HOLLYWOOD BEACH, Fla. -- As the sun faded on the eve of the 72nd FedEx Orange Bowl, R&B and hip-hop star Ciara realized how supportive her fans have been throughout her three-year music career.

"The love is crazy," Ciara, the 18-year-old princess of the South, said before her four-song performance in front of Penn State and Florida State students at the pre-game Orange Bowl Beach Bash.

"When I go to colleges, they always show me love and that's a blessing," she said. "That feels good, it's inspiring and motivating altogether."

The love was returned as Ciara gave back with a body-twisting, sweat-dripping, one-two-stepping performance at which all in attendance marveled.

Ciara, along with former American Idol winner Ruben Studdard, served as the Orange Bowl's entertainment for the bash and the bowl game. In the middle of her set at the bash, Ciara put a halt to the music and dancing.

"Wait a minute," she said to the crowd. "We're in Miami, and I heard Miami is fire. Y'all wanna see me dance!"

The Orange Bowl committee organized the bash for PSU and FSU followings, but judging by the reaction of fans, Penn State had the edge in attendance. The Blue Band played its classic songs as the Penn State cheerleaders danced along the front of the stage.

Though Ciara was not fully aware of the great tradition surrounding Penn State and its football, she said she knew it was pretty serious.

"I heard about them up there," said Ciara, who lives in Atlanta.

She would not make a prediction on the game, though -- perhaps the Orange Bowl committee wanted its performers to be neutral.

"I'll just say may the best team win," Ciara said. "But I do got love for Penn State."