Penn State to play Arkansas in Outback Bowl

Penn State will open the new year on the football field.

The Nittany Lions will play in the Outback Bowl for the fourth time in program history when they take on No. 21 Arkansas at noon Jan. 1 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay. The game will air on ESPN2.

It will be the first meeting between Penn State (7-5) and Arkansas (8-4).

The Nittany Lions finished fourth in the Big Ten’s East Division, compiling a 4-5 record against division opponents. Arkansas was 4-4 in the SEC West, good for third place in the division.

“I am immensely proud of our student-athletes, coaches and staff for the hard work they have put into the preparations and execution of this season,” Penn State vice president for intercollegiate athletics Sandy Barbour said in a statement. “This bowl is a great opportunity for our football family to be together one final time while also representing our great university on a national stage.

“Tampa Bay is a tremendous location for our Penn State community to gather and support our student-athletes and program. … We are excited to see our Penn State family descend on Tampa Bay and passionately represent the Nittany Lions.”

Penn State last played in the Outback Bowl in 2010, a 37-24 loss to Florida. The Nittany Lions also beat Tennessee in 2006 and Auburn in 1995.

“We are excited for our upcoming trip to Tampa Bay and to have the opportunity to represent Penn State in the Outback Bowl,” Penn State coach James Franklin said in a statement. “I am thrilled for our guys to have one more month together as a family to prepare for Arkansas.

“Tampa Bay is a great destination for our loyal fan base, and we know they will be there in full force to help send this special group of seniors off on a high note.”