The Nittany Lions are taking on the Utah Utes in the Rose Bowl. Here’s a look at our coverage from Pasadena, California, leading up to the Jan. 2 game.
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Excitement in Los Angeles is growing for the Rose Bowl game between Utah and Penn State, with the Leishman Trophy making the rounds and thousands of Nittany Lions fans taking part in a Sunday pep rally.
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham and Penn State coach James Franklin had a joint press conference Sunday morning and posed for photos with the Leishman Trophy.
“We expect to have a great football game,” Franklin said in his opening statement. “I think it’s going to be a four-quarter game. There’s been great games already during this bowl season, especially the last couple days, and I expect this to be another one.”
The Leishman Trophy sits surrounded by roses as Utah coach Kyle Whittingham and Penn State coach James Franklin have a press conference for the Rose Bowl on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State coach James Franklin answers a question during a press conference for the Rose Bowl on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham listens as Penn State coach James Franklin answers a question during the press conference for the Rose Bowl on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham and Penn State coach James Franklin stand next to the Leishman Trophy after the press conference for the Rose Bowl on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
In the afternoon thousands of fans gathered at LA Live for a pep rally hosted by the Penn State Alumni Association. Speakers included Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi and Athletic Director Pat Kraft, along with lettermen Jack Ham, Craig Fayak, O.J. McDuffie and Michael Mauti.
Franklin and a group of players also made an appearance, thanking fans and reminding them to wear white for Monday’s game.
The Penn State Alumni Association hosted a pep rally at LA Live on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
The Penn State Nittany Lion leads a chant during the pep rally at LA Live hosted by the Penn State Alumni Association on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi speaks during the pep rally at LA Live hosted by the Penn State Alumni Association on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Pat Kraft pumps up the crowd during the pep rally hosted by the Penn State Alumni Association at LA Live on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Gus Zayac, 5, cheers along with the thousands of Penn State fans at the pep rally hosted by the Penn State Alumni Association on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 at LA Live. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State football coach James Franklin and several players pump up the crowd at the pep rally hosted by the Penn State Alumni Association on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State football coach James Franklin thanks the fans during the pep rally hosted by the Penn State Alumni Association on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Thousands of Penn State fans gathered at LA Live for a pep rally hosted by the Penn State Alumni Association on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
A statue of Magic Johnson was the backdrop as the Penn State Blue Band played at the pep rally hosted by the Penn State Alumni Association on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 at LA Live. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State letterman O. J. McDuffie pumps up the crowd at the pep rally hosted by the Penn State Alumni Association on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 at LA Live. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi dances with young fans at the pep rally hosted by the Penn State Alumni Association on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 at LA Live. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Thousands of Penn State fans gathered at LA Live for a pep rally hosted by the Penn State Alumni Association on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State fans sing along to the alma matter during the pep rally hosted by the Penn State Alumni Association on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 at LA Live. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
The Nittany Lions are taking on the Utah Utes in the Rose Bowl. Here’s a look at our coverage from Pasadena, California, leading up to the Jan. 2 game.
