The beginning of the 1998 season featured a quarterback controversy and a pre-season ranked (#21) Southern Mississippi visiting Beaver Stadium. The quarterback issue seemed to be solidified for the time being, by the older Kevin Thompson as he played impressively in his debut. The Penn State run game was strong in the first half while the visitors couldn't do anything offensively but pass. Penn State's defense was dominant other than the occasional burn on the fade route. And in a match-up that looked to be a much closer one to start the season, the Blue and White made it very much a one-sided affair.

Penn State Top Performers:
Kevin Thompson: 10-15, 140 yards, 1 TD pass
Joe Nastasi: 4 catches for 74 yards, 1 TD
Cordell Mitchell: 11 carries for 84 yards
OT Floyd Wedderburn: Player of the Game

The Nittany Lions begin '98 with a win and move on to play Bowling Green in week 2. After a loss to open the season, the Golden Eagles finished '98 with a 7-5 record as a member of the Conference USA conference.