A throwback game that could pass for an episode of “I Love The ‘80’s.”

For college football purists, it doesn’t get much better than this one.

Penn State and Notre Dame came back in a huge way last season, both earning berths in BCS bowls.

It’s Joe Paterno vs. Charlie Weis, those plain white helmets vs. the shiny Golden Dome, tradition vs. tradition.

It’s also a game of which we haven’t seen nearly enough (only 17 meetings all-time).

The last game was 1992, just before Penn State joined the Big Ten and left behind its independent status (still enjoyed by Notre Dame, by the way). Irish QB Rick Mirer led a spirited comeback that day. This game features, arguably, the nation’s best player on offense (Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn) and defense (Penn State LB Paul Posluszny).