2008 Penn State Nittany Lions football team
2008 Penn State Nittany Lions football | |
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Big Ten co-champion Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy | |
Conference | Big Ten Conference |
Ranking | |
Coaches | No. 8 |
AP | No. 8 |
2008 record | 11–2 (7–1 Big Ten) |
Head coach | Joe Paterno (43rd year) |
Offensive coordinator | Galen Hall |
Defensive coordinator | Tom Bradley |
Captain | Josh Gaines |
Captain | Anthony Scirrotto |
Captain | A.Q Shipley |
Captain | Derrick Williams |
Home stadium |
Beaver Stadium (Capacity: 107,282) |
2008 Big Ten football standings | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Conf | Overall | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Team | W | L | W | L | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#8 Penn State $+ | 7 | – | 1 | 11 | – | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#9 Ohio State %+ | 7 | – | 1 | 10 | – | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#24 Michigan State | 6 | – | 2 | 9 | – | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Northwestern | 5 | – | 3 | 9 | – | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#20 Iowa | 5 | – | 3 | 9 | – | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wisconsin | 3 | – | 5 | 7 | – | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Minnesota | 3 | – | 5 | 7 | – | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Illinois | 3 | – | 5 | 5 | – | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purdue | 2 | – | 6 | 4 | – | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Michigan | 2 | – | 6 | 3 | – | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Indiana | 1 | – | 7 | 3 | – | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The 2008 Penn State Nittany Lions football team represented the Pennsylvania State University in the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Joe Paterno and played its home games in Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania.
Previous season
The 2007 season began with the Nittany Lions ranked No. 17 in the AP and No. 18 in the Coaches' preseason polls, ranked as high as No. 10 at one point. The team dropped out of the rankings with back to back losses to Michigan and Illinois, regained a poll ranking after consecutive blowouts, then dropped out of the polls again after losing to Ohio State, but finished the season ranked No. 25 in the Coaches Poll with a final record of 9–4, including a victory over the Texas A&M Aggies in the 2007 Alamo Bowl.
Preseason
Prior to the end of the previous season, linebacker Sean Lee announced his plans to return for his senior season.[1] However, Lee tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during practice and was sidelined for the entire season. Lee used his available redshirt and plans to return in 2009.[2]
In January, junior cornerback Justin King announced that he was going to declare for the 2008 NFL Draft, skipping his final year of eligibility. King had graduated the previous semester with a degree in liberal arts with an emphasis in sports management. According to King's stepfather and high school coach, "He wanted to get an education and a degree from Penn State, which he did. He wanted to help turn Penn State around, and he did that, too."[3]
Despite the injury, Lee was named one of the team's captains for 2008.[2] Also elected captains by their teammates were center A. Q. Shipley, receiver Derrick Williams, safety Anthony Scirrotto and defensive end Josh Gaines. All five are seniors.[4]
Recruiting class
The Nittany Lions received 14 letters of intent on National Signing Day, February 6, 2008.
recruits | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Hometown | High school / college | Height | Weight | 40‡ | Commit date |
Brandon Beachum RB |
Youngstown, OH | Cardinal Mooney HS | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 220 lb (100 kg) | 4.65 | Jul 29, 2007 |
Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 78 | ||||||
Jack Crawford DE |
Richland, NJ | St. Augustine Prep | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) | 250 lb (110 kg) | 4.55 | Aug 26, 2007 |
Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 68 | ||||||
Mike Farrell OT |
Pittsburgh, PA | Shady Side Academy Senior School | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 272 lb (123 kg) | 5.45 | Jan 22, 2008 |
Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 75 | ||||||
D'Anton Lynn S |
Celina, TX | Celina HS | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 177 lb (80 kg) | 4.50 | Nov 10, 2007 |
Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 79 | ||||||
Pete Massaro DE |
Newtown Square, PA | Marple Newtown SHS | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 245 lb (111 kg) | 4.75 | Aug 20, 2007 |
Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 77 | ||||||
Michael Mauti MLB |
Mandeville, LA | Mandeville HS | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 220 lb (100 kg) | 4.60 | Jun 23, 2007 |
Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 82 | ||||||
Deon'tae Pannell OT |
Beverly Hills, MI | Wylie E. Groves HS | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 305 lb (138 kg) | 5.4 | Aug 10, 2007 |
Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 40 | ||||||
A.J. Price WR |
Reston, VA | South Lakes HS | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | 4.50 | Jan 21, 2008 |
Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 79 | ||||||
Matt Stankiewitch OG |
Schuylkill Haven, PA | Blue Mountain HS | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 290 lb (130 kg) | 5.2 | Apr 14, 2007 |
Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 78 | ||||||
James Terry DT |
Wilmington, DE | Brandywine HS | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 294 lb (133 kg) | 5.2 | Jul 28, 2007 |
Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 74 | ||||||
Brandon Ware DT |
Harrisburg, PA | Harrisburg HS | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 340 lb (150 kg) | 5.44 | Jan 27, 2008 |
Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 40 | ||||||
Mark Wedderburn TE |
Springfield Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania | Cardinal O'Hara HS | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 235 lb (107 kg) | 4.60 | Nov 27, 2007 |
Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 78 | ||||||
Mike Yancich WLB |
Washington, PA | Trinity SHS | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 219 lb (99 kg) | 4.50 | Jun 26, 2007 |
Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 78 | ||||||
Michael Zordich MLB |
Youngstown, OH | Cardinal Mooney HS | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 210 lb (95 kg) | 4.7 | Jun 1, 2007 |
Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 79 | ||||||
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 41 Rivals: 42 | ||||||
Sources:
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Spring practice
A record crowd of 73,000 fans attended the annual Blue-White scrimmage at Beaver Stadium on April 19, surpassing the previous year's record of 71,000. The Blue squad won 27–14.[5] Redshirt freshman running back Stephfon Green opened up the scoring for White, taking his first handoff 57 yards for a touchdown. Green finished the game with 87 yards on 12 carries, a 7.2 yard per carry average. Tight end Andrew Szczerba was the game's leading receiver, catching five passes for 65 yards in the first half.
In the quarterback competition, both Daryll Clark and Pat Devlin rotated between the first, second and third teams. Overall, Clark finished 9 of 16 for 106 yards and two scores, including a 33-yard touchdown pass to Derrick Williams. Devlin was 12 of 18 for 122 yards and a 22-yard touchdown pass to backup receiver Graham Zug.
On defense, sophomore Aaron Maybin tied for a game-high six tackles, including 3.5 sacks for the White team. Sophomore Ollie Ogbu led the Blue with six tackles and two sacks. Redshirt freshman linebacker Nate Stupar also had six tackles. Sophomore linebacker Chris Colasanti had four stops and forced and recovered a fumble.[6]
Suspensions
Five players were suspended prior to spring drills for their involvement in an October 7 fight at the HUB-Robeson Center during the previous season, including defensive tackle Chris Baker, linebacker NaVorro Bowman, defensive back Knowledge Timmons, defensive tackle Phil Taylor, and receiver Chris Bell.[7] Tight end Andrew Quarless became the sixth player suspended after a DUI incident in March.[8] Bell was later kicked off the team after brandishing a knife at a teammate.[9]
Following spring practice, Baker, Bowman, Quarless, Timmons and Taylor were allowed to rejoin and work out with the team.[10] Baker was sentenced to two years probation.[11]
ESPN's Outside the Lines aired a story on the legal troubles of the Penn State football team on July 27, 2008.[12] The story detailed the increased number of PSU football players that have been arrested during the past few years. Among the statistics presented in the story was that 46 different players since 2002 have been charged with a combined 163 counts that have resulted in 27 players pleading guilty to 45 crimes.[13] Three days after the story aired, Paterno dismissed Baker and Taylor, apparently after another off-campus incident.[14]
Pre-season awards
- Jeremy Boone
- First-team Athlon Sports pre-season All-Big Ten[15]
- First-team College Football News pre-season All-Big Ten[16]
- Deon Butler
- Maurice Evans
- First-team Athlon Sports pre-season All-American[15]
- Sports Illustrated pre-season All-American[17]
- First-team College Football News pre-season All-American[18]
- First-team College Football News pre-season All-Big Ten[16]
- Josh Gaines
- Kevin Kelly
- Second-team Athlon Sports pre-season All-Big Ten[15]
- Second-team College Football News pre-season All-Big Ten[16]
- Rich Ohrnberger
- First-team Athlon Sports pre-season All-Big Ten[15]
- Second-team College Football News pre-season All-Big Ten[16]
- Lydell Sargeant
- Anthony Scirrotto
- Second-team Athlon Sports pre-season All-Big Ten[15]
- Second-team College Football News pre-season All-Big Ten[16]
- A. Q. Shipley
- First-team Athlon Sports pre-season All-Big Ten[15]
- First-team College Football News pre-season All-Big Ten[16]
- A. J. Wallace
- Derrick Williams
- Third-team Athlon Sports pre-season All-Big Ten[15]
- Second-team College Football News pre-season All-Big Ten[16]
- Stefen Wisniewski
- First-team College Football News pre-season All-Big Ten[16]
Schedule
Penn State did not play Big Ten teams Northwestern and Minnesota this year.
Date | Time | Opponent# | Rank# | Site | TV | Result | Attendance | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
August 30 | 12:00 p.m.[19] | Coastal Carolina* | No. 22 | Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA | BTN[19] | W 66–10 | 106,577 | ||
September 6 | 3:30 p.m.[20] | Oregon State[21]* | No. 19 | Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA | ABC/ESPN2[20] | W 45–14 | 108,159 | ||
September 13 | 3:30 p.m.[22] | at Syracuse* | No. 17 | Carrier Dome • Syracuse, NY (Rivalry) | ABC[22] | W 55–13 | 45,795 | ||
September 20 | 12:00 p.m.[19] | Temple[23]* | No. 16 | Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA | BTN[19] | W 45–3 | 105,106 | ||
September 27 | 8:00 p.m.[24] | No. 22 Illinois | No. 12 | Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA | ABC[25] | W 38–24 | 109,626 | ||
October 4 | 12:00 p.m.[26] | at Purdue | No. 6 | Ross–Ade Stadium • West Lafayette, IN | ESPN[27] | W 20–6 | 57,215 | ||
October 11 | 8:00 p.m.[24] | at Wisconsin | No. 6 | Camp Randall Stadium • Madison, WI | ESPN[28] | W 48–7 | 81,524 | ||
October 18 | 4:30 p.m.[24] | Michigan | No. 3 | Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA | ESPN[29] | W 46–17 | 110,017 | ||
October 25 | 8:00 p.m.[24] | at No. 10 Ohio State | No. 3 | Ohio Stadium • Columbus, OH (Rivalry) | ABC[30] | W 13–6 | 105,711 | ||
November 8 | 3:30 p.m.[31] | at Iowa | No. 3 | Kinnick Stadium • Iowa City, IA | ABC[31] | L 23–24 | 70,585 | ||
November 15 | 12:00 p.m.[32] | Indiana | No. 7 | Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA | BTN[32] | W 34–7 | 108,447 | ||
November 22 | 3:30 p.m.[33] | No. 17 Michigan State | No. 7 | Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA (Land Grant Trophy) | ABC[33] | W 49–18 | 109,845 | ||
January 1, 2009 | 5:10 p.m.[34] | vs. No. 5 USC[34]* | No. 6 | Rose Bowl • Pasadena, CA (Rose Bowl) | ABC[34] | L 24–38 | 93,293 | ||
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll. All times are in Eastern Time. |
Coaching staff
- Joe Paterno – Head Coach
- Dick Anderson – Offensive Line (Guards and Centers)
- Tom Bradley – Defensive Coordinator and Cornerbacks
- Kermit Buggs – Safeties
- Galen Hall – Offensive Coordinator and Running Backs
- Larry Johnson, Sr. – Defensive Line
- Bill Kenney – Offensive Tackles and Tight Ends
- Mike McQueary – Wide Receivers and Recruiting Coordinator
- Jay Paterno – Quarterbacks
- Ron Vanderlinden – Linebackers
- John Thomas – Strength and Conditioning
Game notes
August 30: Coastal Carolina
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Coastal Carolina | 0 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 10 |
Penn State | 14 | 24 | 21 | 7 | 66 |
Sophomore tailback Evan Royster ran for three touchdowns and 64 yards on eight carries, and redshirt freshman Stephfon Green gained 89 yards on ten carries including two scores to help the Nittany Lions defeat the Chanticleers of Coastal Carolina 66–10. Penn State has won seven straight season openers. After Trent Usher provided the Chanticleers' lone touchdown on a 33-yard reception to cut Penn State's lead to 14–7 early in the second quarter, Derrick Williams scored on an 89-yard kickoff return en route to a 38–7 halftime lead.
Many reserves saw action in the second half, including Chaz Powell's 55-yard touchdown run, and freshman Brandon Beachum's 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter for the Nittany Lions' final touchdown. After Darryl Clark and Pat Devlin split quarterback duties in the first three quarters, Penn State subbed in Paul Cianciolo for the 4th. Coastal Carolina kicked a field goal as time expired for the final score.
Defensively for Penn State, Tyrell Sales led the defense with seven tackles, while Aaron Maybin had two sacks. Bani Gbadyu snagged his first career interception. Twenty-eight Nittany Lions recorded at least one tackle.
The win tied Joe Paterno with Florida State's Bobby Bowden atop the career wins list among major college coaches with his 373rd win.[35]
September 6: Oregon State
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oregon State | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 14 |
Penn State | 14 | 21 | 10 | 0 | 45 |
In the week leading up to the game, a campus police search turned up a small amount of marijuana in an on-campus apartment home to defensive end Maurice Evans, defensive tackle Abe Koroma, tight end Andrew Quarless and cornerback A. J. Wallace. Coach Paterno later announced that Evans, Koroma and Quarless would not play against Oregon State. Wallace was allowed to return to practice, according to Paterno, "Wallace was not part of that." In an unrelated incident, cornerback Willie Harriott was dismissed from the team.[36]
Despite the off-field distractions, the Nittany Lions rolled to a 35–7 halftime lead en route to a 45–14 win in their first ever meeting with the Beavers. Sophomore tailback Evan Royster ran for a career-high 141 yards on seventeen carries and three touchdowns. Daryll Clark's 276 total yards of offense (215 yards passing, 61 yards rushing) helped Penn State total 454 yards of offense.
Linebackers Tyrell Sales and Navorro Bowman both recorded ten tackles each, both career-highs. Linebacker Josh Hull and safety Mark Rubin both made their first career interceptions.[37] Junior defensive end Jerome Hayes, making his first career start in place of the suspended Evans, was lost for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL in his left knee. Hayes missed the latter half of the 2007 season with a torn ACL in his right knee.[38]
For his performance, Royster was named Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week.[39]
September 13: Syracuse
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Penn State | 21 | 17 | 10 | 7 | 55 |
Syracuse | 0 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 13 |
The Nittany Lions defeated their old rivals 55–13 in their first meeting since the series was last played in 1990. Each of Penn State's three quarterbacks threw touchdown passes. Daryll Clark finished 10 of 21 for 163 yards and two touchdowns, Pat Devlin was 8 of 13 for 130 yards and two touchdowns, and Paul Cianciolo was 2 of 4 for 51 yards and a score. Receivers Jordan Norwood and Deon Butler both had over 100 yards receiving and two touchdowns apiece. Kevin Kelly kicked a 52-yard field goal just before halftime, the second-longest of his career, and backup kicker Collin Wagner kicked a 43-yard field goal late in the third quarter, his first career field goal.
The Nittany Lion defense held the Orange offense without a first down until early in the second quarter.[40]
September 20: Temple
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Temple | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
Penn State | 0 | 31 | 7 | 7 | 45 |
After a scoreless first quarter, the Nittany Lions scored three touchdowns in the first six minutes of the second quarter en route to a 31–0 halftime lead. The Penn State defense held the Owls to only 138 yards of total offense, including only 16 yards on the ground. In contrast, the Nittany Lions totaled 546 of offense, highlighted by Stephfon Green's 132 rushing yards including a 69-yard touchdown.[41]
Sophomore linebacker Navorro Bowman, in his first start, recorded eleven tackles, including five tackles for loss and three sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. Bowman was named Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week.[42]
The win, combined with Florida State's loss to Wake Forest, gave Paterno sole possession of the career record for most wins by a Division I FBS coach.[43]
September 27: Illinois
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Illinois | 14 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 24 |
Penn State | 14 | 7 | 3 | 14 | 38 |
The Nittany Lions defeated the Fighting Illini 38–24 in a nationally-televised, prime time, "White Out" game, earning their first win over a ranked opponent this season and their first victory over a ranked opponent in a conference opener since joining the Big Ten. Illinois jumped out to a 14–7 lead, becoming the first team to take a lead on the Nittany Lions and the first to score points against them in the first quarter this season. However, the Nittany Lions responded with two touchdowns en route to a 21–14 halftime lead. The Illini wouldn't score again until kicking a field goal on the final play of the third quarter after recovering a Stephfon Green fumble, but Derrick Williams returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown. Penn State was 4 of 4 in the red zone and was penalized only once for 10 yards.
The Illini's 24 points were the most allowed by Penn State this season as were their 189 total rushing yards.[44]
Derrick Williams is the first player under Paterno to score a rushing, receiving, and a kick return touchdown in the same game.[44][45] His career-high 241 all-purpose yards (33 rushing, 75 receiving and 133 on kick returns) are the most by a Nittany Lion since Larry Johnson gained 289 yards versus Michigan State in 2002.[46] Williams was selected the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week.[47]
October 4: Purdue
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Penn State | 0 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 20 |
Purdue | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 |
Penn State defeated the Boilermakers 20–6 in their last matchup against Purdue coach Joe Tiller, who is retiring after this season. The Nittany Lions outgained Purdue 422 to 241 in total offense.
Daryll Clark completed 18 of 26 passes for 226 yards and a ran for a touchdown—a quarterback sneak on 4th-and-goal in the second quarter for the first points of the game. Running back Evan Royster ran for 141 yards and a touchdown and also caught four passes for 53 yards.
Purdue quarterback Curtis Painter finished 13 of 22 for 112 yards but was replaced by backup Joey Elliott after throwing an interception to Nittany Lions safety Drew Astorino. Purdue kicker Chris Summers missed all three of his kick attempts—two field goal attempts and an extra point attempt. Running back Kory Sheets' fourth-quarter touchdown on Purdue's last possession of the game was Purdue's first offensive touchdown against Penn State since 2005.[48]
October 11: Wisconsin
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Penn State | 3 | 21 | 17 | 7 | 48 |
Wisconsin | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
Daryll Clark ran for two touchdowns and threw for one to Deon Butler in Penn State's 48–7 win over the Badgers in Camp Randall Stadium, handing them their worst home loss since 1989. Derrick Williams returned a punt for a touchdown, Evan Royster and backup quarterback Pat Devlin scored touchdowns on short runs, and Kevin Kelly kicked two field goals for the Nittany Lions.[49][50] Penn State was penalized only once for 10 yards.
Clark was 16 of 25 passing for a career-high 244 yards and a touchdown, and also ran for a pair of scores for the first time in his career. He was named Big Ten's Offensive Player of the Week.[51]
Defensive end Aaron Maybin, making only his fifth career start, was named Big Ten's Co-Defensive Player of the Week. Maybin recorded six tackles, a career-high 3.5 tackles-for-loss, a sack, two forced fumbles and a pass break-up. Maybin also stripped Badgers quarterback Allen Evridge late in the first half deep in Badgers territory, which was recovered by linebacker Josh Hull.[51] Lydell Sargeant intercepted two passes, his first interceptions of the season.[52]
October 18: Michigan
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Michigan | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
Penn State | 7 | 7 | 12 | 20 | 46 |
In front of the fourth-largest crowd in Beaver Stadium history, the Nittany Lions ended a nine-game losing streak to the Wolverines, dating back to 1997. Michigan tallied 204 yards of offense and scored on their first three possessions to take a 17–7 lead early in the second quarter. Daryll Clark's touchdown pass to Jordan Norwood late in the first half cut Michigan's lead to 17–14. Despite trailing at halftime for the first time this season, the Nittany Lion offense would outscore the Wolverines 32–0 in the second half and the defense made key halftime adjustments to limit the Wolverines to only 87 yards the remainder of the game.
Clark finished 18 of 31 for 171 yards and a touchdown and also ran for 45 yards and two one-yard touchdowns, but lost a fumble on Penn State's second drive which led to a Wolverine field goal. Evan Royster ran for a career-high 174 yards on eighteen carries for a 9.7 yard per carry average, including a 44-yard touchdown for Penn State's first points. Deon Butler had a season-high eight receptions for 105 yards, his fourth-career 100-yard game. Stephfon Green took a screen pass from Pat Devlin and outran the Wolverines defense 80 yards for the Nittany Lions' final score.
Linebacker Navorro Bowman led the defense with eleven tackles. Defensive tackle Jared Odrick made a career-high six stops, with 2.5 tackles for loss, but his biggest play occurred with 4:39 remaining in the third quarter when he sacked Michigan quarterback Nick Sheridan, who was playing in place of the injured Steven Threet, in the end zone for a safety and Penn State's first lead of the game, 19–17. Aaron Maybin finished with four tackles, including a sack of Threet that forced a fumble, which was recovered by Abe Koroma and led to a Penn State touchdown.[53]
Kicker Kevin Kelly made three field goals and five extra points to become the Big Ten's all-time leader in career kick scoring (376 career points) and was named the Big Ten's Special Teams Player of the Week.[54] Odrick's sack for a safety was named the Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Week.[55]
October 25: Ohio State
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Penn State | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 13 |
Ohio State | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
For the fourth straight year, ESPN's College GameDay crew broadcast from the site of the Penn State–Ohio State match-up.[56][57]
In front of an Ohio Stadium-record crowd of 105,711, the Nittany Lions got their first win at Ohio State since 1978 by defeating the Buckeyes 13–6 in a game where both offenses were held below their season averages. The turning point of the game occurred early in the fourth quarter with Ohio State holding a three-point lead and facing a 3rd-and-1. Safety Mark Rubin tackled Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor and forced a fumble recovered by linebacker Navorro Bowman. Backup quarterback Pat Devlin, in for an injured Daryll Clark, scored on a quarterback sneak for the only touchdown of the game. After Kevin Kelly's second field goal, the Buckeyes last drive was ended with an interception by cornerback Lydell Sargeant at the goal line, Pryor's second turnover of the game. The Buckeyes were limited to their lowest point total in Ohio Stadium since 1982, and the Nittany Lions were charged with zero penalties.
Clark completed 12 of 20 passes for 121 yards before leaving. Devlin only attempted one pass, which drew a pass interference flag. Evan Royster had 77 yards on 19 carries. The Nittany Lions defense held the Buckeyes running game in check, holding Pryor to six yards on nine attempts, and Chris "Beanie" Wells to 55 yards on 22 carries. Rubin led the defense with a career-high eleven tackles and the forced fumble, and Bowman had ten tackles and the fumble recovery.[58][59]
Rubin's forced fumble was voted the week's Pontiac Game Changing Performance with an overwhelming 53 percent of the total votes,[60] and Rubin was named the Walter Camp Football Foundation Defensive Player of the Week[61] and the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Week.[62] The team was named the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week by the Football Writers Association of America.[63]
Kelly's two field goals moved him into a first place tie for made field goals (72) in Big Ten history.[64]
The win earned the seventh-largest regular season primetime audience ever on ABC. It was the second-highest of the 2008 college football season, drawing a larger audience than Game 3 of the 2008 World Series played on the same evening.[65] Despite being an away game, thousands of Penn State students and fans rioted in the streets of State College following the game.[66]
November 8: Iowa
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Penn State | 3 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 23 |
Iowa | 7 | 0 | 7 | 10 | 24 |
Penn State was handed their only loss of the regular season when Iowa kicked a 31-yard field goal with :01 remaining to win the game, 24–23. Iowa began their game-winning drive at their own 15-yard line following a Tyler Sash interception of a Daryll Clark pass. It was only Clark's third interception of the year.
Derrick Williams was a multidimensional threat: taking several direct snaps from a variant of the Wildcat formation, rushing for 53 yards and a touchdown on twelve carries, and completing his first career pass (23 yards to tight end Mickey Shuler). Running back Evan Royster picked up 90 yards and a touchdown on a career-high twenty-six carries, becoming the 12th Nittany Lion to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. Receiver Deon Butler had three catches, moving him into a tie with Bobby Engram for the career receptions leader at Penn State (167). Kevin Kelly set the Big Ten record for career field goals with his 24-yarder in the first quarter, topping Mike Nugent's previous record of 72. Kelly has kicked field goals in a school-record 30 consecutive games.[67]
Penn State's defense limited the Iowa offense to 272 yards and forced two turnovers but allowed the Hawkeyes to drive 41 yards and into field goal range on the game's final drive, aided by an Anthony Scirrotto pass interference call on 3rd-and-15.[68]
November 15: Indiana
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Indiana | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
Penn State | 0 | 10 | 17 | 7 | 34 |
Penn State overcame a sluggish first half to preserve their perfect record over the Hoosiers with a 34–7 victory. The Nittany Lions overcame three Daryll Clark turnovers, who threw for 240 yards and two touchdowns. Receiver Deon Butler had five receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown, becoming Penn State's career receptions leader with 172, passing Bobby Engram (167). Derrick Williams accumulated 164 all-purpose yards, the second-highest total of his career. Williams ran for a career-high 61 yards on four carries, including a career-long 36-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. His 39-yard touchdown catch was his longest career reception.
The defense held Indiana to 180 yards of total offense and only six first downs, the fewest Penn State has ever allowed in a Big Ten game. Linebacker Josh Hull led all tacklers with seven, including his first career sack. The only points allowed came on a Marcus Thigpen 57-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter to tie the game 7–7. Kevin Kelly later kicked a field goal to give the Lions a 10–7 lead at halftime. In the second half, the Nittany Lions defense would only give up 36 yards and one first down.[69]
November 22: Michigan State
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Michigan State | 0 | 7 | 0 | 11 | 18 |
Penn State | 7 | 21 | 14 | 7 | 49 |
On Senior Day, the Nittany Lions clinched a Rose Bowl BCS bid and a share of the Big Ten championship with a 49–18 victory over the Spartans. In snowy weather conditions, Daryll Clark threw for career-highs of 341 yards and four touchdowns. The offensive line, led by seniors A. Q. Shipley, Gerald Cadogan, Mike Lucian and Rich Ohrnberger, and senior fullback Dan Lawlor paved the way for Penn State's 557 yards of total offense. Senior receiver Jordan Norwood had five receptions for a career-high 127 yards. Fellow senior Deon Butler tallied 133 yards on three receptions, all resulting in touchdowns.
Entering the game, Spartans running back Javon Ringer was third in the NCAA in rushing averaging 140.7 yards per game, but the Penn State defense held Ringer to a season-low 42 yards. Senior Mark Rubin led all Penn State tacklers with eight. Senior defensive backs Lydell Sargeant and Anthony Scirrotto each had one interception, with Scirrotto's leading to a Derrick Williams 32-yard touchdown on the next offensive play.[70]
The win was the 800th in Penn State history. The Nittany Lions are the sixth school to reach 800 wins, joining Michigan (872), Notre Dame (830), Texas (830), Nebraska (815) and Ohio State (808).[71]
Clark was named the Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week.[72]
January 1, 2009: Southern California (Rose Bowl)
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Penn State | 7 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 24 |
Southern California | 7 | 24 | 0 | 7 | 38 |
For the first time since 2004, the Big Ten and Pac-10 champs met in the Rose Bowl. During the years in between, one or the other was in the BCS national championship. However, the last time USC and Penn State met in a bowl game, Penn State was still an independent.
After a close first quarter, USC scored 24 unanswered second quarter points en route to a 31–7 halftime lead. A possible fumble in Penn State's favor was negated by an offsides penalty and Stephon Green's fumble just before halftime led to the final USC touchdown. The second half was more in Penn State's favor. USC continued their pass-heavy gameplan, but Penn State adjusted and was able to outscore USC 17–7 in the second half. Penn State cut the lead to 38–24 with 4 and 1/2 minutes left, but their first attempt to cut further into the lead was immediately intercepted. However, USC's next punt went sailing over the punter and Penn State recovered, giving Penn State the ball at the USC 14, but it was also intercepted. Penn State is now 1–2 in Rose Bowls and 1–1 under Joe Paterno.
After taking over for an injured Evan Royster in the second quarter, backup tailback Stephfon Green finished with 57 yards on 10 carries and was the Nittany Lions' leading receiver with five catches for 67 yards. Green left the game in the fourth quarter after sustaining what appeared to be a sprained right ankle. However, tests conducted after the team returned home revealed that Green sustained broken bones in his right leg and ankle and would require surgery to help repair the bones. Green is expected out of action for up to three months.[73]
Rankings
Week | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Poll | Pre | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | Final | ||||||||||||||||||||
AP | 22 | 19 | 17 | 16 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 (6) | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Coaches' | 22 | 19 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 3 (3) | 3 (2) | 3 (3) | 2 (6) | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Harris | Not released | 6 | 3 (4) | 3 (3) | 3 (5) | 2 (17) | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | Not released | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
BCS | Not released | 3 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | Not released |
Awards
Watchlists
- Deon Butler
- Fred Biletnikoff Award watchlist[74]
- Gerald Cadogan
- Outland Trophy watchlist[75]
- Draddy Trophy semifinalist[76]
- Daryll Clark
- Maxwell Award watchlist[77] and semifinalist[78]
- Davey O'Brien Award semifinalist[79]
- Maurice Evans
- Lombardi Award watchlist[80]
- Bronko Nagurski Trophy watchlist[81]
- Chuck Bednarik Award watchlist[77][82]
- Ted Hendricks Award watchlist[82]
- Kevin Kelly
- Lou Groza Award watchlist[83] and semifinalist[64]
- Aaron Maybin
- Chuck Bednarik Award semifinalist[78] and finalist[84]
- Walter Camp Player of the Year watchlist[85]
- Ted Hendricks Award mid-season watchlist and finalist[85][86]
- Joe Paterno
- George Munger Award semifinalist[78]
- Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award finalist[87]
- Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year finalist[88]
- Evan Royster
- Maxwell Award watchlist[77]
- Doak Walker Award semifinalist[89]
- A. Q. Shipley
- Lombardi Award watchlist[80]
- Outland Trophy watchlist[75]
- Rimington Trophy watchlist[90] and finalist[91]
- Derrick Williams
- Maxwell Award watchlist[77][82]
- Fred Biletnikoff Award watchlist[74][82]
Players
- Jeremy Boone
- ESPN The Magazine CoSIDA Academic All-District[92]
- NaVorro Bowman
- Deon Butler
- Gerald Cadogan
- First-team All-Big Ten[93]
- Big Ten Sportsmanship Award[93]
- ESPN All-Big Ten[94]
- ESPN The Magazine CoSIDA Academic All-District[92]
- First-team ESPN The Magazine CoSIDA Academic All-American[97]
- Daryll Clark
- Pat Devlin
- ESPN The Magazine CoSIDA Academic All-District[92]
- Josh Hull
- ESPN The Magazine CoSIDA Academic All-District[92]
- First-team ESPN The Magazine CoSIDA Academic All-American[97]
- Kevin Kelly
- Aaron Maybin
- First-team Walter Camp All-American[98]
- FWAA All-American[99]
- First-team Associated Press All-American[100]
- CBS Sports All-American[101]
- Second-team Sports Illustrated All-American[102]
- Second-team Sporting News All-American[103]
- Third-team Rivals.com All-American[104]
- First-team All-Big Ten[93]
- ESPN All-Big Ten[94]
- Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 11)[51]
- Sports Illustrated mid-season All-American[105]
- College Football News mid-season All-American[105]
- CBS Sports mid-season All-American[105]
- Phil Steele's mid-season All-American[96]
- Pigskin Club of Washington, D.C. National Defensive Player of the Year[106]
- Jared Odrick
- Rich Ohrnberger
- Third-team Associated Press All-American[100]
- First-team All-Big Ten[93]
- ESPN All-Big Ten[94]
- Andrew Pitz
- ESPN The Magazine CoSIDA Academic All-District[92]
- First-team ESPN The Magazine CoSIDA Academic All-American[97]
- Evan Royster
- Mark Rubin
- Walter Camp Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 25)[61]
- ESPN The Magazine CoSIDA Academic All-District[92]
- First-team ESPN The Magazine CoSIDA Academic All-American[97]
- Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 25)[62]
- ESPN/Pontiac Game Changing Performance (Oct. 25)[60]
- Lydell Sargeant
- Anthony Scirrotto
- Third-team Rivals.com All-American[104]
- First-team All-Big Ten (conference coaches selection)[93]
- A. Q. Shipley
- 2008 Rimington Trophy winner[107]
- First-team Walter Camp All-American[98]
- FWAA All-American[99]
- ESPN All-American[108]
- CBS Sports All-American[101]
- Second-team Associated Press All-American[100]
- Second-team Sports Illustrated All-American[102]
- Third-team Rivals.com All-American[104]
- First-team All-Big Ten[93]
- Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year[93]
- ESPN All-Big Ten[94]
- Sports Illustrated mid-season All-American[105]
- College Football News mid-season All-American[105]
- CBS Sports mid-season All-American[105]
- Phil Steele's mid-season All-American[96]
- Derrick Williams
- Second-team Walter Camp All-American[98]
- Third-team Associated Press All-American[100]
- Second-team Sporting News All-American[103]
- Second-team Rivals.com All-American[104]
- First-team All-Big Ten (conference coaches selection)[93]
- ESPN All-Big Ten[94]
- Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week (Sep. 27)[47]
- Sports Illustrated mid-season All-American[105]
- College Football News mid-season All-American[105]
- CBS Sports mid-season All-American[105]
- Sporting News Today mid-season All-American[109]
- Phil Steele's mid-season All-American[96]
- Stefen Wisniewski
- Second-team All-Big Ten (conference coaches selection)[93]
- ESPN The Magazine CoSIDA Academic All-District[92]
- Second-team ESPN The Magazine CoSIDA Academic All-American[97]
Coaches
Other awards
- 2008 Lambert Trophy winner[110]
- FWAA Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week (October 25)[63]
Post season
Penn State finished the season ranked number 8 in both the final AP and Coaches college football polls, earning Penn State its 22nd Top 10 finish under Joe Paterno. It's the 34th final top 25 ranking under Paterno.[111]
Penn State finished second in football attendance for the sixth time this decade and in the top four for the 18th consecutive year, averaging 108,254 for seven home games, including crowds of 110,017 on homecoming to watch Penn State host Michigan, the fourth-largest in Beaver Stadium history, and 109,845 to watch Penn State beat Michigan State and clinch the Big Ten title, the seventh-largest in Beaver Stadium history.[112]
In December, backup quarterback Pat Devlin decided to transfer from Penn State and would not play in the Rose Bowl. Devlin appeared in ten games for the Nittany Lions, passing for 459 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.[113] Devlin later committed to Delaware, a Division I FCS school, where he will have two years of eligibility left.[114]
In January, redshirt sophomore defensive end Aaron Maybin announced that he was skipping his final two seasons of eligibility and declared for the 2009 NFL Draft.[115] Junior defensive end Maurice Evans, despite losing his starting position and playing time to Maybin due to a three-game suspension for marijuana possession, also declared for the draft.[116]
After the Rose Bowl, defensive line coach Larry Johnson, Sr. interviewed with Illinois head coach Ron Zook to become the Illini's defensive coordinator. While many anticipated Johnson to take the job, in the end Johnson decided to stay at his current position at Penn State.[117][118]
Eight players were invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, held February 18–24 in Indianapolis: Deon Butler, Gerald Cadogan, Maurice Evans, Aaron Maybin, Jordan Norwood, Lydell Sargeant, A. Q. Shipley and Derrick Williams.[119]
NFL draft
Five Penn State players were selected in the 2009 NFL Draft.[120][121]
Round | Pick | Overall | Name | Position | Team |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st | 11 | 11 | Aaron Maybin | Defensive end | Buffalo Bills |
3rd | 18 | 32 | Derrick Williams | Wide receiver | Detroit Lions |
3rd | 27 | 91 | Deon Butler | Wide receiver | Seattle Seahawks |
4th | 23 | 123 | Rich Ohrnberger | Guard | New England Patriots |
7th | 17 | 226 | A. Q. Shipley | Center | Pittsburgh Steelers |
Along with the five players selected in the 2009 NFL Draft, nine other players have signed with NFL teams.
All-star games
Game | Date | Site | Players |
---|---|---|---|
84th East-West Shrine Game | January 17, 2009 | Robertson Stadium, Houston, Texas | Deon Butler[122] |
60th Senior Bowl | January 24, 2009 | Ladd Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Alabama | Derrick Williams[123] |
3rd Texas vs. The Nation Game | January 31, 2009 | Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, Texas | Gerald Cadogan, Jordan Norwood, Rich Ohrnberger, Lydell Sargeant, Anthony Scirrotto[124] |
* A.Q. Shipley was also invited to play in the East-West Shrine Game but declined in favor of attending the official Rimington Trophy ceremony[125] |
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- ↑ Lichtenfels, Bob (January 13, 2008). "The King is Gone". Fight On State. Archived from the original on January 16, 2008. Retrieved January 14, 2008.
- ↑ "Nittany Lions Announce Captains for 2008 Season". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. April 29, 2008. Archived from the original on May 1, 2008. Retrieved April 30, 2008.
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- ↑ "Penn State-Michigan Clash To Air on ESPN; Nittany Lions Climb To No. 3 in Polls". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. October 12, 2008. Archived from the original on October 15, 2008. Retrieved October 12, 2008.
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- ↑ Brennan, Mark (September 4, 2008). "Paterno Benches Three for Oregon State". Fight On State. Archived from the original on September 8, 2008. Retrieved September 4, 2008.
- ↑ "Nittany Lions Thump Oregon State, 45–14". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. September 6, 2008. Archived from the original on September 10, 2008. Retrieved September 8, 2008.
- ↑ "Hayes to Miss Remainder of Season With Knee Injury". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. September 7, 2008. Archived from the original on September 10, 2008. Retrieved September 8, 2008.
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- ↑ "Nittany Lions Thump Syracuse, 55–13". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. September 13, 2008. Archived from the original on September 15, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
- ↑ "No. 16 Penn State Cruises to a 45–3 Victory Over Temple". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. September 20, 2008. Archived from the original on September 22, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
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- ↑ Harrington, Mark (September 20, 2008). "JoePa is Back On Top". Fight On State. Archived from the original on September 24, 2008. Retrieved September 21, 2008.
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- ↑ "Penn State Remains Unbeaten, Tops Illinois, 38–24". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. September 27, 2008. Retrieved September 28, 2008.
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- ↑ "Paterno coaches Penn State blowout of Wisconsin from press box". Associated Press. October 11, 2008. Archived from the original on October 13, 2008. Retrieved October 12, 2008.
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- ↑ Black, John (October 27, 2008). "The Football Letter: Notes from the Cuff". The Penn State Alumni Association. Retrieved October 27, 2008.
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- ↑ "No. 3 Nittany Lions Top No. 10 Buckeyes, 13–6". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. October 25, 2008. Archived from the original on October 29, 2008. Retrieved October 26, 2008.
- 1 2 "Rubin Fumble Hit Landslide Winner of Pontiac Game Changing Performance". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. October 30, 2008. Retrieved October 31, 2008.
- 1 2 "Rubin Earns Walter Camp Defensive Honors; Fumble Hit Up For Pontiac Game Changing Performance". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. October 26, 2008. Archived from the original on October 29, 2008. Retrieved October 26, 2008.
- 1 2 "Michigan State, Penn State and Wisconsin Earn Football Weekly Laurels". Big Ten Conference. October 27, 2008. Archived from the original on November 1, 2008. Retrieved October 27, 2008.
- 1 2 "Penn State is Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week". Football Writers Association of America. October 27, 2008. Retrieved October 28, 2008.
- 1 2 "Kelly Named a Semifinalist for Lou Groza Award; Indiana Game Set for Noon Kick". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. November 3, 2008. Archived from the original on December 7, 2008. Retrieved November 3, 2008.
- ↑ "Nittany Lions' Win Over Ohio State Earns Seventh-Highest Primetime Audience on ABC". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. October 30, 2008. Archived from the original on November 2, 2008. Retrieved October 30, 2008.
- ↑ "Fans Flood Streets After Game Victory". The Daily Collegian. October 27, 2008. Archived from the original on October 30, 2008. Retrieved November 1, 2008.
- ↑ Wogenrich, Mark (November 9, 2008). "Penn State Notebook: A Recap of Saturday's 24–23 Loss to Iowa at Kinnick Field in Iowa City, Iowa". The Morning Call. Allentown. Retrieved November 10, 2008.
- ↑ "Nittany Lions Lose First on Last Second Field Goal at Iowa". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. November 9, 2008. Retrieved November 9, 2008.
- ↑ "Nittany Lions Thump Hoosiers, 34–7; Improve To 10–1". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. November 15, 2008. Retrieved November 17, 2008.
- ↑ "No. 7 Nittany Lions Defeat Spartans to Claim Big Ten Title, BCS Bid". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. November 22, 2008. Retrieved November 24, 2008.
- ↑ "Postgame Notes". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. November 23, 2008. Retrieved November 24, 2008.
- 1 2 "Four Schools Honored with Final Weekly Football Awards". Big Ten Conference. November 24, 2008. Archived from the original on December 24, 2008. Retrieved November 24, 2008.
- ↑ Brennan, Mark (January 12, 2009). "Tough Break(s) for TB Green". Fight On State. Archived from the original on February 11, 2009. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
- 1 2 "The 2008 Biletnikoff Award "Watch List"". The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation, Inc. Archived from the original on September 7, 2008. Retrieved October 20, 2008.
- 1 2 "2008 Outland Trophy Watch List Announced". NCAAFootball.com. April 18, 2008. Retrieved April 19, 2008.
- ↑ "NFF Announces 2008 Draddy Trophy Semifinalists". National Football Foundation. October 1, 2008. Retrieved October 2, 2008.
- 1 2 3 4 "2008 Maxwell Award College Player Watch List". Maxwell Football Club. Archived from the original on October 10, 2008. Retrieved October 20, 2008.
- 1 2 3 "Paterno, Clark, Maybin Semifinalists". Fight On State. November 5, 2008. Archived from the original on December 10, 2008. Retrieved November 6, 2008.
- ↑ "Clark Named a Semifinalist for Davey O'Brien Award". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. October 27, 2008. Archived from the original on October 29, 2008. Retrieved October 27, 2008.
- 1 2 "Evans & Shipley Named to Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. March 10, 2008. Archived from the original on March 16, 2008. Retrieved March 11, 2008.
- ↑ "Evans on Nagurski Watch List". Fight On State. May 12, 2008. Archived from the original on May 21, 2008. Retrieved May 13, 2008.
- 1 2 3 4 "Evans Named To Bednarik And Williams To Maxwell Award Watch Lists". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. July 1, 2008. Archived from the original on July 5, 2008. Retrieved July 3, 2008.
- ↑ "2008 Lou Groza Award Preseason Watch List". Palm Beach County Sports Institute. Archived from the original on September 19, 2008. Retrieved October 20, 2008.
- ↑ Brennan, Mark (November 24, 2008). "Maybin a Bednarik Finalist". Fight On State. Archived from the original on December 24, 2008. Retrieved November 24, 2008.
- 1 2 "Maybin on Watch Lists for Walter Camp Player of the Year and Hendricks Defensive End Award". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. November 13, 2008. Retrieved November 14, 2008.
- ↑ "Penn State's Maybin is Hendricks Finalist". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. December 2, 2008. Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ "Paterno A Finalist for Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. December 9, 2008. Retrieved December 10, 2008.
- ↑ "Nine Coaches Selected as Finalists for Eddie Robinson Award". Football Writers Association of America. December 11, 2008. Archived from the original on December 31, 2008. Retrieved December 12, 2008.
- ↑ "2008 Doak Walker Award Semifinalists Announced" (PDF). Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum. November 11, 2008. Retrieved November 12, 2008.
- ↑ "Shipley Named to Rimington Trophy Watch List". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. May 7, 2008. Archived from the original on May 10, 2008. Retrieved May 7, 2008.
- ↑ "2008 Rimington Trophy Finalists Announced". Boomer Esiason Foundation. December 4, 2008. Retrieved December 5, 2008.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "2008 Academic All-District Football Team" (PDF). College Sports Information Directors of America. November 5, 2008. Retrieved November 26, 2008.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 "Big Ten Announces 2008 Football All-Conference Teams And Individual Honors". Big Ten Conference. November 24, 2008. Archived from the original on December 16, 2008. Retrieved November 25, 2008.
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- ↑ "Bowman Named to ESPN.com All-Bowl Team". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. January 21, 2009. Archived from the original on January 25, 2009. Retrieved January 21, 2009.
- 1 2 3 4 "Phil Steele's 2008 Midseason All-American and All-Conference Teams". Phil Steele's Publications. Retrieved October 30, 2008.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "2008 ESPN THE MAGAZINE Academic All-America" (PDF). College Sports Information Directors of America. November 26, 2008. Retrieved November 26, 2008.
- 1 2 3 "2008 Walter Camp All-American Team Announced". Walter Camp Football Foundation. December 11, 2008. Archived from the original on December 14, 2008. Retrieved December 12, 2008.
- 1 2 "FWAA Names 2008 All-America Team". Football Writers Association of America. December 13, 2008. Archived from the original on December 17, 2008. Retrieved December 13, 2008.
- 1 2 3 4 "AP All-America Team". Associated Press. December 16, 2008. Archived from the original on December 18, 2008. Retrieved December 16, 2008.
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- 1 2 "SI.com's 2008 All-Americans". Sports Illustrated. December 16, 2008. Archived from the original on December 17, 2008. Retrieved December 16, 2008.
- 1 2 "Sporting News' college football All-American Second Team". Sporting News. December 17, 2008. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved December 17, 2008.
- 1 2 3 4 "Rivals.com 2008 All-America Teams". Rivals.com. December 10, 2008. Archived from the original on December 16, 2008. Retrieved December 18, 2008.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Trio of Nittany Lions honored on mid-season All-America teams". Pennsylvania State University. October 17, 2008. Retrieved October 18, 2008.
- ↑ Jones, Ryan (March–April 2009). "What Off-Season?". The Penn Stater. p. 25.
- ↑ Musselman, Ron (December 10, 2008). "PSU Football: Shipley Receives National Award". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on December 13, 2008. Retrieved December 10, 2008.
- ↑ "ESPN.com's 2008 All-America Team". ESPN. December 18, 2008. Archived from the original on December 19, 2008. Retrieved December 18, 2008.
- ↑ "Williams Named to Sporting News Today Mid-season All-America Team". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. October 29, 2008. Archived from the original on November 1, 2008. Retrieved October 30, 2008.
- ↑ "ECAC Announces Football Teams of the Year". Eastern College Athletic Conference. January 6, 2009. Archived from the original on February 1, 2009. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
- ↑ "Nittany Lions Earn 22nd Top 10 Ranking Under Paterno". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. January 9, 2009. Archived from the original on January 16, 2009. Retrieved January 9, 2009.
- ↑ "Nittany Lion Fans Keep Beaver Stadium Among Nation's Top Drawing Venues". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. February 17, 2009. Archived from the original on February 21, 2009. Retrieved March 3, 2009.
- ↑ Rittenberg, Adam (December 10, 2008). "Penn State backup QB Devlin to transfer". ESPN. Archived from the original on December 14, 2008. Retrieved December 11, 2008.
- ↑ McLane, Jeff (December 22, 2008). "Devlin to Delaware". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on December 24, 2008. Retrieved December 22, 2008.
- ↑ Herb, Matt (January 13, 2009). "Maybin Makes It Official". Fight On State. Archived from the original on January 30, 2009. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
- ↑ McLane, Jeff (January 14, 2009). "Penn State's Maurice Evans Heading to NFL". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on January 18, 2009. Retrieved January 14, 2009.
- ↑ Brennan, Mark (January 15, 2009). "Penn State's Johnson Staying Put". Fight On State. Archived from the original on January 18, 2009. Retrieved January 15, 2009.
- ↑ Jones, David (January 15, 2009). "Larry Johnson Staying With PSU". The Patriot News. Harrisburg. Archived from the original on January 16, 2009. Retrieved January 15, 2009.
- ↑ "NFL Combine Official Invite List 2009". National Invitational Camp. Archived from the original on February 6, 2009. Retrieved February 2, 2009.
- ↑ "Buffalo Selects Maybin No. 11 Overall in NFL Draft". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. April 25, 2009. Archived from the original on April 29, 2009. Retrieved April 28, 2009.
- ↑ "Williams, Butler, Ohrnberger and Shipley Selected on Second Day of NFL Draft". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. April 26, 2009. Archived from the original on April 29, 2009. Retrieved April 28, 2009.
- ↑ "84th Annual East-West Shrine Game East Roster" (PDF). East West Shrine Game. January 6, 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 6, 2009. Retrieved January 7, 2009.
- ↑ "New Year's Day Bowl Games to Feature 18 Future Senior Bowlers". Senior Bowl. December 31, 2009. Retrieved January 7, 2009.
- ↑ Rittenberg, Adam (January 14, 2009). "Big Ten sends 11 to Texas vs. The Nation game". ESPN. Archived from the original on January 22, 2009. Retrieved January 15, 2009.
- ↑ Musselman, Ron (January 12, 2009). "PSU's Shipley to Skip East-West Game for Rimington Ceremony". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved January 13, 2009.