It was another solid bowl game victory to finalize another typical Penn State season under Joe Paterno in where they finished near the top of the conference standings, yet got a chance to show their strength elsewhere in the college football landscape. Tennessee was a good team in 2006, and the Nittany Lions defense showed out to shut down a potent offense. The PSU fanbase got to see the fitting sendoff of two legendary Lions in this game, Tony Hunt and Paul Posluszny. Each having their moments in the second half. Quarterback Anthony Morelli cam out firing often to his favorite target Deon Butler, and that combination would get them set up for the first touchdown of the game. But later on, after a somewhat stale back-and-forth between the two teams, Tennessee hit a long pass play to get them into scoring range. Only two plays later, cornerback Tony Davis picked up a fumble and returned it the distance to break the 10-10 tie. Then for the rest of the fourth quarter, it was all Tony Hunt. Carrying the ball 11 times to drain the clock and set up the Lions for an additional field goal, it was the perfect way to send out the tough-as-nails tailback and wrap up the victory for Penn State.

Penn State's Top Performers:

Tony Hunt: 31 carries, 158 yards .. 1 catch, 7 yards
Paul Posluszny: 8 tackles, 2.5 TFL
Anthony Scirrotto: 8 tackles, Interception, 3 Passes Defended
Deon Butler: 3 catches, 73 yards

Penn State tacked on another New Years Day Bowl victory under Joe Paterno's tenure, to finish 2006 with a 9-4 record, and a #24 national ranking. Penn State was 4th in the 2006 Big Ten standings. Tennessee, from the SEC, finished 9-4 as well, and ended up in second place in the SEC East division. The Volunteers checked in at a #25 national ranking in the AP Poll.