 83-yard touchdown run on the Nittany Lions’ first play from scrimmage, Penn State had a struggle on its hands before finally wearing down the 12th-ranked Ducks, 38-20, before 102,247 spectators.

Oregon quarterback Danny O’Neil kept the Ducks in the game until early in the fourth quarter, completing 41 of 61 passes for 456 yards to break several Rose Bowl records set by Wisconsin’s Ron VanderKelen in 1963.

It marks the fifth time that Penn State (12-0) has finished an unbeaten and untied season under Coach Joe Paterno. However, after No. 1 Nebraska’s victory over Miami in the Orange Bowl on Sunday night, it will probably be the fourth time the Nittany Lions have been denied a national championship despite an unblemished record.

Voting in the Associated Press poll of sportswriters and sportscasters will be announced today.

Also on Monday’s seven-game bowl schedule, USC rolled up 578 yards in a 55-14 Cotton Bowl victory over Texas Tech in Dallas. Keyshawn Johnson caught eight passes for 222 yards and three touchdowns as the Trojans finished with an 8-3-1 record.

In Tempe, Ariz., Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam rushed for three touchdowns as Colorado routed Notre Dame, 41-24, in the Fiesta Bowl. Salaam, a junior, then announced that he would enter the NFL draft.

In New Orleans, Florida State won its Sugar Bowl rematch against Florida, 23-17.

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