1998 Recap

Written by: Big 33 Staff on July 25, 1998.

The Pennsylvania Big 33 Classic is played under special regulations to make the game more exciting for spectators and players alike. Ohio made it a little too exciting with a 34-13 romp over Pennsylvania before 16,327 fans at Hersheypark Stadium on July 25, 1998.

The stars of Ohio’s victory were quarterback Dave Ragone and wide receiver Robert Redd. Rangone passed for Ohio’s first four touchdowns. The first three went to Redd on plays of 14, 35 and 15 yards.

Redd caught his first touchdown pass on the game’s fourth play. He got another on Ohio’s second possession as the visitors soared to a 14-0 lead. Pennsylvania, with Arlen Harris showing the way, drove 81 yards for its initial touchdown. Only one pass was thrown on the possession.

It appeared Pennsylvania would emerge from a tough first half very much in the game. Then Brent Andrew’s pass was tipped and intercepted by Ohio’s Matt Edwards at the Pennsylvania 25 with 93 seconds remaining in the first half. On second down at the 17, Ragone and Redd made it look like they were the only two players on the field. Redd had somehow eluded his defender and was all alone right between the uprights in the middle of the end zone.

Pennsylvania had one last chance after recovering a fumble. Neal Wood was on the receiving end of a 35-yard touchdown pass from Matt Senneca and now trailed by just 21-13.

Ohio moved from its own 17 for the clinching score after another TD strike to Redd was nullified by a personal foul penalty. A blocked punt was later returned for a TD to make the final count 34-13.