Michael T. Mondak speaks: Small Battles, Big Victories Chapter 9: The Granddaddy of Them All

The last post talked about how Jackson Pryts and the Nittany Lions defeated Washington to win the Big Ten Championship.  This post talks about Penn State playing Arizona in the Rose Bowl for the opportunity to play for the national championship.

The blue skies of Pasadena, California stretched endlessly over the San Gabriel Mountains, a perfect backdrop for the Rose Bowl on the evening of New Year’s Day. The air smelled of flowers, barbecue, and destiny.

The Rose Bowl is a part of what is called the New Year’s Six, along with the Peach, Sugar, Orange, Fiesta and Cotton Bowls.  It is the oldest of all college football bowl games, hence its nickname, “The Granddaddy of Them All”.

This particular Rose Bowl was part of the College Football Playoff, where the four best teams selected by a committee would play for the national championship.  In this particular season, Penn State, Arizona, Notre Dame and Alabama were selected for the playoff.

For the first time in over a decade, Penn State walked onto the field as Big Ten Champions, preparing to take on the Arizona Wildcats, champions of the Pac-12. It was their second trip to The Granddaddy of Them All in the 2020s, having defeated the Utah Utes in the game in the 2022 season, back when Jackson was a true freshman.  The bands blared, the stadium glowed, and millions tuned in around the country — including one special girl watching from her hospital bed back home.

Cassie wore her Nittany Lion beanie and her hospital room had been transformed by the nurses into a miniature Beaver Stadium. Blue and white streamers hung from the ceiling. A cardboard cutout of Jackson stood by the door.

“Go get ’em, Jackson,” she whispered.

Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit had the call on ABC, their voices blending seamlessly with the roar of 90,000 fans.

“This is college football’s crown jewel,” Fowler began. “And Penn State has come here with purpose.”

“They’ve been playing inspired all season,” Herbstreit added. “Jackson Pryts has been the heart of that defense — and the soul of this team. They are on a mission to win something special. Something special for a soon to be ten year old girl named Cassie Day who is battling cancer in a hospital in the Shenango Valley.”

From the opening whistle, the Nittany Lions dominated. Arizona’s offense tried to find rhythm, but Jackson was everywhere — blitzing, chasing, tackling. By halftime, Penn State led 24–7.

The bands took the field at intermission, spelling out PSU in sweeping formation as fireworks burst overhead. In Sharon, Cassie clapped along with the rhythm of the drums, her heart full of pride.

In the second half, Arizona mounted a comeback, pulling within ten. Then, with five minutes to go, they threatened again — 3rd-and-goal from the 4-yard line.

Jackson stood in the middle of the defense, eyes locked on the quarterback. The snap came. A quick throw to the flat — but Jackson read it instantly.

He dove, arm outstretched — deflected!

The ball popped into the air and was intercepted by his teammate Dominic DeLuca. The stadium erupted.

“THE LIONS TAKE IT AWAY!” shouted Fowler. “Jackson Pryts again with the play of the game! They’re headed to Jerry World for the national championship!”

Cassie screamed with joy.  “YEAH!” she yelled to nobody in particular.  “We’re going to Texas!”

The offense took over and ran out the clock. As the final seconds ticked away, the camera zoomed in on Jackson, helmet off, tears streaming down his face.

Penn State 31, Arizona 21.

The Nittany Lions were Rose Bowl Champions again.

On the field, rose petals fluttered through the air. Players embraced, confetti mixed with sunlight, and the iconic trophy gleamed in the California sun.

Jackson climbed the platform, lifting the silver-and-gold cup high above his head. The television camera caught his lips as he mouthed,

“For you, Cassie.”

Back in Pennsylvania, Cassie clutched the football he’d given her. She smiled, whispering, “You did it.”

That night, as the team boarded their plane home, Jackson looked out the window at the endless night sky. The victory was sweet, but he knew one thing with crystal clarity:

There was still one more mountain to climb.

The next morning, Cassie received a phone call in her hospital room.

“Hello?” she said.

“Hi, kiddo!” said a familiar voice.

“Jackson!” exclaimed Cassie, “you did it!”

“No, we did it,” replied Jackson. “We play for you.”

“I cannot believe we are here!” Cassie shouted. “We are going to the national championship!”

“We want you to be there at Jerry World for the game.  The athletic department has arranged it with your doctors, and you and your family are going to have a blast.”

“Excellent!”

“I’ll see you at midfield after we win the national championship.”

“See you in Texas. Bye.”

Cassie hung up, excited for her trip to Texas for the national championship, where she would get to see her hero and friend in person.