Penn State entered the game with an 8–3 record and was ranked 22nd in the AP poll;[2] the Nittany Lions had been ranked as high as seventh in the AP poll that season.[2] Kentucky entered the game at 7–4, unranked, though having been ranked earlier in the season in the USA Today coaches' poll.[3] Penn State was favored by 7 points.[4] Kentucky entered the game with three starting offensive linemen replaced by freshman reserves.[1]
Kentucky started the scoring with a 36-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tim Couch to wide receiver Lance Mickelsen for an early 7–0 lead. Penn State responded with a 43-yard field goal from kicker Travis Forney. Minutes later, Tim Couch found Anthony White for a 16-yard touchdown pass, to give Kentucky a 14–3 lead.
In the second quarter, Penn State quarterback Kevin Thompson connected with Joe Nastasi for a 56-yard touchdown pass, pulling Penn State to within 14–10. Travis Forney kicked a 26-yard field goal before half to make the score 14–13.
In the third quarter, Forney connected on field goals of 21 and 25 yards, to give Penn State a 19–14 lead. In the fourth quarter, Chafie Fields scored on a 19-yard touchdown run with four minutes left to give Penn State a 26–14 lead. Penn State's defense held, with that being the final score.
References
^ ab2001 Kentucky Football Media Guide, '1999 Outback Bowl', p.169
