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Penn State Players React to Rose Bowl Bid

UNIVERSITY PARK — The past 24 hours have been a roller coaster ride for Penn State fans. On Saturday night, the team came from behind to win the Big Ten c...

UNIVERSITY PARK -- The past 24 hours have been a roller coaster ride for Penn State fans.

On Saturday night, the team came from behind to win the Big Ten championship. Then on Sunday, players learned they would not be selected to play for a national championship, but instead were invited to the Rose Bowl.

Less than 12 hours after their Big Ten title win in Indiana, Penn State's football team returned to main campus in State College.

"We have been battling adversity this whole entire year, so just to come with a big win like that is exciting," said linebacker Manny Bowen.

Elated and exhausted players quickly learned while they will not play for a national championship, they are headed to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

"All we needed was us. No one really believed in us from the get go, when we went 2-2. So having that moment together is really special," said safety Jarvis Miller.

Miller tells Newswatch 16 it's a game he dreamed of as a youngster.

"Growing up watching Reggie Bush and USC playing in the Rose Bowl, Penn State playing in the Rose Bowl back in the day. It's one of those games you just know. Everyone watches these prestigious games. So even playing in the Rose Bowl is a dream come true for me."

In the hub, students kept an eye on the computer as the announcement was made.

"I wish we were in the playoffs, but we knew it was kind of a long shot, but we're Big Ten champs! That's is exciting in itself," student Madison Metz said.

Disappointment about the national championship didn't last long. Everyone we spoke with on campus is looking forward to the Rose Bowl.

We met some recent graduates who traveled to State College to watch the Big Ten championship game with other fans and buy some new gear. They say after five years of ups and downs, this feels like the start of a new era.

"All the scandals and everything that happened, we have been rooting for our team, we have been saying we are back!" Jonathan Shahar, Penn State graduate.

"We would like to take our grandchildren to the Rose Bowl and maybe the Rose Bowl Parade, so that's cool," said Susan Hoffman of Coal Township.

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