The 1986 NCAA Division I-A football season ended with Penn State winning the national championship. Coached by Joe Paterno, they defeated Miami (Fl) 14–10 in the Fiesta Bowl….as this Fiesta Bowl was the first in the game’s history to decide the national championship…which launched it into the top tier of bowls games….as Miami came into the game ranked # 1 in the country….and Penn State was ranked # 2. In a move that would come to symbolize the game for years to come, Miami arrived wearing combat fatigues while Penn State arrived wearing suits and ties.
Despite all the hype surrounding Miami, Penn State’s defense harassed and harried Heisman trophy winner Vinny Testaverde throughout the entire game…..as the Hurricanes committed seven turnovers….which included five interceptions thrown by Testaverde….whereas, the last of which was in the end zone with 18 seconds left….which won the game for the Nittany Lions.
As seen in this video herewith…..highlights of the 1986 NCAA college football season are put to the popular song “This Is The Moment”….with words that are perfectly matched with the highlights.
