Joe Paterno was a spry 69-year-old and Anthony Morelli was only 11 in 1996, the last time Penn State defeated Michigan in a football game.

The Nittany Lions and Wolverines have played eight times since then, four times at Beaver Stadium, four times in Ann Arbor, and the results have been the same.

Penn State lost every contest.

Early in the string of defeats, Michigan's defense dominated two talented Penn State teams. Toward the middle, the Wolverines took advantage of the Lions during a few down seasons, before they most recently handed Penn State its only loss in 2005 and rolled over the Lions last year on their way to the BCS.

Current Penn State players are aware of the circumstances surrounding the last two defeats, but here's a look at them all:

Nov. 8, 1997
Beaver Stadium
UM 34, PSU 8

The Wolverines' national championship train stopped in State College. Both teams entered the game undefeated (No. 2 Penn State at 7-0, No. 4 Michigan at 8-0) with high hopes for the postseason. But this game was all Michigan's.

The Wolverines, who led the Big Ten in all defensive categories, limited quarterback Mike McQueary to 68 passing yards and the Lions to 169 yards of total offense, their lowest total since 1988.

At the season's end, Brian Griese led Michigan to a Rose Bowl win, and Wolverines cornerback Charles Woodson won the Heisman. The loss was Penn State's only home defeat as it finished 9-3, losing to Florida in the Citrus Bowl.

Nov. 7, 1998
Michigan Stadium
UM 27, PSU 0

"Annihilation" was the Collegian's headline the Monday after this game.

For the second straight year, Michigan upset Penn State in dominating fashion. The No. 22 Wolverines jumped to an early lead, and Tom Brady's efficient passing day was more than enough to secure the win.

The Wolverines' defense limited the No. 9 Lions to less than 200 total yards and PSU quarterback Kevin Thompson was 8 of 31 with two interceptions and a fumble. The Lions were shut out for the first time since 1987.

Michigan and Penn State finished 9-3. All three games the Lions lost were on the road.

Nov. 13, 1999
Beaver Stadium
UM 31, PSU 27

The Lions had the ball, leading by three points with 3:21 to go. All they needed to do was hold onto the ball and let the clock wind down.

It didn't work out that way -- after three futile plays, the Lions were forced to punt.

Brady made the most of the opportunity, hitting wide receiver Marcus Knight for a touchdown that gave the Wolverines a 31-27 lead that they would not relinquish.

Penn State had one more chance to take the lead, but its hopes were dashed when quarterback Kevin Thompson lost a fumble.

The loss was one of three to end Penn State's regular season.

Nov. 11, 2000
Michigan Stadium
UM 33, PSU 11

This was a game of missed opportunities for the Lions in a difficult 5-7 campaign. Penn State converted on third down only two times in 14 attempts. The Lions made it down to Michigan's 35-yard-line seven times, but their offense couldn't get anything going, and senior kicker Ryan Primanti missed four field goals.

Oct. 6, 2001
Beaver Stadium
UM 20, PSU 0

Just another stop in a forgettable season for the Lions. This game made the 2001 Lions the first to begin a season 0-4. The big problem for Penn State was its offense. It could only muster 25 yards on the ground on 26 carries. The Lions punted the ball 10 times.

Penn State finished the season 5-6.

Oct. 12, 2002
Michigan Stadium
UM 27, PSU 24 (OT)

Running back Chris Perry's 3-yard touchdown run sealed the upset for No. 15 Michigan in overtime against the No. 13 Lions.

But this was a meeting tinged with controversy. On third-and-5 in the final minute of the fourth quarter, Penn State quarterback Zack Mills hit Tony Johnson for an apparent first down on the Michigan 23. Officials, however, ruled the pass incomplete because Johnson fell out of bounds.

Asked to assess the Michigan game, Paterno simply said, "It was a close game."

Oct. 15, 2005
Michigan Stadium
UM 27, PSU 25

This one will live in infamy. And it will forever be remembered for one second. The one second when Michigan wide receiver Mario Manningham cut through the back of the end zone as time expired. The one second when Michigan quarterback Chad Henne dropped then made his throw.

It was the one second that ruined Penn State's perfect season. Henne connected with Manningham for a last-second touchdown, giving Michigan the upset victory. The Lions finished 11-1 and won the Orange Bowl. But even then, they couldn't get over the Wolverines.

Oct. 14, 2006
Beaver Stadium
UM 17, PSU 10

The final score made this game seem much closer than it really was. Michigan's defense stymied the Lions offense, holding it to just 186 total yards. Penn State was held to minus-14 rushing yards. Making matters worse, Michigan sacked Penn State quarterbacks seven times, knocking Anthony Morelli and Daryll Clark out of the game.

Mike Hart rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries for Michigan.