Penn State completed a remarkable turnaround season with a sensational win over Florida State in the Orange Bowl.

The game was not for those who wanted to turn in early -- and that may include head coach Joe Paterno -- because this well-played, hard-hitting game went into triple overtime where the Nittany Lions emerged with a 26-23 victory.

The winning points came off the left foot of freshman kicker Kevin Kelly, who hooked a 29-yard field goal just inside the left upright. The kick, however, was anything but a chip shot. Kelly had missed field goals at the end of regulation and in the first overtime.

He was not alone in his misadventures. Florida State kicker Gary Cismesia missed an extra point in regulation and his 38-yard field goal in third overtime session clanked off the upright, giving Kelly his opportunity to win the game.

Defense ruled this game and it appeared Florida State had no clue as how to move the ball against the Nittany Lion defense. Florida State had no running game -- only 26 yards -- and quarterback Drew Weatherford was held down by the Nittany Lion secondary. But just when it appeared the Seminoles might not get anything on the scoreboard, they scored two touchdowns late in the first half.

The first came on Willie Reid's Orange Bowl record 87-yard punt return with 4:09 to play. Less than 1:30 later, Weatherford hit Lorenzo Booker with a swing pass that went for 57 yards and a score. That play gave FSU a 13-7 lead -- Cismesia missed the extra point -- and momentum with 2:49 to play in the half.

The next series was vital. Despite significant pressure from the Seminole defense, quarterback Michael Robinson calmly led the Lions downfield and he culminated the drive with a perfect 24-yard pass to a diving Ethan Kilmer in the end zone for a 14-13 advantage.

The second half was a heavyweight championship battle with both sides exchanging body blows. The defenses for both team were the aggressors as Penn State went three points ahead after a safety early in the fourth and the Seminoles tied it on Cismesia's 48-yard field goal with 4:08 to play.

After a scoreless first overtime, both sides traded touchdowns in the second. Backup RB Austin Scott pounded it in from a yard out for Penn State while B.J. Dean followed suit for the Seminoles.

Finally, Kelly's kick ended it in the wee hours of the morning. Paterno was simply exhausted.

"This was the longest game I've ever been a part of," Paterno said. "I kept looking at my watch -- 12, 12:30, a quarter to 1 -- this was the longest game I have ever been a part of. Normally, I'm sleeping three hours compared to the time this one ended."

Paterno may have been the only Penn Stater complaining. It was a remarkable finish to a sensational year.

GAME OF THE YEAR: Penn State 26, Florida State 23 (3 OT), Jan. 3 -- The Seminoles matched the Nittany Lions in physical play and both sides left everything on the Orange Bowl floor. In the end, the Nittany Lions had a little bit more in the tank and were able to survive because K Kevin Kelly made his FG attempt in the third overtime while FSU's Gary Cismesia clanked his off the upright.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: QB Michael Robinson -- He gets the slight nod over LB Paul Posluszny. Robinson gets the honor because he took what had been a moribund offense this season and put it on his shoulders. The Nittany Lions became explosive because Robinson did a solid job of getting the ball downfield to his speedy receivers and also made things happen with his legs by rushing for 806 yards and 11 touchdowns.

RAPID REVIEW: Penn State had endured four losing seasons in the previous five years, so little was expected this year even though Joe Paterno squeaked, "We may be pretty good," at the annual Big Ten preseason meeting. The Nittany Lions went unblemished in non-conference play and then when they defeated Ohio State 17-10 on Oct. 8, the football world knew Penn State was back. The only thing that kept them from going undefeated was a last-second touchdown pass from Chad Henne to Mario Manningham at Michigan a week after the victory over the Buckeyes.

FAST FORWARD: The Nittany Lions will have speed on offense and power on defense once again. However, Robinson was a huge factor and backup Anthony Morelli will have huge shoes to fill.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "It was the biggest game of the year, the toughest game of the year, and it's only right that it comes down to the end." -- Penn State DE Matt Rice on the 26-23 win over the Seminoles.

PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2006: WR Deon Butler -- After an injury to Derrick Williams (broken arm), Butler stepped up and became Michael Robinson's go-to guy. Butler caught 37 passes for 691 yards and nine touchdowns and has explosive deep speed.

WR Derrick Williams -- While he was stopped at midseason by injury, Williams has a shot at contending for player of the year honors in 2006 if he can stay healthy. Not only does he have breakaway speed, he is elusive and instinctive. Big Ten defensive coordinators lose sleep trying to contain him.

RB Tony Hunt -- He may have been the biggest surprise of a shockingly good season. Hunt ran for 1,047 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 6.0 yards per carry. Hunt was the most durable of running backs during the regular season, but he lasted only three plays in the Orange Bowl before going down because of an ankle injury.

CANDIDATES FOR NEXT LEVEL

DE Tamba Hali -- A dominant pass rusher who has the NFL scouts very interested after recording 65 tackles, 17 tackles for losses and 11.0 sacks this year. Not only were the numbers great, but Hali improved steadily as his senior season progressed.

CB Alan Zemaitis -- Has the potential to be an outstanding cornerback at the next level. Not only does he have all the physical skills and size to dominate, he knows the game extremely well and has honed his instincts. Zemaitis had 10 passes defensed and six interceptions this year.

LB Paul Posluszny -- His status is on hold after suffering a knee injury in the fourth quarter against Florida State. While Posluszny has one season of eligibility remaining, there is little doubt that he would be a very high draft pick if he decides to come out and he is healthy. He is nearly as good as Ohio State stud A.J. Hawk. In an era when tackling appears to be a lost art, Posluszny is a master craftsman in that area. He had 116 tackles.

ROSTER REPORT: Wide receiver Derrick Williams (broken arm) was unable to play against Florida State, but the Nittany Lions are hoping he will be 100% for spring practice. LB Paul Posluszny suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter. Joe Paterno speculated that the star linebacker had ligament damage. Posluszny will undergo an MRI exam to determine the full extent of the injury.