2012 Penn State Nittany Lions football team

2012 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Conference Big Ten Conference
Leaders Division
2012 record 8–4 (6–2 Big Ten)
Head coach Bill O'Brien (1st year)
Offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien
Offensive scheme Pro Style
Defensive coordinator Ted Roof (1st year)
Base defense 4–3
Captain Game Captains
Home stadium Beaver Stadium
(Capacity: 106,572)
2012 Big Ten football standings
Conf     Overall
Team   W   L         W   L  
Legends Division
#25 Nebraska x   7 – 1         10 – 4  
#24 Michigan   6 – 2         8 – 5  
#17 Northwestern   5 – 3         10 – 3  
Michigan State   3 – 5         7 – 6  
Iowa   2 – 6         4 – 8  
Minnesota   2 – 6         6 – 7  
Leaders Division
#3 Ohio State* x   8 – 0         12 – 0  
Penn State*   6 – 2         8 – 4  
Wisconsin y$   4 – 4         8 – 6  
Purdue   3 – 5         6 – 7  
Indiana   2 – 6         4 – 8  
Illinois   0 – 8         2 – 10  
Championship: Wisconsin 70, Nebraska 31
  • $ – BCS representative as conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant
  • Ohio State and Penn State ineligible for conference championship game and post-season bowl games due to NCAA sanctions
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2012 Penn State Nittany Lions football team represented the Pennsylvania State University in the 2012 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Bill O'Brien in his first season and played its home games in Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania, US. It was a member of the Big Ten Conference and plays in the Leaders Division. Penn State was ineligible to play in a bowl game for the 2012 season due to sanctions imposed in wake of the Penn State child sex abuse scandal.

O'Brien was hired as Penn State's 15th head football coach, replacing Hall of Fame coach, Joe Paterno.[1] He was introduced as the head coach at a press conference on January 7, 2012.[2] The team added player names to the back of their jerseys to recognize the players who stayed with the program despite adversity, and also wore a blue ribbon to support child abuse victims.[3]

After losing its first two games, the Nittany Lions finished their season winning eight of their final 10 to finish with a record of eight wins and four losses (8–4). They were not eligible to participate in a bowl game despite their winning record.

Schedule

Date Time Opponent Site TV Result Attendance
September 1 12:00 PM Ohio[4]* Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ESPN L 14–24   97,186
September 8 12:00 PM at Virginia[5]* Scott Stadium • Charlottesville, VA ABC L 16–17   56,087
September 15 3:30 PM Navy* Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC/ESPN2 W 34–7   98,792
September 22 3:30 PM Temple* Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC/ESPN2 W 24–13   93,680
September 29 12:00 PM at Illinois Memorial Stadium • Champaign, IL ESPN W 35–7   46,734
October 6 12:00 PM #24 Northwesterndagger Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ESPN W 39–28   95,769[6]
October 20 8:00 PM at Iowa Kinnick Stadium • Iowa City, IA BTN W 38–14   70,585
October 27 5:30 PM #9 Ohio State Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA (Rivalry) ESPN L 23–35   107,818
November 3 3:30 PM at Purdue Ross-Ade Stadium • West Lafayette, IN ESPNU W 34–9   40,098
November 10 3:30 PM at #18 Nebraska Memorial Stadium • Lincoln, NE ABC L 23–32   85,527
November 17 12:00 PM Indiana Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA BTN W 45–22   90,358
November 24 3:30 PM Wisconsin Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ESPN2 W 24–21 OT  93,505
*Non-conference game. daggerHomecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll. All times are in Eastern Time.

Coaching staff

Roster

Wide receiver Shawney Kersey left the team on September 12, 2012 for "personal reasons".[15] On September 28, 2012, quarterback and tight end Paul Jones left the Penn State football team.[16]

2012 Penn State Nittany Lions football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos. # Name Class
TB 1 Belton, BillBill Belton So
QB 2 McGregor, ShaneShane McGregor Sr
WR 4 Lewis, EvanEvan Lewis  Sr
WR 6 Phillips, ShaneShane Phillips  Fr
WR 8 Robinson, AllenAllen Robinson So
RB 9 Zordich, MichaelMichael Zordich Sr
WR 10 Williams, TrevorTrevor Williams Fr
QB 11 McGloin, MattMatt McGloin  Sr
QB 12 Bench, StevenSteven Bench Fr
QB 13 Lucas, TylerTyler Lucas  Fr
QB 14 Venuto, GarrettGarrett Venuto  Jr
WR 15 Kenney, AlexAlex Kenney  So
WR 16 Lewis, GenoGeno Lewis Fr
WR 17 Kuntz, ChristianChristian Kuntz  Jr
TE 18 James, JesseJesse James Fr
WR 19 Brown, JustinJustin Brown Sr
WR 20 Golden, MalikMalik Golden Fr
TB 22 Lynch, AkeelAkeel Lynch Fr
TB 24 Day, DerekDerek Day Sr
TB 26 Dukes, CurtisCurtis Dukes  Jr
RB 28 Zwinak, ZachZach Zwinak  So
FB 30 Dupree, AndreAndre Dupree  Jr
TE 32 Royer, DakotaDakota Royer  So
TB 33 Bryan, ColinColin Bryan Fr
FB 34 Salamone, DominicDominic Salamone Fr
FB 35 Zerbe, PatPat Zerbe  Jr
RB 36 Thompson, DeronDeron Thompson  Fr
FB 37 Haffner, JackJack Haffner Fr
FB 41 Refice, J.R.J.R. Refice  Jr
FB 45 Byers, P.J.P.J. Byers Sr
G 50 Stanko, AnthonyAnthony Stanko Fr
T 52 Graham, LukeLuke Graham  So
C 54 Stankiewtich, MattMatt Stankiewtich Sr
C 55 Laurent, WendyWendy Laurent Fr
G/T 56 Alosi, AnthonyAnthony Alosi  Fr
T 58 Gress, AdamAdam Gress  Jr
C 60 Howle, TyTy Howle  Sr
C 62 Figueroa, FrankFrank Figueroa  Jr
G 64 Urschel, JohnJohn Urschel  Jr
C 65 Dieffenbach, MilesMiles Dieffenbach  So
G 66 Mangiro, AngeloAngelo Mangiro  Fr
G 68 Davie, BryanBryan Davie  So
T 70 Cadogan, NateNate Cadogan  Jr
G 73 Arcidiacono, MarkMark Arcidiacono  Jr
G 75 Shrive, EricEric Shrive  Jr
T 76 Smith, DonovanDonovan Smith  Fr
G 77 Christie, PatrickPatrick Christie  So
T 78 Farrell, MikeMike Farrell Sr
T 79 Blanchard, KevinKevin Blanchard  Fr
WR 80 Zanellato, MattMatt Zanellato  Fr
TE 82 Irvin, BrianBrian Irvin Sr
TE 83 Wilkerson, BrentBrent Wilkerson Fr
TE 84 Lehman, MattMatt Lehman  Jr
WR 85 Moseby-Felder, BrandonBrandon Moseby-Felder  Jr
TE 86 Wilson, BryceBryce Wilson  Fr
TE 87 Carter, KyleKyle Carter  Fr
WR 88 Warner, JonathanJonathan Warner Fr
TE 89 Gilliam, GaryGary Gilliam  Jr
 Defense
Pos. # Name Class
S 1 Lucas, JordanJordan Lucas Fr
CB 2 Kiley, JakeJake Kiley Fr
CB 3 Davis, Da'QuanDa'Quan Davis Fr
CB 4 Amos, AdrianAdrian Amos So
LB 5 Wartman, NyeemNyeem Wartman Fr
LB 6 Hodges, GeraldGerald Hodges Sr
S 7 Obeng-Agyapong, StephenStephen Obeng-Agyapong  Jr
LB 10 Willis, MalcolmMalcolm Willis  Jr
CB 12 Morris, StephonStephon Morris Sr
CB 14 Wallace, MikeMike Wallace  Jr
CB 15 Flanagan, PatrickPatrick Flanagan  So
CB 16 Pryor, DevinDevin Pryor  So
DE 18 Barnes, DeionDeion Barnes  Fr
S 21 Harper, BryantBryant Harper Fr
LB 22 Rhattigan, T.J.T.J. Rhattigan  Fr
S 23 Keiser, RyanRyan Keiser  So
WR 24 Duckett, JonathanJonathan Duckett So
LB 26 Lucas, KyleKyle Lucas Sr
S 27 Fagnano, JacobJacob Fagnano Sr
S 29 Cully, JeffJeff Cully  Jr
LB 30 Idemudia, CharlesCharles Idemudia Fr
DE 31 Bars, BradBrad Bars  So
LB 33 Yancich, MichaelMichael Yancich Sr
LB 38 Kline, BenBen Kline  Fr
CB 39 Della Valle, JesseJesse Della Valle  So
LB 40 Carson, GlennGlenn Carson Jr
LB 42 Mauti, MichaelMichael Mauti  Sr
LB 43 Hull, MikeMike Hull  So
LB 46 Cole, AdamAdam Cole Fr
DL 47 Hill, JordanJordan Hill Sr
DE 48 Kerner, JordanJordan Kerner  Fr
LB 49 Franklin, BrennanBrennan Franklin Fr
LB 51 Boyce, DrewDrew Boyce  Fr
DT 53 Dowrey, DerekDerek Dowrey Fr
LB 54 Van Fleet, JamesJames Van Fleet Sr
DE 59 Massaro, PetePete Massaro  Sr
DT 72 Gaia, BrianBrian Gaia Fr
DT 84 Baublitz, KyleKyle Baublitz  So
DE 86 Olaniyan, C.J.C.J. Olaniyan  So
DT 88 Smith, TyroneTyrone Smith  So
DE 90 Stanley, SeanSean Stanley Sr
DT 91 Jones, DaQuanDaQuan Jones Jr
DT 93 Terry, JamesJames Terry Sr
DE 94 Schwan, EvanEvan Schwan Fr
DE 95 Nassib, CarlCarl Nassib  Fr
DT 96 Castor, CodyCody Castor Sr
DE 98 Zettel, AnthonyAnthony Zettel  Fr
DT 99 Johnson, AustinAustin Johnson Fr
 Special teams
Pos. # Name Class
PK 19 Marcincin, MattMatt Marcincin  Fr
P 29 Parthemore, ReynoldsReynolds Parthemore Fr
KS 44 Fuhrman, MichaelMichael Fuhrman Sr
P 45 Butterworth, AlexAlex Butterworth Jr
PK 48 DiSanto, KevinKevin DiSanto  So
KS 57 Etter, EmeryEmery Etter  Jr
KS 63 Marvin, JoeJoe Marvin Fr
PK 97 Ficken, SamSam Ficken So
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured
  • Redshirt

Roster
Last update: August 13, 2012

Game notes

September 1 vs. Ohio

Penn State vs. Ohio -Game Summary
1 2 34Total
Ohio 0 3 14724
Penn State 7 7 0014

at Beaver Stadium

Game information
First quarter
  • PSU- Bill Belton 6-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Ficken XP good, 0:03 (PSU 7-0)
Second quarter
  • Ohio- Matt Weller 22-yard field goal, 10:22 (PSU 7-3)
  • PSU- Matt Lehman 14-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Ficken XP good, 1:29 (PSU 14-3)
Third quarter
  • Ohio- Landon Smith 43-yard pass from Tyler Tettleton, Weller XP good, 10:40 (PSU 14-10)
  • Ohio- Tyler Tettleton 1-yard run, Weller XP good, 3:49 (Ohio 17-14)
Fourth quarter
  • Ohio- Donte Foster 5-yard pass from Tyler Tettleton, Weller WP good, 2:55 (Ohio 24-14)
Top passer
Top rusher
Top receiver

The Ohio University Bobcats spoiled Head Coach Bill O'Brien's PSU debut defeating the Nittany Lions 24–14. Penn State led 14–3 at the half due to passing touchdowns by QB Matt McGloin to Bill Belton (6 yard) and Matt Lehman (14 yard). Ohio came out of the half-time intermission with 21 unanswered points from passing scores from QB Tyler Tettleton to Landon Smith (43 yard) and Donte Foster (5 yard) and a Tettleton run (1 yard). Penn State committed several costly turnovers including a muffed punt by linebacker Gerald Hodges which set up an Ohio TD and an interception thrown with a minute left by Matt McGloin which essentially put the nail in the coffin. Beau Blankenship led the way for the Bobcats rushing for 109 yards on 31 carries and catching 7 passes for 72 yards. Allen Robinson led the Lions catching 9 passes for 92 yards. Penn State tight end Kyle Carter also caught 6 passes for 72 yards.[17]

September 8 at Virginia

Penn State at Virginia -Game Summary
1 2 34Total
Penn State 7 0 0916
Virginia 0 3 7717

at Scott Stadium

  • Date: September 8
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 56,087
  • TV: ABC
Game information
First quarter
  • PSU- Kyle Carter 8-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Ficken XP good, 8:33 (PSU 7-0)
Second quarter
  • UVA- Drew Jarrett 46-yard field goal, 3:56 (PSU 7-3)
Third quarter
  • UVA- Jeremiah Mathis 1-yard pass from Michael Rocco, Jarrett XP good, 9:22 (UVA 10-7)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU- Allen Robinson 30-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Ficken XP blocked, 13:10 (PSU 13-10)
  • PSU- Sam Ficken 32-yard field goal, 10:55 (PSU 16-10)
  • UVA- Jake McGee 6-yard pass from Michael Rocco, Jarrett XP good, 1:28 (UVA 17-16)
Top passer
Top rusher
  • Derek Day- 18 carries, 47 yards
Top receiver

Penn State was without starting running back Bill Belton due to injury, so senior Derek Day got the start. Penn State's opening drive of the game lasted 17 plays and 75 yards and took up about 6 minutes resulting in an 8-yard pass from QB Matt McGloin to Kyle Carter. Their first-half offense was thwarted, however, when they could not convert on 2 FG attempts. Drew Jarrett's 46-yard FG put Virginia on the scoreboard with 3:56 remaining in the first half. True freshman Steven Bench took over QB duties for Penn State late in the first half when McGloin left the field after being hit in the elbow on 2 consecutive series.
Virginia's opening drive of the second half resulted in a 1-yard TD pass from QB Michael Rocco to Jeremiah Mathis. Penn State's FG woes continued in the third quarter when Sam Ficken missed a 20-yard FG which would have tied the game. In the fourth quarter, McGloin completed a long pass to Allen Robinson, who made the diving catch but was shaken up after the play. Ficken's PAT attempt was blocked. Penn State's final scoring drive began when Michael Mauti recovered a Virginia fumble deep in UVA territory. On the ensuing drive, Ficken attempted a 32-yard field goal and, for the first time on the day, made it. Rocco's 6-yard pass to Jake McGee and the ensuing PAT gave Virginia a 1-point lead with 1:28 remaining in the contest. Ficken missed a 43-yard field goal as time expired.[18]

September 15 vs. Navy

Penn State vs. Navy -Game Summary
1 2 34Total
Navy 0 0 077
Penn State 14 6 7734

at Beaver Stadium

  • Date: September 15
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 98,792
  • TV: ESPN2/ABC
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
  • PSU- Mike Hull 74-yard fumble return, Ficken XP good, 14:13 (PSU 34-0)
  • Navy- Gee Gee Greene 12-yard run, Sloan XP good, 10:03 (PSU 34-7)
Top passer
Top rusher
  • Michael Zordich- 11 rushes, 50 yards
Top receiver
Top tackler

In the game where new head coach Bill O'Brien celebrated his first victory at Penn State,[20] the Lions overpowered Navy 34–7. Senior quarterback Matt McGloin threw for 231 yards (13–21) and 4 touchdowns including three to sophomore wide receiver Allen Robinson who had 5 catches for 136 yards. For the second consecutive game, Penn State was without starting halfback Bill Belton. Fifth year senior Michael Zordich, who has spent his career at PSU playing fullback carried the ball 11 times for 50 yards. Teammate Curtis Dukes carried 11 times for 47 yards. Navy turned the ball over several times including a fumble which was recovered by Linebacker U Mike Hull and returned for a 74-yard touchdown. Gerald Hodges also recorded an interception. [21]

September 22 vs. Temple

Penn State vs. Temple -Game Summary
1 2 34Total
Temple 0 3 3713
Penn State 7 7 7324

at Beaver Stadium

  • Date: September 22
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 93,680
  • TV: ESPN2/ABC
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • Temple- Brandon McManus 33-yard field goal, 10:29 (PSU 7-3)
  • PSU- Matt McGloin 1-yard run, Ficken XP good, 0:22 (PSU 14-3)
Third quarter
  • PSU- Matt McGloin 2-yard run, Ficken XP good, 4:57 (PSU 21-3)
  • Temple- Brandon McManus 42-yard field goal, 1:37 (PSU 21-6)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU- Sam Ficken 21-yard field goal, 2:29 (PSU 24-6)
  • Temple- Matt Brown 1-yard pass From Chris Coyer, McManus XP good, 1:33 (PSU 24-13)
Top passer
Top rusher
Top receiver
Top tackler

Led by a strong effort by senior quarterback Matt McGloin who ran for two touchdowns and threw for another, the Lions defeated Temple 24-13. With running back Bill Belton out for the third straight game, it was up to McGloin to lead the team around the goal line. He did, with a one-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a two yarder. He also threw a touchdown to sophomore wide receiver Allen Robinson, who recorded 5 catches for 82 yards and a score. Sophomore Zach Zwinak saw the first extensive action of his career at running back; he ran for 94 yards on 18 carries. Fullback Michael Zordich added 15 carries of his own for 75 yards. Kicker Sam Ficken, who had missed 4 field goals and an extra point the previous week, converted on all 3 extra points and a 21-yard field goal. Defensively, the Lions were led by another strong effort from senior linebacker Michael Mauti, who recorded 9 tackles, and defensive tackle Jordan Hill, who added 7 tackles and a sack.[22]

September 29 at Illinois

Penn State at Illinois -Game Summary
1 2 34Total
Penn State 14 7 7735
Illinois 0 0 707

at Memorial Stadium

Game information
First quarter
  • PSU- Zach Zwinak 1-yard run, Ficken XP good, 10:41 (PSU 7-0)
  • PSU- Matt McGloin 1-yard run, Ficken XP good, 6:29 (PSU 14-0)
Second quarter
  • PSU- Matt Lehman 21-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Ficken XP good, 3:11 (PSU 21-0)
Third quarter
  • ILL- Spencer Harris 22-yard pass from Josh Ferguson, Zalewski XP good, 10:22 (PSU 21-7)
  • PSU- Matt McGloin 1-yard run, Ficken XP good 3:15 (PSU 28-7)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU- Zach Zwinak 1-yard run, Ficken XP good 14:03 (PSU 35-7)
Top passer
Top rusher
Top receiver
  • Matt Lehman- 5 receptions, 70 yards, TD
Top tacklers

After getting a quick three and out on Penn State's first series, Illinois muffed the punt and set up Penn State with great field position. Kicker Sam Ficken attempted a field goal, which he made, but a running into the kicker penalty on Illinois, Penn State was set up inside the 5-yard line. Zach Zwinak ran the ball for a 1-yard touchdown. Later in the quarter, Matt McGloin ran for a score. Taylor Zalewski missed a short field goal late in the first quarter. Early in the second quarter, Sam Ficken missed a 47 yarder of his own. In the second quarter, Matt McGloin threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Matt Lehman, his tenth of the year. As Lehman was falling into the end zone, an Illinois defender hammered Lehman helmet to helmet and was ejected. At the end of the first half, quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase threw an interception to Michael Mauti who returned the ball 99 yards and was stopped at the one-yard line with one second left. Sam Ficken's 18 yard was blocked to end the half. On a trick play, receiver Josh Ferguson threw a 22-yard touchdown to Spencer Harris in the third quarter. Matt McGloin capped a long drive late in the third quarter with a 2-yard touchdown run, his second of the game. Michael Mauti intercepted Nathan Scheelhaase for the second time of the day near the end of the third quarter. Zach Zwinak went over the century mark with his second touchdown run of the day early in the fourth quarter to put Penn State up 35–7.

October 6 vs. Northwestern

Penn State vs. #24 Northwestern -Game Summary
1 2 34Total
#24 Northwestern 0 14 14028
Penn State 3 7 72239

at Beaver Stadium

Game information
First quarter
  • PSU- Sam Ficken 21-yard field goal, 3:41 (PSU 3-0)
Second quarter
  • PSU- Zach Zwinak 1-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 9:34 (PSU 10-0)
  • NW- Venric Mark 2-yard run, Jeff Budzien XP good, 6:23 (PSU 10-7)
  • NW- Tony Jones 10-yard pass from Trevor Siemian, Jeff Budzien XP good, 0:30 (NW 14-10)
Third quarter
  • PSU- Allen Robinson 8-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Sam Ficken XP good, 7:17 (PSU 17-14)
  • NW- Kain Colter 10-yard run, Jeff Budzien XP good, 3:12 (NW 21-17)
  • NW- Venric Mark 75-yard punt return, Jeff Budzien XP good. 0:50 (NW 28-17)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU- Allen Robinson 6-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Michael Zordich run for two-point conversion good, 9:49 (NW 28-25)
  • PSU- Matt McGloin 5-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 2:37 (PSU 32-28)
  • PSU- Michael Zordich 3-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 1:30 (PSU 39-28)
Top passer
Top rusher
Top receiver
Top tackler

In the Lions' first game against a ranked opponent, they defeated Northwestern 39–28 at Beaver Stadium. Penn State won the toss and elected to receive. Their first drive showed promise, but a false start penalty pushed them back and forcing them to punt. Alex Butterworth's punt was downed at the Northwestern 1. The Wildcats were forced into a quick three-and-out. The ensuing drive for the Lions included two fourth down conversions on their way to inside the five-yard line where, rather than risking a third fourth down on the drive, the Nittany Lions settled for a 21-yard field goal try by Sam Ficken. On Penn State's fifth drive of the game, which began at the Northwestern 40, they slowly drove down the field using the no-huddle offense, converting on fourth and short at one point for their third 4th down conversion of the game. The drive was capped by a one-yard touchdown plunge by Zach Zwinak to give Penn State a 10–0 lead. Northwestern's ensuing drive managed to pick up a couple first downs, but ultimately stalled and they were forced to punt for a fifth time. Penn State, however, muffed this punt and Northwestern recovered at the Penn State 17. Three plays later, Northwestern scored its first touchdown of the game on a two-yard run by Venric Mark to make the score 10–7. After another exchange of punts, Penn State drove from its 21-yard line to the Northwestern 34 where the drive stalled and Penn State was forced to 4th and 4. Penn State elected to try to convert its fourth 4th down of the game, but they failed this time. Northwestern took advantage of this to drive down the field, aided by a controversial pass interference call, and scored another touchdown before the half on a Trevor Siemian pass. At the end of the first half, Penn State trailed 14–10.

Northwestern opened the second half on offense and after one first down was forced to punt. Penn State then moved the ball 80 yards in 12 plays and scored a touchdown on an 8-yard pass from Matt McGloin to Allen Robinson to take a 17–14 lead. Northwestern responded in kind with a touchdown scored on a 10-yard run by Kain Colter to put Penn State down again, this time by a score of 21–17. Penn State's next drive also stalled, and the ensuing Penn State punt resulted in a disaster when Northwestern's Venric Mark returned it 75 yards for a touchdown to widen the gap to 28–17. Penn State responded to this score with its own 18 play 82-yard drive that ended on a touchdown pass from McGloin to Robinson on 4th and 4 from the Northwestern 6. A successful two-point rush by Michael Zordich trimmed the deficit to 25–28 with just under 10 minutes to play. Penn State forced a Northwestern three-and-out, but a good Northwestern punt backed up Penn State to its own 15. Penn State drove, in 13 plays, down the field to the Northwestern 4, along the way converting on another 4th down to make it 5 for 6 on 4th downs. On 2nd and Goal, McGloin was stripped of the ball from behind, but managed to fall on it for a loss of one. One 3rd and Goal, McGloin escaped the pass rush and dove into the end zone to give the Lions a 32–28 lead with 2:37 to play. Northwestern had all three timeouts for what ultimately would be its last chance, but ran four plays and turned the ball over on downs. Penn State ran three consecutive handoffs to Michael Zordich, who took the second one all the way to the three and the third into the end zone to make the score 39–28, the final score.

October 20 at Iowa

Penn State at Iowa -Game Summary
1 2 34Total
Penn State 14 10 7738
Iowa 0 0 01414

at Kinnick Stadium

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • PSU- Sam Ficken, 34-yard field goal, 7:19 (PSU 17-0)
  • PSU- Bill Belton, 11-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 5:53 (PSU 24-0)
Third quarter
  • PSU- Bill Belton, 3-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 14:33 (PSU 31-0)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU- Bill Belton, 5-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 14:25 (PSU 38-0)
  • IOWA- Jordon Cotton, 92-yard kickoff return, Mike Meyer XP good, 14:14 (PSU 38-7)
  • IOWA- Keenan Davis, 18-yard pass from James Vandenberg, Mike Meyer XP good, 4:11 (PSU 38-14)
Top passer
Top rusher
Top receivers
Top tackler

October 27 vs. Ohio State

Penn State vs. Ohio State -Game Summary
1 2 34Total
#9 Ohio State 0 7 21735
Penn State 0 7 31323

at Beaver Stadium

Game information
First quarter
  • No scoring
Second quarter
  • PSU- Mike Yancich, blocked punt recovered in end zone, Sam Ficken XP good, 6:15 (PSU 7-0)
  • OSU- Carlos Hyde, 1-yard run, Drew Basil XP good, 0:34 (TIE 7-7)
Third quarter
  • OSU- Ryan Shazier, 17-yard interception return, Drew Basil XP good, 13:41 (OSU 14-7)
  • PSU- Sam Ficken, 27-yard field goal, 9:50 (OSU 14-10)
  • OSU- Braxton Miller, 1-yard run, Drew Basil XP good, 3:30 (OSU 21-10)
  • OSU- Braxton Miller, 1-yard run, Drew Basil XP good, 0:40 (OSU 28-10)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU- Matt Lehman, 2-yard pass from Matt McGloin, two-point conversion attempt failed, 9:49 (OSU 28-16)
  • OSU- Jake Stoneburner, 72-yard pass from Braxton Miller, Drew Basil XP good, 6:11 (OSU 35-16)
  • PSU- Kyle Carter, 20-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Sam Ficken XP good, 1:41 (OSU 35-23)
Top passer
Top rusher
Top receiver
Top tackler

November 3 vs. Purdue

Penn State vs. Purdue -Game Summary
1 2 34Total
Purdue 3 0 069
Penn State 10 10 14034

at Ross-Ade Stadium

Game information
First quarter
  • PUR- Sam McCartney, 21-yard field goal, 12:59 (PUR 3-0)
  • PSU- Sam Ficken, 27-yard field goal, 6:03 (TIE 3-3)
  • PSU- Michael Zordich, 6-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 3:53 (PSU 10-3)
Second quarter
  • PSU- Sam Ficken, 25-yard field goal, 3:47 (PSU 13-3)
  • PSU- Michael Zordich, 5-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 1:16 (PSU 20-3)
Third quarter
  • PSU- Jesse James, 12-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Sam Ficken XP good, 12:19 (PSU 27-3)
  • PSU- Brandon Moseby-Felder, 41-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Sam Ficken XP good, 8:28 (PSU 34-3)
Fourth quarter
  • PUR- Antavian Edison, 2-yard pass from Caleb TerBush, 0:00 (PSU 34-9)
Top passer
Top rusher
Top receiver
  • Brandon Moseby-Felder- 6 receptions, 129 yards, TD
Top tackler

November 10 at Nebraska

Penn State at Nebraska -Game Summary
1 2 34Total
Penn State 7 13 3023
#18 Nebraska 3 3 141232

at Memorial Stadium

Game information
First quarter
  • PSU- Zach Zwinak, 50-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 13:14 (PSU 7-0)
  • NEB- Brett Maher, 32-yard field goal, 6:17 (PSU 7-3)
Second quarter
  • NEB- Brett Maher, 27-yard field goal, 12:29 (PSU 7-6)
  • PSU- Sam Ficken, 27-yard field goal, 6:58 (PSU 10-6)
  • PSU- Jesse James, 10-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Sam Ficken XP good, 2:42 (PSU 17-6)
  • PSU- Sam Ficken, 38-yard field goal, 1:08 (PSU 20-6)
Third quarter
  • NEB- Imani Cross, 1-yard run, Brett Maher XP good, 11:48 (PSU 20-13)
  • NEB- Imani Cross, 2-yard run, Brett Maher XP good, 9:37 (TIE 20-20)
  • PSU- Sam Ficken, 38-yard field goal, 6:01 (PSU 23-20)
Fourth quarter
  • NEB- Jamal Turner, 5-yard pass from Taylor Martinez, Brett Maher XP good, 10:57 (NEB 27-23)
  • NEB- Penalty on Penn State in the end zone, 5:02 (NEB 29-23)
  • NEB- Brett Maher, 33-yard field goal, 0:23 (NEB 32-23)
Top passer
Top rusher
Top receiver
Top tackler

November 17 vs. Indiana

Penn State vs. Indiana -Game Summary
1 2 34Total
Indiana 0 13 9022
Penn State 7 21 14345

at Beaver Stadium

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • IND- Mitch Ewald, 26-yard field goal, 14:44 (PSU 7-3)
  • IND- Ted Bolser, 2-yard pass from Cameron Coffman, Mitch Ewald XP good, 13:20 (IND 10-7)
  • PSU- Allen Robinson, 53-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Sam Ficken XP good, 8:56 (PSU 14-10)
  • IND- Mitch Ewald, 44-yard field goal, 7:06 (PSU 14-13)
  • PSU- Allen Robinson, 10-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Sam Ficken XP good, 2:25 (PSU 21-13)
  • PSU- Zach Zwinak, 16-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Sam Ficken XP good, 0:31 (PSU 28-13)
Third quarter
  • IND- Stephen Houston, 79-yard pass from Cameron Coffman, XP failed, 13:04 (PSU 28-19)
  • IND- Mitch Ewald, 46-yard field goal, 8:36 (PSU 28-22)
  • PSU- Zach Zwinak, 1-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 5:33 (PSU 35-22)
  • PSU- Michael Zordich, 4-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 0:17 (PSU 42-22)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU- Sam Ficken, 28-yard field goal, 3:40 (PSU 45-22)
Top passer
Top rusher
Top receiver
Top defender

Receiver Allen Robinson caught three touchdown passes in the first half. Senior linebackers Michael Mauti and Gerald Hodges each left in the first half due to injury. Hodges subsequently returned and made an interception late in the second quarter where he tipped the ball to himself and made a diving catch. Mauti was expected to miss significant time with a left knee injury. Quarterback Matt McGloin set both a single-season record for most passing yards in school history and broke Zack Mills' record for most career touchdown passes.

November 24 vs. Wisconsin

Penn State vs. Wisconsin-Game Summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Wisconsin 14 0 07021
Penn State 7 0 68324

at Beaver Stadium

Game information
First quarter
  • WIS- Melvin Gordon, 57-yard pass from Curt Phillips, Kyle French XP good, 13:11 (WIS 7-0)
  • PSU- Zach Zwinak, 3-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 8:17 (TIE 7-7)
  • WIS- Montee Ball, 17-yard run, Kyle French XP good, 6:27 (WIS 14-7)
Second quarter
  • no scoring
Third quarter
  • PSU- Sam Ficken, 23-yard field goal, 10:55 (WIS 14-10)
  • PSU- Sam Ficken, 32-yard field goal, 2:58 (WIS 14-13)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU- Jesse James, 41-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Zach Zwinak run for two-point conversion, 13:32 (PSU 21-14)
  • WIS- Jeff Duckworth, 4-yard pass from Curt Phillips, Kyle French XP good, 0:18 (TIE 21-21)
Overtime
  • PSU- Sam Ficken, 36-yard field goal (PSU 24-21)
Top passer
Top rusher
Top receiver
  • Jesse James- 3 receptions, 90 yards, TD
Top defender
  • Glenn Carson- 13 tackles, Jordan Hill- 12 tackles, 2 sacks

Awards

Despite the Lions' ineligibility to play in bowl games, several players were named to the All-Conference Team or received other individual awards.

[30][31][32]

Post-season

Four players were invited to the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine, held February 20 to 26 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana: Jordan Hill, Gerald Hodges, Michael Mauti, and Matt Stankiewitch.[33][34]

All-star games

Game Date Site Players
2013 Casino del Sol College All-Star Game January 11, 2013 Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium
Tucson, Arizona 		Mike Farrell[35]
2013 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl January 19, 2013 The Home Depot Center
Carson, California 		Michael Zordich[36]
Sean Stanley[35]
Pete Massaro[37]
2013 East–West Shrine Game January 19, 2013 Tropicana Field
St. Petersburg, Florida 		Gerald Hodges[38]
Matt Stankiewitch[38]
2013 Senior Bowl January 26, 2013 Ladd Peebles Stadium,
Mobile, Alabama 		Jordan Hill[36]
2013 Texas vs The Nation February 2, 2013 Allen, Texas Matt McGloin[36]

References

  1. ↑ "Penn State hires Bill O'Brien as coach". ESPN.com. January 6, 2011. Retrieved January 6, 2011.
  2. ↑ "Penn State Selects Bill O'Brien To Lead Football Program". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. January 7, 2012.
  3. ↑ Juliano, Joe (August 7, 2012). "Penn State to Add Names to Back of Football Jerseys". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
  4. ↑ "2012 Penn State Football Schedule". 2012 CBS Interactive. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  5. ↑ Fittipaldo, Ray (June 6, 2007). "Football: PSU adds Virginia to future schedule". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  6. ↑ "Northwestern Wildcats vs. Penn State Nttany Lions - Box Score". ESPN.com. October 6, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  7. 1 2 Giger, Corey (January 13, 2012). "O'Brien Completes Coaching Staff". Altoona Mirror. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  8. 1 2 Flounders, Bob (January 30, 2012). "Penn State Coach Bill O'Brien Adds Craig Fitzgerald, Jim Bernhardt to Nittany Lions' Coaching Staff". The Patriot-News. Retrieved January 30, 2012.
  9. ↑ Flounders, Bob (January 11, 2012). "Reports: Penn State Head Coach Bill O'Brien Adds Assistant John Butler, A Coach With A Special Teams Background, to Nittany Lions' Staff". The Patriot-News. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  10. ↑ Snyder, Audrey (February 18, 2012). "New Era Dawns at PSU". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Retrieved February 18, 2012.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Musselman, Ron (January 9, 2012). "Penn State's O'Brien Adds 4 More Assistants". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  12. 1 2 Mussleman, Ron (January 8, 2012). "PSU Hires Running Backs Coach". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  13. ↑ "Q&A: Coach O'Brien". Fight On State. January 19, 2012. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  14. ↑ "Vanderlinden to Remain Assistant at PSU". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. January 8, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  15. ↑ Moyer, Josh. "Penn State Nittany Lions' Shawney Kersey leaves team". ESPN. Retrieved September 17, 2012.
  16. ↑ Moyer, Josh (26 September 2012). "Penn State Nittany Lions' Paul Jones becomes latest to bolt from football team". NittanyNation - ESPN. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
  17. ↑ "Ohio Bobcats vs. Penn State Nittany Lions". Retrieved September 1, 2012.
  18. ↑ "Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Virginia Cavaliers". USA Today. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
  19. ↑ Penn State Alumni Association (17 September 2012). "Penn State". Football Letter 75 (3): 4. Retrieved 20 September 2012.
  20. ↑ "United State Naval Academy Midshipment vs. Penn State Nittany Lions". USA Today. Retrieved September 15, 2012.
  21. ↑ Armas, Genero (September 15, 2012). "Penn State Beats Navy 34-7 for Bill O'Brien's 1st Win". Huffington Post. Retrieved September 17, 2012.
  22. ↑ "Temple Owls vs. Penn State Nittany Lions - Recap - September 22, 2012". ESPN. Retrieved September 23, 2012.
  23. ↑ "CBSSports.com GameTracker". Football. Retrieved September 29, 2012.
  24. ↑ "Penn State vs Nebraska (Nov 10, 2012)". Retrieved 9 December 2012.
  25. 1 2 Penn State Sports Information (December 8, 2012). "Mauti, O'Brien win national honors". BlueWhiteIllustrated,.com. Stats, LLC. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
  26. 1 2 ESPN.com staff (December 8, 2012). "AT&T ESPN All-America Team". College Football Nation Blog - ESPN. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
  27. ↑ Snyder, Audrey (December 19, 2012). "Bill O'Brien takes home the Maxwell Football Club's top collegiate coaching honor". The Patriot-News (Harrisburg). Retrieved December 20, 2012.
  28. ↑ "Penn State's O'Brien wins 'Bear' Bryant award for coaching". NCAA Football - CBSSports.com News, Scores, Stats, Schedule and BCS Rankings. CBS Interactive. Retrieved January 18, 2013.
  29. ↑ "Penn State's Deion Barnes wins Big Ten Freshman of the Year award". Centre Daily Times (State College, PA). November 27, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
  30. ↑ "Big Ten Award Winners" (PDF). Big Ten Football. Big Ten Conference. Retrieved November 27, 2012.
  31. ↑ Gross, Mike (November 27, 2012). "Penn State's Mauti and Robinson win all-Big Ten honors". Lancaster New Era. Retrieved November 27, 2012.
  32. ↑ "2012 All-Big Ten Conference Football Teams". Big Ten Network. Big Ten Network. Retrieved November 27, 2012.
  33. ↑ "Four Nittany Lions Invited to NFL Scouting Combine". Penn State Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. February 7, 2013.
  34. ↑ Snyder, Audrey (February 7, 2013). "Invitation only: Four Penn State players receive invitations to NFL Scouting Combine". The Patriot-News (Harrisburg). Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  35. 1 2 "Farrell and Stanley Earn All-Star Game Invites". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. January 4, 2013.
  36. 1 2 3 Pickel, Greg (January 21, 2013). "Penn State Football: McGloin, Zordich, accept All-Star game bids". Bleacher Report.
  37. ↑ "Massaro Third Nittany Lion Invited to NFLPA All-Star Game". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. January 13, 2013.
  38. 1 2 "Hodges and Stankiewitch Set to Play in 88th East-West Shrine Game". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. January 10, 2013.
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