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{{main|Land Grant Trophy}}
{{main|Land Grant Trophy}}


From 1993 to 2010, Penn State played [[Michigan State Spartans football|Michigan State]] for the [[Land Grant Trophy]]. Michigan State has a 5–4 record in these trophy games. Penn State holds a 13–12–1 lead in the all-time series and Michigan State currently holds possession of the trophy after winning the 2010 contest. Beginning with the league's expansion and new division format in 2011, the two teams are in different divisions and will only meet twice every five years.
From 1993 to 2010, Penn State played [[Michigan State Spartans football|Michigan State]] for the [[Land Grant Trophy]]. Michigan State has a 5–4 record in these trophy games. Penn State holds a 14–13–1 lead in the all-time series and Michigan State currently holds possession of the trophy after winning the 2010 contest. Beginning with the league's expansion and new division format in 2011, the two teams are in different divisions and will only meet twice every five years.


====Minnesota====
====Minnesota====

Revision as of 04:02, 29 July 2013

Penn State Nittany Lions football
2012 Penn State Nittany Lions football team
First season1888
Head coach
1st season, 8–4–0 (.667)
StadiumBeaver Stadium
(capacity: 106,572)
Field surfaceGrass
LocationState College, Pennsylvania
DivisionLeaders
All-time record715–391–43 (.641)
Bowl record21–15–2 (.579)
Claimed national titles2
Conference titles1 (Big Ten since 1993)
Heisman winners1
Consensus All-Americans39
Current uniform
File:BigTen-Uniform-PSU.png
ColorsNavy Blue and White
   
Fight songFight On, State
MascotNittany Lion
Marching bandPenn State Blue Band
RivalsMichigan Wolverines
Michigan State Spartans
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Ohio State Buckeyes
Pittsburgh Panthers
Syracuse Orange
WebsitePenn State Football

The Penn State Nittany Lions football team represents the Pennsylvania State University in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Big Ten Conference.[1][2][3]

Hall of Fame coach Joe Paterno was Penn State's head coach for nearly 46 seasons, during which time he accrued 409 wins, more than any other Football Bowl Subdivision football coach.[4] On July 23, 2012, the NCAA vacated all of Penn State's wins from 1998 through 2011 as part of its punishment for the child sex abuse scandal, eliminating 111 of the games Paterno had coached and won, dropping him from second to 12th on the list of winningest NCAA football coaches.[5] Paterno was fired in 2011 in the midst of a child sex abuse scandal involving a former assistant coach.[6][7][8] In response, the NCAA fined Penn State $60 million, vacated Paterno's 111 wins between 1998–2011 and banned the team from bowl games for four years.[9]

Bill O'Brien was hired to replace Paterno.[10] He was introduced as Penn State’s 15th head football coach at a press conference on January 7, 2012.[11]

Current coaching staff

Position Name Year Alma mater
Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Bill O'Brien[11] 2012 Brown (1992)
Defensive Coordinator/Cornerbacks John Butler[12] 2012 Catholic University of America (1995)
Quarterbacks Charlie Fisher 2012 Springfield (1980)
Running Backs/Recruiting Coordinator Charles London[13] 2012 Duke (1997)
Wide Receivers/Assistant Head Coach Stan Hixon[14] 2012 Iowa State (1978)
Tight Ends John Strollo[15] 2012 Boston College (1976)
Offensive Line Mac McWhorter[16] 2012 Georgia (1974)
Defensive Line Larry Johnson[17] 1999 Elizabeth City State (1973)
Linebackers Ron Vanderlinden[18] 2000 Albion College (1977)
Safeties Anthony Midget[19] 2013 Virginia Tech (2000)
Strength and Conditioning Craig Fitzgerald 2012 Maryland (1997)

Traditions

Nittanyville

"Nittanyville" is the name attributed to the student tradition of camping out in front of Beaver Stadium prior to a home football game. The tradition was established during the 2005 football season, when students began setting up tents and "camping" in front of Beaver Stadium one week before the game with rival school Ohio State on October 8.[20] The students camped in front of the stadium in order to hold their positions in line for front-row seats. Nittanyville was originally known as "Paternoville," in honor of the head coach Joe Paterno but the name was changed in light of the Penn State child sex abuse scandal. Football players, the Blue Band, and Joe Paterno himself frequented Paternoville, pepping up the students as game day drew near. Nittanyville is governed by the student-run Nittanyville Coordination Committee.[21] On July 16, 2012, Penn State student organizers announced that they will be renaming the "tent city" Nittanyville, opting to drop the reference to Joe Paterno in wake of the Penn State sex abuse scandal.[22]

Success with Honor

Joe Paterno was widely known for his "grand experiment" in which he challenged his players to be successful both on the field and in the classroom. In 2011, the Nittany Lion football team posted a 87% graduation rate, tied with Stanford for No. 10 overall among the nation's 120 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) institutions, above the national average of 67%.[23]

The June 2012 conviction of former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky on multiple counts of child sexual abuse and the alleged cover up of the incidents as part of the Penn State sex abuse scandal marred the "Success with Honor" image.[24] President Rodney Erickson, athletics director Dave Joyner, and head football coach Bill O'Brien, all of whom have accepted their new jobs in the wake of the scandal, have made statements in which they express commitment to maintaining integrity at the university and within the athletics programs.[25]

In 2012, a group of alumni and supporters have established a non-profit organization (501.c.3 pending and registered trademark) that will build upon the “Success with Honor” motto. Their mission is to promote and support charitable endeavors as well as to inspire others to “Get in the Game.” Success with Honor has identified more than 50+ charities. Success with Honor is creating a comprehensive network that will allow us to serve individuals and charities alike. SWH is helping individuals identify and connect with causes they’d like to volunteer their skills, time, and/or money to. Similarly, SWH is assisting charities in finding individuals to meet their current needs.[26]

Uniform

The team is widely noted for their simple game uniforms. They only wear white pants, and the jerseys are simple blue for home games, and white for away games.[27] The team is only allowed to wear simple black Nike shoes with white calf socks for game days, though blue tights are permitted underneath the white socks for cold weather games. The helmet is white with a blue stripe down the center, and a blue on white "Penn State" sticker covers up the forehead helmet logo. No team logos, conference logos, numbers, or other stickers are permitted on the helmet, though two Nike logos are on facemask visors that some players choose to wear. Penn State has started to wear bowl decals only starting with 1997 Fiesta Bowl. Before that, Penn State always declined the decals so they can play out of their simple game uniforms. The blue and white uniforms replaced pink and black ones in 1890.[28]

The uniforms became even simpler for the 2011 season, as the white cuffs and collars on the home jerseys and the corresponding blue cuffs and collars on the road jerseys were eliminated, leaving the jerseys solid blue and white, respectively.

In 2012 Penn State started wearing names on their uniforms for the first time and a blue ribbon in support the victims of child abuse.[29]

Captains

Captains are chosen by the team, with the head coach's approval. Being named a captain is an honor almost always given to a senior, but there are some notable exceptions: Linebacker Sean Lee was named a captain in the beginning of Spring practice in 2008, the beginning of his 4th year with the team. However, he suffered a torn ACL during spring practice, redshirted in 2008, and returned as a captain again in 2009. The most recent example of a "true" junior being named was Paul Posluszny, who was named a captain in both 2005 and 2006, his junior and senior years, respectively. The last time a junior was named captain before Posluszny was in 1968, when Steve Smear and Mike Reid were named captains during their junior years.[30]

Linebacker U

Penn State is often referred to as Linebacker U for its reputation of producing outstanding linebackers.

  • Dennis Onkotz was a two-time All American in 1968 and 1969, and played on two undefeated teams.[31]
  • Jack Ham finished his career with 251 tackles, blocked two punts, and went on to play on two undefeated teams. Ham later went on to the NFL, playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.[31]
  • Edward William O'Neil, an American football coach and former professional linebacker, played seven seasons in the National Football League (NFL). From 1970–1973, he played linebacker for coach Joe Paterno at Penn State. A three-year letterman, he was team captain of the Nittany Lions' undefeated 1973 team and was named an All-American that same season.
  • Greg Buttle was a linebacker during the 1973–1975 seasons, finishing with 305 tackles in his junior and senior year. He was drafted by the New York Jets and is a part of the All Jet team.
  • Shane Conlan was a two-time All-American and defensive MVP of the 1987 National Championship Fiesta Bowl. He was drafted No. 1 by the Bills in 1987, named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and was named to three straight Pro Bowls (1988–90).[31]
  • Lavar Arrington finished with 319 career tackles and 139 tackles for losses. He was later drafted 2nd overall by the Washington Redskins.[31]
  • Cameron Wake went on to capture MVP honors for the British Columbia Lions in the Canadian Football League before moving on to the Miami Dolphins and leading the National Football League in sacks during the 2010 season.[32]
  • Tamba Hali was the 20th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft and led the AFC in sacks during the 2010 NFL season helping the Kansas City Chiefs reach the playoffs. He played Defensive End during his college career.[32]
  • Paul Posluszny played from 2003–2006. Posluszny won the Dick Butkus Award in 2005 and the Chuck Bednarik Award in 2005 and 2006. He finished with 372 tackles, and was drafted by the Buffalo Bills.[31]
  • Dan Connor finished his career as the all-time leading tackler for Penn State with 419 and was drafted by the Carolina Panthers.[31]
  • Sean Lee, graduating Penn State in 2009, is now starting inside linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys.[32]
  • NaVorro Bowman, drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2010 draft, ranked 7th in the league in tackles in 2011[33] and was named an AP first team All-Pro for his 2011 campaign.
  • Michael Mauti and Gerald Hodges were "Co-Linebacker U" in 2012, both achieved over 95 tackles.[34][35]

Child sex abuse scandal

Main article: Penn State child sex abuse scandal

The Penn State child sex abuse scandal centered on former Pennsylvania State University football assistant coach Jerry Sandusky's sexual assault of at least eight underage boys on or near university property. After an extensive grand jury investigation, Sandusky was indicted on 52 counts of child molestation dating from 1994 to 2009, though the abuse may date as far back as the 1970s.[36] The trial of Jerry Sandusky on 52 charges of sexual crimes against children started on June 11, 2012, at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania[37][38] and ended on the evening of June 22, 2012, when the jury found Sandusky guilty on 45 of the 48 counts against him.[39][40]

Several high-level school officials were charged with perjury,[41] suspended, or dismissed for allegedly covering up the incidents or failing to notify authorities. In the wake of the scandal, school president Graham Spanier was forced to resign, and head football coach Joe Paterno was fired late in the season, while Sandusky maintained his innocence.[42]

Former FBI director Louis Freeh, whose firm was hired by the Penn State Board of Trustees to conduct an independent investigation into the scandal, concluded, after interviewing over 400 people and reviewing over 3.5 million documents, that Paterno, Spanier, Curley and Schultz had deliberately conspired to conceal Sandusky's actions in order to protect publicity surrounding Penn State's vaunted football program.[6][7][8]

On July 23, 2012, NCAA announced that it had fined the Penn State football program $60 million, levied a four-year ban from bowl games and vacated all of the program's 112 wins from 1998 to 2011. They were also required to cut 10 scholarships for the 2011–2012 season and 20 scholarships for the following four years.[9]

Notable seasons

Perfect seasons

Penn State has had seven undefeated, untied seasons in its history since the program started in 1887:

1887 • 1912 • 1968 • 1969 • 1973 • 1986 • 1994

National championships

Penn State has won two consensus national championships, both under Joe Paterno's tenure as coach.

Year Coach Selector Record Bowl
1982 Joe Paterno AP, Coaches 11–1 Won Sugar
1986 Joe Paterno AP, Coaches 12–0 Won Fiesta
Total National Titles 2

Other national championships selections:

1911 • (National Championship Foundation)

1912 • (National Championship Foundation)

1969 • (Foundation for the Analysis of Competitions and Tournaments, Massey Ratings)

1981 • (Dunkel System, Loren Maxwell, Soren Sorenson, The Fleming System)

1994 • (Billingsley Report, DeVold, Foundation for the Analysis of Competitions and Tournaments, Massey Ratings, Matthews Grid Ratings, National Championship Foundation, New York Times, Sagarin Ratings)

The suite boxes on the east side of Beaver Stadium, with the highlighted years (undefeated and championship seasons) added in 2006

Conference championships

Penn State played as an independent from 1887 through 1890.

On September 26, 1891, the Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Football Association (PIFA) was formed. The PIFA consisted of Bucknell, Dickinson, Franklin and Marshall, Haverford, Penn State and Swarthmore. Penn State won the championship with a 4–1–0 PIFA record (Bucknell's record was 3–1–1). The PIFA dissolved prior to the 1892 season.

Penn State then played as an independent again until joining the Big Ten Conference in 1990 and beginning play in 1993. Penn State then won one Big Ten championship in 1994. Two other titles in 2005 and 2008 were vacated July 23, 2012 by the NCAA as a sanction in response to the Penn State child sex abuse scandal.

Season-by-season records

Main article: List of Penn State Nittany Lions football seasons

Coaching history

Coach Years Seasons Record Pct. Cnf. Record Pct. Cnf. Titles Bowls Nat. Titles
No coach 1887–1891 5 12–8–2 .591 4–1–0 .800 1
George Hoskins 1892–1895 4 17–4–4 .760
Samuel Newton 1896–1898 3 12–14–0 .462
Sam Boyle 1899 1 4–6–1 .409
Pop Golden 1900–1902 3 16–12–1 .569
Daniel A. Reed 1903 1 5–3–0 .625
Tom Fennell 1904–1908 5 33–17–1 .657
Bill Hollenback 1909, 1911–1914 5 28–9–4 .732
Jack Hollenback 1910 1 5–2–1 .688
Dick Harlow 1915–1917 3 20–8–0 .714
Hugo Bezdek 1918–1929 12 65–30–11 .665 1
Bob Higgins 1930–1948 19 91–57–11 .607 1
Joe Bedenk 1949 1 5–4–0 .556
Rip Engle 1950–1965 16 104–48–4 .680 4
Joe Paterno 1966–2011 45 298-136–3 .648 31*–54 .365 1* 28 2
Tom Bradley 2011 <1 1–3 .000 .000
Bill O'Brien 2012–present 1 8-4 .666 6–2
Totals 1887–present 125 828–389–43 .642 31*–56 .356 1* 34 2[43]

Bowl history

Main article: List of Penn State Nittany Lions bowl games

Penn State has earned invitations to 43 bowl games. The Nittany Lions have compiled a bowl record of 21–14–2 (0.594), including a 13–6–1 (0.675) record in the major bowls (Rose, Orange, Sugar, Fiesta, and Cotton).[44]

Coach Joe Paterno was responsible for most of these bids and victories, compiling more appearances (37) than any other coach in college football history en route to his bowl record of 18–12–1 (0.596). Paterno also has a record of 10–5–0 (0.666) in "major" bowls and is the only coach to have won all five major college bowls during his career.

By year

Season Bowl Coach Opponent Result
1922 Rose Bowl Hugo Bezdek USC L, 14-3
1947 Cotton Bowl Classic Bob Higgins SMU Tied, 13-13
1959 Liberty Bowl Rip Engle Alabama W, 7-0
1960 Liberty Bowl Rip Engle Oregon W, 14-12
1961 Gator Bowl Rip Engle Georgia Tech W, 30-15
1962 Gator Bowl Rip Engle Florida L, 17-7
1967 Gator Bowl Joe Paterno Florida State Tied, 17-17
1968 Orange Bowl Joe Paterno Kansas W, 15-14
1969 Orange Bowl Joe Paterno Missouri W, 10-3
1971 Cotton Bowl Classic Joe Paterno Texas W, 30-6
1972 Sugar Bowl Joe Paterno Oklahoma L, 14-0
1973 Orange Bowl Joe Paterno Louisiana State W, 16-9
1974 Cotton Bowl Classic Joe Paterno Baylor W, 41-20
1975 Sugar Bowl Joe Paterno Alabama L, 13-6
1976 Gator Bowl Joe Paterno Notre Dame L, 20-9
1977 Fiesta Bowl Joe Paterno Arizona State W, 42-30
1978 Sugar Bowl Joe Paterno Alabama L, 14-7
1979 Liberty Bowl Joe Paterno Tulane W, 9-6
1980 Fiesta Bowl Joe Paterno Ohio State W, 31-19
1981 Fiesta Bowl Joe Paterno USC W, 26-10
1982 Sugar Bowl Joe Paterno Georgia W, 27-23
1983 Aloha Bowl Joe Paterno Washington W, 13-10
1985 Orange Bowl Joe Paterno Oklahoma L, 25-10
1986 Fiesta Bowl Joe Paterno Miami (FL) W, 14-10
1987 Citrus Bowl Joe Paterno Clemson L, 35-10
1989 Holiday Bowl Joe Paterno BYU W, 50-39
1990 Blockbuster Bowl Joe Paterno Florida State L, 24-17
1991 Fiesta Bowl Joe Paterno Tennessee W, 42-17
1992 Blockbuster Bowl Joe Paterno Stanford L, 24-3
1993 Citrus Bowl Joe Paterno Tennessee W, 31-13
1994 Rose Bowl Joe Paterno Oregon W, 38-20
1995 Outback Bowl Joe Paterno Auburn W, 43-14
1996 Fiesta Bowl Joe Paterno Texas W, 38-15
1997 Citrus Bowl Joe Paterno Florida L, 21-6
1998 Outback Bowl Joe Paterno Kentucky W, 26-14
1999 Alamo Bowl Joe Paterno Texas A&M W, 24-0
2002 Capital One Bowl Joe Paterno Auburn L, 13-9
2005 Orange Bowl Joe Paterno Florida State W, 26-23 (3OT)
2006 Outback Bowl Joe Paterno Tennessee W, 20-10
2007 Alamo Bowl Joe Paterno Texas A&M W, 24-17
2008 Rose Bowl Joe Paterno USC L, 38-24
2009 Capital One Bowl Joe Paterno Louisiana State W, 19-17
2010 Outback Bowl Joe Paterno Florida L, 37-24
2011 TicketCity Bowl Tom Bradley Houston L, 30-14
Games: 44 Wins: 21 Losses: 15 Ties: 2

By game

Bowl # Appearances Record
Alamo Bowl 2 1999, 2008 2–0
Aloha Bowl 1 1983 1–0
Blockbuster Bowl 2 1990, 1993 0–2
Citrus Bowl/Capital One Bowl 5 1988, 1994, 1998, 2003, 2010 2–3
Cotton Bowl Classic 3 1948, 1972, 1975 2–0–1
Fiesta Bowl 6 1977, 1980, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997 6–0
Gator Bowl 4 1961, 1962, 1967, 1976 1–2–1
Holiday Bowl 1 1989 1–0
Liberty Bowl 3 1959, 1960, 1979 3–0
Orange Bowl 5 1969, 1970, 1974, 1986, 2006 4–1
Outback Bowl 4 1996, 1999, 2007, 2011 3–1
TicketCity Bowl 1 2012 0–1
Rose Bowl 3 1923, 1995, 2009 1–2
Sugar Bowl 4 1972, 1976, 1979, 1983 1–3

Rivalries

Current

Penn State competes for two rivalry trophies, both introduced when the Nittany Lions began Big Ten football in 1993.

Alabama

Main article: Alabama–Penn State football rivalry

From 1959 through 1990, Penn State played Alabama. The series was renewed in 2010 in Tuscaloosa and then 2011 in State College.

Michigan State

Main article: Land Grant Trophy

From 1993 to 2010, Penn State played Michigan State for the Land Grant Trophy. Michigan State has a 5–4 record in these trophy games. Penn State holds a 14–13–1 lead in the all-time series and Michigan State currently holds possession of the trophy after winning the 2010 contest. Beginning with the league's expansion and new division format in 2011, the two teams are in different divisions and will only meet twice every five years.

Minnesota

The Nittany Lions taking the field against Minnesota in 2005.
Main article: Governor's Victory Bell

Since 1993, Penn State has played Minnesota for the Governor's Victory Bell. Prior to the sanctions handed down by the NCAA in 2012, Penn State led 8–4 against the Golden Gophers in this series, but now trails 4–3. However, Penn State currently holds possession of the trophy after winning the 2010 contest.

Due to the Big Ten's schedule rotation, Penn State and Minnesota did not meet in 2007 and 2008. The series resumed in 2009. Beginning with the league's expansion and new division format in 2011, the two teams will play in opposite divisions and meet twice every five years.

Nebraska

The teams played a series of games before Penn State joined the Big Ten, most notably in the early 1980s. The high point of the rivalry was an epic battle in week three of 1982 season. Nebraska came to Happy Valley ranked #2; Penn State was ranked No. 8 at the time. After Nebraska had scored to take the lead with a minute remaining, Todd Blackledge led the Lions down the field. Penn State won the game with a touchdown as time expired, and went on to win the National Championship. The series was renewed briefly in 2002–03 after a 19-year gap (during which in 1994, Nebraska and Penn State finished 1–2 in both major polls). Beginning in the 2011 season, Penn State and Nebraska will play every year as cross-division rivals. Nebraska beat Penn State in the first game since joining the Big Ten conference, the weekend that immediately followed the firing of legendary head coach Joe Paterno. [citation needed]

Ohio State

Main article: Ohio State–Penn State football rivalry

Ohio State and Penn State first played in 1912, but until 1993 when Penn State joined the Big Ten conference, the meetings were infrequent. Including their last non-conference meeting in the 1980 Fiesta Bowl, the series was 6–2 in favor of Penn State before the Big Ten established the two teams as designated conference rivals playing annually starting in 1993.[45] Penn State trails the overall series by a slim 13–12 margin and is 6–11 in conference play.[46]

Penn State is 5–8 at Ohio Stadium (the 1912 game was played at its predecessor, Ohio Field) after a 13–6 win in 2008, breaking a seven-game away losing streak at Ohio Stadium. Penn State is 5–5 against Ohio State in Beaver Stadium, including a memorable come-from-behind win in 2001 to give Joe Paterno his 324th win, passing Bear Bryant for the lead in career victories among major college coaches.[46][47]

At least two meetings have determined the conference champion.[citation needed] Of the 24 games they played, 9 have been determined by 7 points or less, 14 games by 14 points or less. Penn State has shut out Ohio State three times but all occurred prior to Penn State joining the Big Ten, while Ohio State has never held Penn State below six points.[46] Due to the nature of the rivalry, a large number of games between the two teams are night games.[citation needed]

As with Penn State, Ohio State's football team has also been hit with a scandal in recent years, regarding coach Jim Tressel covering up the fact that five OSU football players, including Terrelle Pryor, received improper benefits. OSU would self-vacate its entire 2010 season as a result, and the NCAA eventually banned them from the 2012-13 bowl season (which had a profound impact on the national title race that season, as unbeatens Notre Dame and OSU were not able to meet in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game, 1-loss Alabama played instead and won, bringing the Southeastern Conference its 7th straight national title). Tressel was also given a 5-year show-cause penalty, which effectively prevents him from coaching in the NCAA during this period.

Temple

Penn State has been playing Temple frequently since 1931. Temple has not beaten Penn State since 1941, and Penn State holds a 38–3–1 record in the series, after defeating Temple 24-13 at Beaver Stadium in 2012.[48][49] The current series will continue every season except the 2013 season through at least 2016.[50] Penn State's 30-game winning streak over Temple is currently the longest active streak in college football.

Maryland

Main article: Maryland–Penn State football rivalry

This lop-sided rivalry was first played in 1917, and all but three years between 1960 and 1993, but has remained inactive since. As recently as October 2008, there have been inconclusive negotiations between the schools for a revival.[51] Penn State has a commanding 35–1–1 lead in the series. In 2014 Maryland will join the Big Ten Conference and be in the Leaders Division with Penn State renewing this great but one-sided rivalry.

Notre Dame

Penn State and Notre Dame first met in 1913 and played each other in 1925, 1926 and 1928. The two teams would not meet again until the 1976 Gator Bowl which Notre Dame won 20–9.

The series from 1981 through 1992 put the rivalry into focus on a national level.[citation needed] At the time, Penn State and Notre Dame were two of the few remaining Independent teams remaining in Division I FBS. It was also a very successful time for both programs, with Notre Dame winning a National Championship in 1988 and Penn State crowned National Champions in 1982 and 1986. In the 12-game series, Penn State held a 8–4–0 advantage including a 1990 win at Notre Dame Stadium where Penn State knocked off top-ranked Notre Dame with a last second field goal.[52]

The rivalry was briefly renewed with a home-and-home series in 2006 and 2007. Penn State evened the series to 9–9–1, after defeating Notre Dame 31–10 at Beaver Stadium, 2007 after being defeated in the previous year 41–17 at Notre Dame Stadium.[53]

Pittsburgh

Main article: Penn State–Pittsburgh football rivalry

The Pitt-Penn State rivalry is a currently dormant series between in-state rivals Penn State and Pittsburgh. Once considered the fiercest and most important college football rivalry north of the Mason-Dixon line, this rivalry was first played in 1893 when Penn State won 32–0. The most recent game in the series was played in 2000 with Pitt winning 12–0 over Penn State at Three Rivers Stadium. Penn State holds a 50–42–4 record in the series.[54]

Of the 96 games played between the two, 72 have been held in Pittsburgh. Twenty-two have been played in State College. Two games, in 1900 and 1901, were played in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.

Pitt and Penn State are scheduled to renew their rivalry with a 4-game home-and-home series starting in 2016 and continuing through 2019. The first and third games of the series will be played at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, in 2016 and 2018, with the second and fourth games taking place in 2017 and 2019 at Beaver Stadium in State College.

Syracuse

With the exception of 1943, Penn State and Syracuse played every year from 1922 through 1990. However, the rivalry became dormant when Syracuse joined the Big East Conference and Penn State joined the Big Ten.

The rivalry was briefly renewed when the teams agreed to a two-game home-and-home series for 2008 and 2009. Penn State holds a 42–23–5 record in this series, after defeating Syracuse 28–7 at Beaver Stadium in 2009. The rivalry will be renewed in the season opener for both teams in 2013 MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey and there are plans to do a home and home series in 2020 and 2021.[55][56][57]

West Virginia

Main article: Penn State–West Virginia football rivalry

First played in 1904, Penn State and West Virginia played every year from 1947 to 1992. The rivalry has been dormant since Penn State joined the Big Ten. Penn State leads the series 48–9–2.[58]

Individual award winners

Players

Coaches

Other awards

Current NFL Players

There are currently 31 Penn State football players playing in the National Football League:[72]

Player Team Position
NaVorro Bowman San Francisco 49ers Linebacker
Brett Brackett Jacksonville Jaguars Tight End
Levi Brown Arizona Cardinals Offensive Tackle
Deon Butler San Diego Chargers Wide Receiver
Dan Connor Dallas Cowboys Linebacker
Jack Crawford Oakland Raiders Defensive End
Robbie Gould Chicago Bears Place kicker
Tamba Hali Kansas City Chiefs Linebacker
Josh Hull St. Louis Rams Linebacker
Dennis Landolt New York Jets Offensive Tackle
Sean Lee Dallas Cowboys Linebacker
Aaron Maybin Cincinnati Bengals Linebacker
Derek Moye Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver
Jordan Norwood Cleveland Browns Wide Receiver
Jared Odrick Miami Dolphins Defensive End
Rich Ohrnberger Arizona Cardinals Guard
Paul Posluszny Jacksonville Jaguars Linebacker
Chaz Powell Green Bay Packers Safety
Andrew Quarless Green Bay Packers Tight End
Michael Robinson Seattle Seahawks Fullback
Evan Royster Washington Redskins Running Back
Bryan Scott Buffalo Bills Linebacker
Tim Shaw Tennessee Titans Linebacker
A.Q. Shipley Indianapolis Colts Center
Mickey Shuler Oakland Raiders Tight End
Devon Still Cincinnati Bengals Defensive Tackle
Nathan Stupar Oakland Raiders Linebacker
Andrew Szczerba Atlanta Falcons Tight End
Johnnie Troutman San Diego Chargers Guard
Cameron Wake Miami Dolphins Linebacker
Stefen Wisniewski Oakland Raiders Guard

College Football Hall of Fame inductees

See also: College Football Hall of Fame

Including former head coach Joe Paterno, 22 Nittany Lion players and coaches have been selected for the College Football Hall of Fame.[73]

Name Position Year inducted
Hugo Bezdek Coach 1954
John Cappelletti Halfback 1993
Keith Dorney Offensive tackle 2005
Rip Engle Coach 1973
Jack Ham Linebacker 1990
Dick Harlow Coach 1954
Bob Higgins Coach 1954
Glenn Killinger Quarterback 1971
Ted Kwalick Tight end 1989
Richie Lucas Quarterback 1986
Pete Mauthe Fullback 1957
Shorty Miller Quarterback 1974
Lydell Mitchell Running back 2004
Dennis Onkotz Linebacker 1995
Joe Paterno Coach 2007
Mike Reid Defensive tackle 1987
Glenn Ressler Center/guard 2001
Dave Robinson End 1997
Steve Suhey Guard 1985
Dexter Very End 1976
Curt Warner Halfback 2009
Harry Wilson Halfback 1973

Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees

See also: Pro Football Hall of Fame

Penn State is one of 11 schools with five or more inductees in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.[74]

Name Position NFL team(s) Year inducted
Jack Ham Linebacker Pittsburgh Steelers 1988
Franco Harris Running back Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks 1990
Mike Michalske Guard Green Bay Packers 1964
Lenny Moore Flanker/running back Baltimore Colts 1975
Mike Munchak Guard Houston Oilers 2001
Dave Robinson Linebacker Green Bay Packers 2013

Future schedules

8/31/2013vs. Syracuse[75]*

09/7/2013Eastern Michigan*

09/14/2013UCF*

  • Beaver Stadium
  • State College, PA

09/21/2013Kent State*

  • Beaver Stadium
  • State College, PA

10/05/2013at Indiana

10/12/2013Michigan

  • Beaver Stadium
  • State College, PA

10/26/2013at Ohio State

11/02/2013Illinois

  • Beaver Stadium
  • State College, PA

11/09/2013at Minnesota

11/16/2013Purdue

  • Beaver Stadium
  • State College, PA

11/23/2013Nebraska

  • Beaver Stadium
  • State College, PA

11/30/2013at Wisconsin

Template:CFB Schedule End

08/30/20148:30 amvs. UCF[76]*

ESPN2 09/06/2014Akron*

  • Beaver Stadium
  • State College, PA

09/13/2014at Rutgers

09/20/2014Massachusetts*

  • Beaver Stadium
  • State College, PA

09/27/2014Northwestern

  • Beaver Stadium
  • State College, PA

10/11/2014at Michigan

10/25/2014Ohio State

11/01/2014Maryland

11/08/2014at Indiana

  • Memorial Stadium
  • Bloomington, IN

11/15/2014Temple[77][76]*

11/22/2014at Illinois

11/29/2014Michigan State

  • Beaver Stadium
  • State College, PA

Template:CFB Schedule End

09/05/2015at Temple[77][78]*

09/12/2015Buffalo*

  • Beaver Stadium
  • State College, PA

09/19/2015Rutgers

  • Beaver Stadium
  • State College, PA

09/26/2015TBA 10/03/2015TBA 10/10/2015Indiana

  • Beaver Stadium
  • State College, PA

10/17/2015at Ohio State

10/24/2015at Maryland

10/31/2015Illinois

  • Beaver Stadium
  • State College, PA

11/07/2015at Northwestern

11/14/2015TBA 11/21/2015Michigan

  • Beaver Stadium
  • State College, PA

11/28/2015at Michigan State

Template:CFB Schedule End

09/03/2016Kent State*

09/10/2016at Pittsburgh*

09/17/2016Temple[77]*

10/01/2016Minnesota

10/08/2016Maryland

10/15/2016at Michigan

10/22/2016Ohio State

10/29/2016at Purdue

11/05/2016Iowa

11/12/2016at Indiana

11/19/2016at Rutgers

11/26/2016Michigan State

Template:CFB Schedule End

09/16/2017Pittsburgh*

Template:CFB Schedule End

09/08/2018at Pittsburgh*

Template:CFB Schedule End

09/14/2019Pittsburgh*

Template:CFB Schedule End

09/19/2020Syracuse[75]*

Template:CFB Schedule End

09/18/2021at Syracuse[75]*

Template:CFB Schedule End

Charity and awareness efforts

The Penn State football team has worked in coordination with Uplifting Athletes, a non-profit organization, to raise awareness and funds for the Kidney Cancer Association. In 2003 the team turned their annual weight-lifting competition into a fund-raiser when a player’s father was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer. The event that is now known as Lift for Life, has raised more than $225,000 since its inception.[79]

Penn State football radio affiliates

References

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