1981 Penn State Nittany Lions football team

The 1981 Penn State Nittany Lions football team represented Pennsylvania State University during the 1981 NCAA Division I-A football season. The team was selected national champion by Dunkel, an NCAA-designated major selector, while Clemson, who finished the season 12–0, was the consensus national champion.

Notre Dame

 * Source: Eugene Register-Guard

Following the game, Penn State accepted an invitation to the Fiesta Bowl.

Pittsburgh

 * Source:

The Nittany Lions snapped the Panthers' 17-game winning streak in convincing fashion.

Vs. USC (Fiesta Bowl)

 * Source:

NFL Draft
Ten Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1982 NFL Draft.

Awards

 * Joe Paterno
 * Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award