Dec. 24, 2010
TAMPA, Fla.; December 24, 2010 - The Penn State football team conducted its seventh Florida practice today in preparation for its New Year's Day clash with the Florida Gators in the 25th Outback Bowl.
The team practiced in sunny conditions with temperatures in the 60's for the fifth consecutive day at the Philadelphia Phillies' Carpenter Complex in Clearwater. Following practice, the coaches, staff and players moved to Tampa.
On Christmas Eve, the team gathered with the football coaches and staff and their families for the traditional Christmas party at the Hyatt Regency. Redshirt freshman center Ty Howle dressed up as Santa Claus to highlight the party, delivering presents to the children, who sang several Christmas carols. Tight end Nate Cadogan led the audience in several carols, including Silent Night.
The squad has Christmas Day off and will meet on Sunday. The Outback Bowl will host a Welcome Dinner for both teams Sunday night.
Penn State will clash with Florida in the Outback Bowl at 1:00 p.m. on January 1 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The contest will air on ABC and the Penn State Sports Network. The Nittany Lions and Gators rank among the nation's top 10 in winning percentage since 2005. Paterno's squad will be seeking its fifth bowl victory over the past six seasons, with three wins in New Year's Day post-season games.
The Nittany Lions will be making their 37th post-season trip under Paterno, who is the all-time leader in bowl wins (24) and appearances. Paterno is taking a team to a 25th New Year's bowl game, having compiled a superlative 17-7 mark. Penn State is 3-0 in the Outback Bowl, beating Tennessee in the 2007 contest in its last appearance.
The Outback Bowl is the only 2010-11 bowl game featuring two head coaches who have won a national championship, with Paterno and Florida's Urban Meyer both earning two national titles.
For Outback Bowl ticket information, go to www.GoPSUsports.com. Tickets also are available by calling 814-863-1000 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Dec. 27 and 28.