A Penn State spokesperson confirmed Wednesday night that the program has been in talks with the University of Miami about playing a future game or series.
The Miami Herald reported Wednesday that the Hurricanes were optimistic about finalizing a future football matchup (one or more) with Penn State. While the year was undetermined a neutral site game was a possibility.
Bill O’Brien has long advocated for the Nittany Lions to take a trip to a bowl-like location for a nonconference meeting. The second year head coach has also confirmed that he has actively pursuing a game in Ireland.
Penn State is currently entering the second year of a four-year bowl ban making the Nittany Lions ineligible for postseason play. The Big Ten conference also imposed a four-year ban from the conference title game although the Nittany Lions are still eligible to win their division title.
The Nittany Lions have played the University of Miami 13 times since 1961 and hold a 7-6 series edge. Penn State defeated Miami 14-10 in the 1987 Fiesta Bowl for a second national title in four years under then head coach Joe Paterno. Penn State also took on Miami in 2001 in the season opener and the first game in the newly renovated Beaver Stadium. The Hurricanes won that game 33-7 en route to an undefeated season and national title.
While neither Penn State or Miami have indicated a timeline for the series or game to unfold, both programs have several mutually open dates during the 2015-16 season.
Penn State announced earlier this year that the Nittany Lions would play a home-and-home series with the University of Central Florida. UCF will travel to face Penn State at Beaver Stadium on Sept. 14, 2013. The Knights will then host the Nittany Lions at Bright House Networks Stadium in Orlando on a date to be announced either during the 2014 or 2015 season.
