2013 Penn State Nittany Lions football team

American college football season June 2024 February 2026 2013 Penn State Nittany Lions football Penn State Athletics wordmark.svg 250 Big Ten Conference Big Ten Leaders Division 7–5 4–4 Bill O'Brien 2nd John Butler 1st Glenn Carson Ty Howle DaQuan Jones John Urschel Pat ZerbeQuintet elected Nittany Lions co-captains http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113013aab.html Penn State Official Athletic Site CBS Interactive November 30, 2013 November 30, 2013 November 30, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131130231142/http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113013aab.html live Spread option 4–3 Beaver Stadium Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy The 2013 Penn State Nittany Lions football team represented Pennsylvania State University in the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Bill O'Brien and played its home games in Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. They were a member of the Big Ten Conference and its Leaders Division. Penn State was ineligible to play in a bowl game for the 2013 season, the second season of a four-year ban, due to NCAA sanctions imposed in the wake of the Penn State child sex abuse scandal. Before the season, Penn State had an open competition to win the starting quarterback position; true freshman Christian Hackenberg started all 12 games for the Nittany Lions. Hackenberg headlined their recruiting class, which also featured tight end Adam Breneman. John Butler was named Penn State's new defensive coordinator upon the departure of Ted Roof. Most predicted Penn State would have a similar season to that of the 2012 team, which won eight games and lost four, but there was uncertainty, as injuries could decimate the team, which was already thin at many positions including offensive line and linebacker, while surprise performances from key players could lift them to success. Penn State opened the season with two non-conference wins, but lost to the UCF Knights, who ultimately went on to a BCS bowl, the Fiesta, in their third game. Entering conference play, the Nittany Lions were 3–1, and in their first conference game they lost to Indiana before defeating Michigan in a quadruple-overtime thriller. They alternated losses and wins for the remainder of the season, losing to Ohio State, Minnesota, and Nebraska, and defeating Illinois, Purdue, and Wisconsin. Despite the team never being ranked, several players earned national and conference recognition, headlined by wide receiver Allen Robinson, who was named the Big Ten Conference Receiver of the Year and earned first team all-conference and All-American honors before subsequently announcing he would forgo his senior season and enter the 2014 NFL draft. Senior John Urschel, an offensive guard, won the William V. Campbell Trophy—sometimes referred to as the "academic Heisman". Hackenberg was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Additionally, backup quarterback Tyler Ferguson, who lost the preseason quarterback competition to Hackenberg, announced his intent to transfer. Soon after the season, two coaches—Ron Vanderlinden and Charlie Fisher—left Penn State for undisclosed reasons, though there was speculation that O'Brien forced them out. A few weeks later, O'Brien accepted the head coaching position with the Houston Texans, leaving the Nittany Lions after two seasons. Early in 2014, the Nittany Lions hired James Franklin to replace O'Brien as head coach for the 2014 season. Recruiting Despite NCAA sanctions including limited scholarships and a bowl ban, Penn State retained their top recruit: quarterback Christian Hackenberg.Dodd Dennis Penn State, one year later: Blue-chip QB Hackenberg sticks with Lions http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/writer/dennis-dodd/22861795/penn-state-one-year-later-qb-phenom-hackenberg-sticks-with-commitment CBSSports.com CBS Interactive October 14, 2013 July 24, 2013 August 23, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130823014712/http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/writer/dennis-dodd/22861795/penn-state-one-year-later-qb-phenom-hackenberg-sticks-with-commitment live They finished with the 24th ranked recruiting class according to ESPN, who cited retention of top prospects Hackenberg and tight end Adam Breneman, as well as adding depth in the secondary, overall giving them a "B" rating.2013 Penn State Nittany Lions College Football Class Rankings https://insider.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/classrankings/rank?rank=24&class=2013&date=20130220 ESPN Insider – College Football Recruiting ESPN Internet Ventures October 14, 2013 October 16, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131016101933/http://insider.espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/classrankings/rank?rank=24&class=2013&date=20130220 live Linebacker recruit Zayd Issah never enrolled at Penn State after several instances of legal trouble.Moyer Josh PSU position preview: Linebackers https://www.espn.com/blog/colleges/psu/post/_/id/11155/psu-position-preview-linebackers Nittany Nation – ESPN August 14, 2013 ESPN Internet Ventures October 14, 2013 October 16, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131016110639/http://espn.go.com/blog/colleges/psu/post/_/id/11155/psu-position-preview-linebackers live Entering camp, Hackenberg and Ferguson vied for the starting quarterback position; ultimately, Hackenberg won the job, and Ferguson served as the backup.Moyer Josh August 30, 2013 Penn State Nittany Lions to start Christian Hackenberg at QB https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/9616909/penn-state-nittany-lions-start-christian-hackenberg-qb live https://web.archive.org/web/20131015194253/http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/9616909/penn-state-nittany-lions-start-christian-hackenberg-qb October 15, 2013 October 16, 2013 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures yes no 2013 Christian Hackenberg QB Fork Union, VA Fork Union Military Academy 6 4 212 4.84 February 29, 2012 5 5 88 Adam Breneman TE Camp Hill, PA Cedar Cliff High School 6 4 229 – March 9, 2012 4 4 85 Brendan Mahon OG Randolph, NJ Randolph High School 6 5 300 – March 17, 2012 4 4 83 Andrew Nelson OT Hershey, PA Hershey High School 6 5 262 5.00 April 15, 2012 4 3 82 DaeSean Hamilton WR Stafford, VA Mountain View High School 6 0 185 4.57 December 9, 2012 4 3 81 Garrett Sickels DE Little Silver, NJ Red Bank Regional High School 6 4 225 4.68 March 4, 2012 4 4 80 Richy Anderson RB/WR Frederick, MD Governor Thomas Johnson High School 5 10 180 – October 28, 2012 3 3 77 Brandon Bell OLB Mays Landing, NJ Oakcrest High School 6 0 222 4.6 June 13, 2012 3 3 77 Tyler Ferguson QB Bakersfield, CA College of the Sequoias (JUCO) 6 4 200 – December 14, 2012 3 2 77 Jordan Smith CB Washington D.C. Howard D. Woodson High School 5 11 180 – August 11, 2012 3 2 77 Neiko Robinson S Escambia County, FL Northview High School 6 0 162 4.51 June 4, 2012 3 3 75 Zayd Issah LB Harrisburg, PA Central Dauphin High School 6 3 210 4.57 December 9, 2012 3 3 75 Kasey Gaines S Loganville, GA Grayson High School 5 9 165 4.5 September 19, 2012 3 2 71 Curtis Cothran DE Newtown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania Council Rock High School North 6 5 240 – March 26, 2012 3 3 70 Tanner Hartman OG Lynchburg, VA Liberty Christian Academy 6 4 255 4.9 July 13, 2012 2 2 69 Parker Cothren DT Hazel Green, AL Hazel Green High School 6 5 265 – November 20, 2012 2 3 69 Anthony Smith DB Randolph, NJ Cathedral Prep 6 1 180 – December 9, 2012 2 2 67 yes 2013 Penn State recruiting - Rivals.com Penn State recruiting - Scout.com Penn State football recruits bwi 157 213 46 43 24 October 14, 2013 Preseason buildup Coming off an 8–4 season during which, according to USA Today Paul Myerberg, "Attrition robbed Penn State of everything but the kitchen sink, or so we heard, so it was quite surprising when the sink, a few walk-ons, a mathematician, a local kid and a rookie coach went 8–2 after a sluggish start, pushing back against storm clouds and bringing PSU back from the abyss of life post-NCAA sanctions."Myerberg Paul College football countdown – No. 37: Penn State https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2013/08/02/penn-state-college-football-2013-preview/2612975/ January 5, 2014 USA Today August 26, 2013 January 10, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140110075840/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2013/08/02/penn-state-college-football-2013-preview/2612975/ live Many college football analysts expected the Nittany Lions to perform similarly in 2013, although almost all season outlooks noted that the team could take a major step back from 2012 if they were hampered by injuries, or could surprise everyone and win more games than they did in 2012.Fiutak Pete Penn State Nittany Lions 2013 Preview http://cfn.scout.com/2/1296827.html Scout.com – CFN Preview 2013 Microsoft February 12, 2014 June 5, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20140222214716/http://cfn.scout.com/2/1296827.html February 22, 2014 dead A solid backfield anchored by Zach Zwinak, a trio of established tight ends plus a promising newcomer, and a veteran offensive line highlighted the projected success offensively, while a new coordinator (John Butler), a "borderline All-American" linebacker (Glenn Carson), and much potential both on the defensive line and in the secondary, the latter of which was "dramatically improved", highlighted projected progress defensively. Also, a quarterback competition between Christian Hackenberg and Tyler Ferguson brewed, which provided intrigue entering the season. For Penn State to achieve success, they needed to avoid injuries that would hinder their already depleted depth due to NCAA sanctions. SBNation.com asserted, "If either Hackenberg or Ferguson gets hurt, and the other one stinks ... if either Zach Zwinak or Bill Belton (who missed four games last year) gets hurt ... if basically any linemen get hurt (and linemen often get hurt) ... this house of cards comes tumbling down."Connelly Bill 2013 Penn State football's 10 things to know: Stay away, injury bug https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/7/30/4546480/penn-state-football-2013-preview-schedule-roster SBNation.com Vox Media January 5, 2014 July 30, 2013 January 6, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140106040357/http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/7/30/4546480/penn-state-football-2013-preview-schedule-roster live ESPN.com reporter Josh Moyer wrote, "In short, like last year, PSU is a bit of a wild card. If it receives strong efforts from its quarterback and the front seven, it should surpass last year's record. If it doesn't, it might be fortunate to get to seven wins."Moyer Josh Penn State season preview https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/81060/penn-state-season-preview Big Ten Blog – ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures January 5, 2014 August 9, 2013 October 23, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131023211950/http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/81060/penn-state-season-preview live Schedule 2013 AP Eastern August 31 3:30 p.m. w y y Syracuse MetLife Stadium East Rutherford, NJ rivalry ABC/ESPN2 23–17 61,202 September 7 12:00 p.m. w y Eastern Michigan Beaver Stadium University Park, PA BTN 45–7 92,863 September 14 6:00 p.m. l y UCF Beaver Stadium University Park, PA BTN 31–34 92,855 September 21 3:30 p.m. w y Kent State Beaver Stadium University Park, PA BTN 34–0 92,371 October 5 12:00 p.m. l y Indiana Memorial Stadium Bloomington, IN BTN 24–44 42,125 October 12 5:00 p.m. w y Michigan 18 Beaver Stadium University Park, PA rivalry ESPN 43–40 4OT 107,884 October 26 8:00 p.m. l y Ohio State 4 Ohio Stadium Columbus, OH rivalry ABC 14–63 105,889 November 2 12:00 p.m. w Illinois Beaver Stadium University Park, PA ESPN 24–17 OT 95,131 November 9 12:00 p.m. l y Minnesota TCF Bank Stadium Minneapolis, MN Governor's Victory Bell ESPN2 10–24 48,123 November 16 12:00 p.m. w Purdue Beaver Stadium University Park, PA BTN 45–21 96,491 November 23 3:30 p.m. l Nebraska Beaver Stadium University Park, PA BTN 20–23 OT 98,517 November 30 3:30 p.m. w y Wisconsin 14 Camp Randall Stadium Madison, WI ESPN 31–24 78,064 Personnel Coaching staff Name Position Season atPenn State Season in current role Alma mater Bill O'Brien Head Coach 2nd 2nd Brown (1992) John Butler Defensive coordinator/Cornerbacks 2nd 1st Catholic University (1994) Charlie Fisher Quarterbacks 2nd 2nd Springfield College (1981) Stan Hixon Assistant Head Coach/Wide Receivers 2nd 2nd Iowa State (1979) Larry Johnson Defensive Line 18th 14th Elizabeth City State (1973) Charles London Running Backs/Recruiting Coordinator 2nd 2nd Duke (1996) Mac McWhorter Offensive Line 2nd 2nd Georgia (1974) Anthony Midget Safeties 1st 1st Virginia Tech (2000) John Strollo Tight Ends 2nd 2nd Boston College (1976) Ron Vanderlinden Linebackers 13th 13th Albion (1977)Reference: Craig Fitzgerald – Strength and Conditioning Brian Bell – Assistant Strength and Conditioning Graduate assistants Offense – Bartley Webb,Maisel Ivan Bill O'Brien cracking whip as Penn State prepares for opener https://insider.espn.com/blog/colleges/psu/post/_/id/461/obrien-cracks-the-whip-at-penn-state CFB Nation – ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures November 30, 2013 August 28, 2012 December 3, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131203031607/http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/colleges/psu/post/_/id/461/obrien-cracks-the-whip-at-penn-state live Steven WilliamsBill O'Brien is officially blue and white http://www.williamsport.com/news/columns/penn-state-football-bill-obrien-is-officially-blue-and-white,1050761/ Penn State Football Williamsport.com November 30, 2013 April 21, 2012 December 3, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131203013747/http://www.williamsport.com/news/columns/penn-state-football-bill-obrien-is-officially-blue-and-white,1050761/ live Defense – Tim Kelly, Will LawingPostgame Quotes – Bill O'Brien http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/092213abb.html Penn State Official Athletic Site CBS Interactive November 30, 2013 September 21, 2013 December 3, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131203005640/http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/092213abb.html liveRoussel Pete Wednesday June 12, 2013 http://coachingsearch.com/article?a=wednesday-june-12-2013 CoachingSearch.com November 30, 2013 June 12, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131206044850/http://coachingsearch.com/article?a=wednesday-june-12-2013 December 6, 2013 deadCoaching Staff 2013 Penn State Football 2013 129 http://issuu.com/gopsusports/docs/2013_penn_state_fb_yb/129 November 30, 2013 December 3, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131203015721/http://issuu.com/gopsusports/docs/2013_penn_state_fb_yb/129 live Position key BackBCenterCCornerbackCBDefensive backDBDefensive endDEDefensive linemanDLDefensive tackleDTEndEFullbackFBGuardGHalfbackHBKickerKKickoff returnerKROffensive tackleOTOffensive linemanOLLinebackerLBLong snapperLSPunterPPunt returnerPRQuarterbackQBRunning backRBSafetySTight endTEWide receiverWR Roster 2013 Penn State Nittany Lions y Bill Belton 1 RB JR y DaeSean Hamilton 2 WR FR y Jake Kiley 2 WR FR y Austin Whipple 3 QB FR Tyler Ferguson 5 QB SO Chris Geiss 6 WR FR Geno Lewis 7 WR FR y y Allen Robinson 8 WR JR y Deshawn Baker 10 WR SO y Brent Wilkerson 11 TE FR y Jack Seymour 12 QB FR Christian Hackenberg 14 QB FR y Alex Kenney 15 WR JR y D. J. Crook 17 QB FR Jesse James Jesse James (tight end) 18 TE SO y Richy Anderson 19 WR FR Brian Tomasetti 21 RB FR Akeel Lynch 22 RB FR y y Von Walker 25 RB FR Adam Geiger 27 RB FR Zach Zwinak 28 RB JR y Jack Haffner 32 FB FR y Chip Chiappialle 33 RB FR Dominic Salomone 34 FB FR y Pat Zerbe 35 FB SR Deron Thompson 36 RB SO y Wendy Laurent 55 C FR y Anthony Alosi 56 G/T SO y Tanner Hartman 57 G FR Adam Gress 58 T SR y Andrew Nelson 59 T FR Ty Howle 60 C SR y y John Urschel 64 G SR y y Miles Dieffenbach 65 C JR y Angelo Mangiro 66 G SO y Andrew Terlingo 67 OL FR Bryan Davie 68 G JR y Brendan Mahon 70 G FR Austin Fiedler 73 OL FR Evan Galimberti 74 OL FR Eric Shrive 75 G SR Donovan Smith 76 T SO y y Garry Gilliam 77 T JR y y Tom Devenney 78 OL FR Kevin Blanchard 79 T SO y Matt Zanellato 80 WR SO y Adam Breneman 81 TE FR y Gregg Garrity 82 WR FR Luke Vadas 83 WR FR Matt Lehman 84 TE SR y Brandon Felder 85 WR SR y Kyle Carter 87 TE SO y y Jonathan Warner 88 WR FR y Tom Pancoast 89 TE FR Malcolm Willis 1 S SR y Da'Quan Davis 3 CB SO Adrian Amos 4 S JR y Nyeem Wartman 5 LB FR y Malik Golden 6 S FR y y Stephen Obeng-Agyapong 7 S/LB S y Gary Wooten 8 LB FR y Jordan Lucas 9 CB SO Trevor Williams Trevor Williams (American football) 10 CB SO y Jordan Smith 12 CB FR Jesse Merise 13 CB SO Kasey Gaines 14 DB FR Devin Pryor 16 CB SO y Dad Poquie 17 DB FR Deion Barnes 18 DE SO y y T.J. Rhattigan 22 LB SO y Ryan Keiser 23 S JR y Anthony Smith 24 CB FR Brandon Bell 26 LB FR y Brandon Bell (American football) Colin Harrop 27 S FR y Charles Idemudia 30 LB FR y Brad Bars 31 DE JR y y Kyle Searfoss 32 LB FR Jordan Dudas 34 DB JR Matthew Baney 35 LB SO Hunter Crafford 36 LB FR Ben Kline 38 LB SO y Jesse Della Valle 39 CB JR y Glenn Carson 40 LB SR y y Parker Cothren 41 DT FR Carter Henderson 42 LB FR Mike Hull 43 LB JR y y Mike Hull (linebacker) Adam Cole 46 LB FR y Brandon Smith 47 LB FR Ryan Ammerman 48 LB FR Garth Lakitsky 49 LB JR Mike Wiand 50 LB FR Drew Boyce 51 LB SO y Curtis Cothran 52 DE FR Derek Dowrey 53 DT FR y Brian Gaia 72 DT FR y Kyle Baublitz 84 DT JR y C.J. Olaniyan 86 DE JR y Tyrone Smith 88 DT JR y Garrett Sickels 90 DE FR y DaQuan Jones 91 DT SR y Albert Hall 92 DE FR y Evan Schwan 94 DE FR y Carl Nassib 95 DE SO y y Anthony Zettel 98 DE SO y y Austin Johnson 99 DT FR y y Austin Johnson (defensive lineman) Chris Gulla 37 K P FR Tyler Yazujian 44 SN FR y Alex Butterworth 45 P SR Sean Corcoran 54 SN FR Zach Ladonis 61 SN FR Sam Ficken 97 PK JR y http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/psu-m-footbl-mtt.html end of 2013 season Bill O'Brien (head coach/offensive coordinator) Stan Hixon (assistant head coach/wide receivers) John Butler (defensive coordinator/cornerbacks coach) Charlie Fisher (quarterbacks coach) Larry Johnson (defensive line coach) Charles London (running backs coach) Mac McWhorter (offensive line coach) Anthony Midget (safeties coach) John Strollo (tight ends coach) Ron Vanderlinden (linebackers coach) Craig Fitzgerald (strength and conditioning coach) Tim Kelly (graduate assistant) Will Lawing (graduate assistant) Bartley Webb (graduate assistant) Steven Williams (graduate assistant) Depth chart Pro-Set 4-3 Yes No Christian Hackenberg Tyler Ferguson Zach Zwinak Bill Belton Pat Zerbe Brandon Smith Allen Robinson Alex Kenney Brandon Felder Eugene Lewis Jesse James Kyle Carter Donovan Smith Adam Gress Miles Dieffenbach Angelo Mangiro Ty Howle Wendy Laurent John Urschel Angelo Mangiro Adam Gress Garry Gilliam Mike Hull Brandon Bell Glenn Carson Gary Wooten Nyeem Wartman Stephen Obeng-Agyapong Adrian Amos Trevor Williams (American football) Jordan Lucas Da'Quan Davis Malcolm Willis Jesse Della Valle Ryan Keiser Jesse Della Valle C. J. Olaniyan Carl Nassib DaQuan Jones Brian Gaia Kyle Baublitz Austin Johnson Deion Barnes Anthony Zettel Sam Ficken Alex Butterworth Eugene Lewis, Von Walker Jesse Della Valle, Von Walker Zach Ladonis Alex Butterworth Yes RB Akeel Lynch WR Matt Zanellato TE Adam Breneman OL Anthony Alosi DT Tyrone Smith DT Derek Dowrey LB Charles Idemudia CB Jordan Smith 95 Game summaries August 31 vs. Syracuse 2013 Syracuse Orange football team Seattle Seahawks; New York Giants;text-align:center; autocollapse Penn State vs. Syracuse – Game summary August 31 3:30 p.m. EDT Penn State 0 6 7 10 Syracuse 0 3 7 7 MetLife Stadium 61,202 83 °F °C, broken clouds Mike Defee ESPN/ABC Mike Patrick (play-by-play), Ed Cunningham (analyst), Tom Rinaldi (reporter), Jeannine Edwards (sideline) ESPN Box Score First quarter No scoring Second quarter SYR – Ross Krautman, 32-yard field goal, 12:32 (SYR 3–0) PSU – Sam Ficken, 36-yard field goal, 5:55 (TIE 3–3) PSU – Sam Ficken, 35-yard field goal, 0:55 (PSU 6–3) Third quarter PSU – Allen Robinson, 51 yard pass from Christian Hackenberg, Ficken XP good, 11:46 (PSU 13–3) SYR – Jerome Smith, 10 yard run, Krautman XP good, 11:05 (PSU 13–10) Fourth quarter PSU – Sam Ficken, 46-yard field goal, 14:16 (PSU 16–10) PSU – Eugene Lewis, 54-yard pass from Christian Hackenberg, Ficken XP good, 11:39 (PSU 23–10) SYR – Jerome Smith, 1 yard run, Krautman XP good, 6:58 (PSU 23–16) Top passer Christian Hackenberg- 22/31, 278 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rusher Zach Zwinak – 24 rushes, 62 yards Top receiver Allen Robinson – 7 receptions, 133 yards, TD Top defender DaQuan Jones – 9 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack Note: Though the game was held at a neutral site, Penn State wore white uniforms and was considered the away team.Greene Cari Preview: Penn State Nittany Lions vs Syracuse Orange http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sbnation/penn_state/SBNation_20130830_Preview__Penn_State_Nittany_Lions_vs_Syracuse_Orange.html SB Nation - Philly.com Interstate General Media September 7, 2013 August 30, 2013 October 16, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131016163532/http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sbnation/penn_state/SBNation_20130830_Preview__Penn_State_Nittany_Lions_vs_Syracuse_Orange.html live Prior to the game, Penn State coach Bill O'Brien hoped to keep his choice between Tyler Ferguson and Christian Hackenberg as starting quarterback a secret until the first snap.Russo Ralph D. Pick 6: Unsettled QB Competitions http://decaturdaily.com/sports/college_headlines/article_346c728c-11b5-11e3-9b8d-0019bb30f31a.html?mode=jqm The Decatur Daily Associated Press Decatur, Alabama August 31, 2013 August 31, 2013 September 6, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200906205045/https://www.decaturdaily.com/sports/college_headlines/article_346c728c-11b5-11e3-9b8d-0019bb30f31a.html?mode=jqm liveLandis Bill Penn State Football: QBs Ferguson, Hackenberg still listed as co-starters on season-opening depth chart http://cumberlink.com/sports/penn-state-football-qbs-ferguson-hackenberg-still-listed-as-co/article_a6df1090-0e5e-11e3-a46c-001a4bcf887a.html The Sentinel Carlisle, Pennsylvania August 26, 2013 August 31, 2013 August 29, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130829083930/http://cumberlink.com/sports/penn-state-football-qbs-ferguson-hackenberg-still-listed-as-co/article_a6df1090-0e5e-11e3-a46c-001a4bcf887a.html live However, the night before the game, media reports began to surface that Hackenberg was going to be the starter.Juliano Joe Report: Freshman Hackenberg Will Start for Penn State http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/colleges/penn_state/20130831_Report__Freshman_Hackenberg_will_start_for_Penn_State.html The Philadelphia Inquirer August 31, 2013 August 31, 2013 Hackenberg did start for the Nittany Lions, while Oklahoma transfer Drew Allen started for Syracuse, who had a quarterback competition as well. After Hackenberg played the first two drives for Penn State, Ferguson came in and promptly fumbled the football for a turnover and did not return. Allen Robinson, the Big Ten's leading receiver in 2012, did not start for what O'Brien said was, "between me and Allen", but he did play in the second half.Wide Receiver Allen Robinson Doesn't Start for Penn State Shelly Stallsmith http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/08/wide_receiver_allen_robinson_w.html The Patriot-News Harrisburg August 31, 2013 August 31, 2013 September 3, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130903010739/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/08/wide_receiver_allen_robinson_w.html liveSyracuse Orange vs. Penn State Nittany Lions – Play By Play – August 31, 2013 https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=332430213 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures January 18, 2014 March 29, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140329091913/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?gameId=332430213 live After a scoreless first quarter, the second quarter featured three turnovers, and at half time, Penn State led 6–3 with two field goals from senior kicker Sam Ficken. On Penn State's first drive in the second half, Allen Robinson returned and caught a screen pass, which he ran for 25 yards, and then a 51-yard touchdown pass to make the score 13–3. On the ensuing drive, however, Syracuse came right back and scored a touchdown via a Jerome Smith 10-yard run. Early in the fourth quarter, Ficken made his third field goal of the day, a career-long 46 yards.Penn State-Syracuse Live Blog Ben Jones http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/penn-statesyracuse-live-blog-fourth-quarter-penn-state-13-syracuse-10,1377398/ https://archive.today/20130831224605/http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/penn-statesyracuse-live-blog-fourth-quarter-penn-state-13-syracuse-10,1377398/ dead August 31, 2013 StateCollege.com August 31, 2013 August 31, 2013 Later in the quarter, Hackenberg threw a 54-yard touchdown pass to Eugene Lewis to make the score 23–10.Syracuse Orange vs. Penn State Nittany Lions – Box Score https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=332430213 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures August 31, 2013 August 31, 2013 September 2, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130902234011/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=332430213 live When only down by 6 points, Syracuse got the ball around their own 45-yard line with a little over two minutes left, but turned the ball over via an interception with under two minutes to play.Syracuse Orange vs. Penn State Nittany Lions – Drivechart http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/drivechart?gameId=332430213 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures August 31, 2013 August 31, 2013 September 2, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130902234221/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/drivechart?gameId=332430213 dead Hackenberg was named the Big Ten freshman of the week after totaling 278 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, and Ficken was named Big Ten special teams player of the week, redeeming himself from the 2012 season, after kicking three field goals including a career-long 46-yard kick.Penn State's Christian Hackenberg, Sam Ficken Capture Big Ten Player of the Week Honors Dustin Hockensmith http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/penn_states_christian_hackenbe_3.html The Patriot-News Harrisburg September 2, 2013 September 7, 2013 October 14, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131014223405/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/penn_states_christian_hackenbe_3.html live Seniors DaQuan Jones and Stephen Obeng-Agyapong led the team defensively with nine tackles, including three for a loss, and a sack at defensive tackle, and eight tackles, a sack, a forced fumble that he recovered, and an interception at safety and linebacker respectively.DaQuan Jones Tackling Competition for Nittany Lions Travis Johnson http://www.centredaily.com/2013/09/06/3773213/penn-state-football-jones-tackling.html Centre Daily Times Centre County, Pennsylvania September 6, 2013 September 7, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130909063301/http://www.centredaily.com/2013/09/06/3773213/penn-state-football-jones-tackling.html September 9, 2013 deadComing of Age: Penn State Defenders DaQuan Jones and Stephen Obeng-Agyapong Produced Breakout Efforts in Week 1 Bob Flounders http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/dynamic_duo_penn_state_defende.html The Patriot-News Harrisburg September 3, 2013 September 7, 2013 September 5, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130905105430/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/dynamic_duo_penn_state_defende.html live After it was announced that Penn State lost senior tight end Matt Lehman for the season with a knee injury during the game, O'Brien announced that Obeng-Agyapong might practice with the tight ends to help replace him.Penn State Nittany Lions Stephen Obeng-Agyapong past transition to LB Josh Moyer https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/83157/transition-no-longer-a-problem-for-obeng ESPN Internet Ventures September 6, 2013 September 7, 2013 September 10, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140910042109/http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/83157/transition-no-longer-a-problem-for-obeng live #024 #fff Penn State starting lineup +Offense Position Player Class LT Donovan Smith SO LG Miles Dieffenbach JR C Ty Howle SR RG John Urschel SR RT Garry Gilliam JR TE Jesse James SO QB Christian Hackenberg FR RB Zach Zwinak JR TE Kyle Carter SO TE Matt Lehman SR WR Brandon Felder SRReference: +Defense Position Player Class DE C. J. Olaniyan JR DT DaQuan Jones SR DT Kyle Baublitz JR DE Deion Barnes SO OLB Mike Hull JR MLB Glenn Carson SR OLB Nyeem Wartman FR CB Trevor Williams (American football) SO S Malcolm Willis SR S Adrian Amos JR CB Jordan Lucas SOReference: +Special teams Position Player Class K Sam Ficken JR P Alex Butterworth SRReference: September 7 vs. Eastern Michigan 2013 Eastern Michigan Eagles football team Seattle Seahawks; New York Giants;text-align:center; autocollapse Penn State vs. Eastern Michigan – Game summary September 7 12:00 p.m. EDT Eastern Michigan 7 0 0 0 Penn State 7 10 7 21 Beaver Stadium 92,863 75 °F °C, partly cloudy Bill LeMonnier Big Ten Network Scott Graham (play-by-play), Chuck Long (analyst) ESPN Box Score First quarter EMU – Hunter Matt returns Christian Hackenberg fumble 11 yards, Dylan Mulder XP good, 4:01 (EMU 7–0) PSU – Zach Zwinak, 2 yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 1:41 (TIE 7–7) Second quarter PSU – Bill Belton, 5 yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 14:08 (PSU 14–7) PSU – Sam Ficken, 39 yard field goal, 0:17 (PSU 17–7) Third quarter PSU – Zach Zwinak, 7 yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 2:09 (PSU 24–7) Fourth quarter PSU – Allen Robinson, 45 yard pass from Christian Hackenberg, Sam Ficken XP good, 13:15 (PSU 31–7) PSU – Bill Belton, 51 yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 9:47 (PSU 38–7) PSU – Akeel Lynch, 18 yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 4:26 (PSU 45–7) Top passer Christian Hackenberg – 23/33, 311 yards, TD, INT Top rushers Bill Belton – 9 rushes, 108 yards, 2 TD Akeel Lynch – 13 rushes, 108 yards, TD Zach Zwinak – 7 rushes, 43 yards, 2 TD Top receiver Allen Robinson – 7 receptions, 129 yards, TD Top defender Glenn Carson – 10 tackles, sack Prior to the game, Penn State was predicted to have the advantage on both sides of the ball at every position,Penn State vs. Eastern Michigan: Offensive Matchups John McGonigal http://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_4e77cc34-1666-11e3-8252-001a4bcf6878.html The Daily Collegian University Park, Pennsylvania September 6, 2013 September 7, 2013 September 6, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200906210045/https://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_4e77cc34-1666-11e3-8252-001a4bcf6878.html livePenn State vs. Eastern Michigan: Defensive Matchups Anna Orso http://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_caf03ab4-162d-11e3-9200-0019bb30f31a.html The Daily Collegian University Park, Pennsylvania September 6, 2013 September 7, 2013 September 6, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200906204601/https://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_caf03ab4-162d-11e3-9200-0019bb30f31a.html live and as such, was expected to win handily.Preview: Penn State vs. Eastern Michigan Jared Slanina http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/9/6/4695370/penn-state-vs-eastern-michigan-game-preview-sam-ficken-allen-robinson SB Nation Vox Media September 6, 2013 September 6, 2013 September 9, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130909023442/http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/9/6/4695370/penn-state-vs-eastern-michigan-game-preview-sam-ficken-allen-robinson live Coming into the game, Penn State had sustained injuries two of their top tight ends, Matt Lehman and Kyle Carter. Lehman suffered a knee injury against Syracuse and was out for the season,Nittany Lions Lose Tight End Lehman for Season Mike Gross http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/890735_Nittany-Lions-lose-tight-end-Lehman-for-season.html Lancaster Newspapers September 3, 2013 September 7, 2013 dead https://archive.today/20130907030936/http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/890735_Nittany-Lions-lose-tight-end-Lehman-for-season.html September 7, 2013 while Carter was "day-to-day" with an arm injury, but played in the game.Tight End Depth Down with Lehman Injury Steven Petrella http://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_c37ccbae-16a9-11e3-9f65-001a4bcf6878.html The Daily Collegian University Park, Pennsylvania September 6, 2013 September 7, 2013 September 6, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200906205704/https://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_c37ccbae-16a9-11e3-9f65-001a4bcf6878.html live The Lions wanted to focus on improving their running game, which was lackluster against Syracuse; Eastern Michigan allowed 202 rushing yards on 5.8 yards per carry in week one.Nittany Lions Running Backs Looking to Improve Against Eastern Michigan John McGonigal http://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_1f6dc754-16a2-11e3-9099-001a4bcf6878.html The Daily Collegian University Park, Pennsylvania September 6, 2013 September 7, 2013 September 6, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200906204544/https://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_1f6dc754-16a2-11e3-9099-001a4bcf6878.html live Defensively, linebacker depth was an issue for the Lions. Safety Stephen Obeng-Agyapong was expected to step up and take snaps at linebacker, in addition to speculation he could end up on offense.Penn State Preview: Next Man Up for Lions vs. Eastern Michigan Frank Bodani http://www.ydr.com/psu/ci_24026080/penn-state-preview-next-man-up-lions-vs York Daily Record September 5, 2013 September 7, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140201173629/http://www.ydr.com/psu/ci_24026080/penn-state-preview-next-man-up-lions-vs February 1, 2014 At half time, the Nittany Lions honored the 1973 Penn State Nittany Lions football team and retired the number of Penn State's only Heisman Trophy winner, number 22 John Cappelletti. thumb|Penn State played all of its home games at Beaver Stadium|alt=An image of Beaver Stadium from the side on a sunny day. After both teams' first drives ended without points, Eastern Michigan got good field position to start their second drive, and attempted a 35-yard field goal, but after a low snap, Penn State defender Jordan Lucas tackled the holder for a loss, and the kick never got off, for a turnover on downs. Penn State failed to capitalize, however, as Hackenberg threw another incomplete pass on third down, starting the game with one completion in five attempts. Eastern Michigan scored first after the ball slipped from Hackenberg's hands and was returned for a touchdown by Hunter Matt for 11 yards, giving Eastern Michigan a 7–0 advantage with 4:01 in the first quarter. Penn State responded on their next drive scoring a touchdown on a 2-yard Zach Zwinak run, capping a 6-play, 67-yard drive that included a 43-yard reception to Allen Robinson to put the ball inside the 10-yard line. Penn State's next drive featured a hurry up offense, which Penn State calls "NASCAR",Penn State Revs up Offense in 'NASCAR' Mode Genaro C. Armas http://bigstory.ap.org/article/penn-state-revs-offense-nascar-mode The Big Story October 18, 2012 September 7, 2013 August 27, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130827144203/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/penn-state-revs-offense-nascar-mode live included 15+ yard completions to Jesse James and Matt Zanellato, and culminated with two consecutive runs by Bill Belton, the latter of which went for a 5-yard touchdown making the score 14–7. Eastern Michigan's ensuing drive had some success, as they got to Penn State 25-yard line prior to kicker Dylan Mulder pushing a 42-yard field goal attempt to the right of the goal posts. At the end of the first half, Penn State got into field goal range with under a minute to go, and Sam Ficken converted a 39-yard field goal, his Penn State record 14th straight,The Penn State Report Card: Lions' Run Game, Defense Earn High Marks After Overpowering Eastern Michigan in Second Half Bob Flounders http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/the_penn_state_report_card_lio_6.html The Patriot-News Harrisburg September 8, 2013 September 8, 2013 September 12, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130912051732/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/the_penn_state_report_card_lio_6.html live to make the score 17–7 with 17 seconds in the half. Penn State got the ball to start the second half, but exchanged punts with Eastern Michigan for their first three drives, both teams punting the ball away on their first three drives.Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Penn State Nittany Lions – Drivechart http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/drivechart?gameId=332500213 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures September 7, 2013 September 8, 2013 September 13, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130913053231/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/drivechart?gameId=332500213 dead On their fourth drive of the half, Penn State got to the board – on a six play drive that included a 20-yard run by Zwinak on 3rd and 24 (after two sacks) and a subsequent fourth down conversion, and then culminated with a 7-yard touchdown run by Zwinak making the score 24–7. After a quick punt, Penn State began to grind it out offensively prior to Hackenberg finding Robinson for a 45-yard touchdown pass to make it 31–7. Later in the quarter, Belton broke loose for a 51-yard touchdown run, putting him over 100 rushing yards on the day making the score 38–7. After Eastern Michigan punted for the 10th time in the game, Penn State brought in Tyler Ferguson at quarterback to replace Hackenberg, who had already amassed 311 passing yards, a Penn State single game freshman record.Penn State Runs Off 45 Unanswered Points to Beat Eastern Michigan Shelly Stallsmith http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/penn_state_runs_off_45_unanswe.html The Patriot-News Harrisburg September 7, 2013 September 8, 2013 October 17, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131017094808/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/penn_state_runs_off_45_unanswe.html liveHackenberg Sets Penn State Freshman Passing Record in Win Kevin McGuire http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/09/07/hackenberg-sets-penn-state-freshman-passing-record-in-win/ NBC Sports September 7, 2013 September 8, 2013 September 10, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130910062050/http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/09/07/hackenberg-sets-penn-state-freshman-passing-record-in-win/ live On that drive, Akeel Lynch became the third Nittany Lion to rush for a touchdown, an 18-yard run with under five minutes to go.Penn State Beats Eastern Michigan, 45–7 Stephen Pianovich http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/colleges/penn_state/Penn_State_beats_Eastern_Michigan_45-7.html Philadelphia Daily News September 7, 2013 September 8, 2013 September 9, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130909035019/http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/colleges/penn_state/Penn_State_beats_Eastern_Michigan_45-7.html live That would be the final scoring play of the game; Penn State won 45–7.Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Penn State Nittany Lions – Box Score https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=332500213 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures September 7, 2013 September 8, 2013 September 10, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130910141920/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=332500213 liveEastern Michigan Eagles vs. Penn State Nittany Lions – Play by Play https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=332500213&period=0 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures September 7, 2013 September 8, 2013 April 2, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150402105315/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?gameId=332500213&period=0 live The Penn State defense struggled with defending the bootleg play early on, but recorded a shut out (the seven points for Eastern Michigan were off an offensive fumble) and limited Eastern Michigan to 183 total yards. They were led by senior defensive tackle DaQuan Jones, who recorded nine tackles and two sacks, Glenn Carson, who recorded 10 tackles, and Nyeem Wartman, who recorded six tackles and three pass deflections. On offense, the "running back by committee" approach proved successful – the two non-starters, Belton and Lynch, each recorded 108 rushing yards. One problem offensively was third down efficiency; the Lions were just 1 of 10 on third downs, bringing them to 2 of 26 on the season.Penn State Stock Watch: The Attack of the Backup Running Backs Bob Flounders http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/penn_state_stock_watch_the_att.html The Patriot-News Harrisburg September 8, 2013 September 8, 2013 September 10, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130910035911/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/penn_state_stock_watch_the_att.html live One writer called Jones the game's MVP, noting his statistics, plugging holes opened by the offensive line, and overall "dominance", noting that he "put on an absolute display".Polak Nick Eastern Michigan MVP: DaQuan Jones http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/9/9/4709114/eastern-michigan-mvp-daquan-jones Black Shoe Diaries – SBNation Vox Media September 12, 2013 September 9, 2013 September 15, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130915093225/http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/9/9/4709114/eastern-michigan-mvp-daquan-jones live #024 #fff Penn State starting lineup +Offense Position Player Class LT Donovan Smith SO LG Miles Dieffenbach JR C Ty Howle SR RG John Urschel SR RT Garry Gilliam JR TE Jesse James SO QB Christian Hackenberg FR RB Zach Zwinak JR TE Adam Breneman FR WR Allen Robinson JR WR Brandon Felder SRReference: +Defense Position Player Class DE C. J. Olaniyan JR DT DaQuan Jones SR DT Kyle Baublitz JR DE Deion Barnes SO OLB Stephen Obeng-Agyapong SR MLB Glenn Carson SR OLB Nyeem Wartman FR CB Trevor Williams (American football) SO S Malcolm Willis SR S Adrian Amos JR CB Jordan Lucas SOReference: +Special teams Position Player Class K Sam Ficken JR P Alex Butterworth SRReference: September 14 vs. UCF 2013 UCF Knights football team Seattle Seahawks; New York Giants;text-align:center; autocollapse Penn State vs. UCF – Game summary September 14 6:00 p.m. EDT UCF 7 14 10 3 Penn State 7 3 7 14 Beaver Stadium 92,855 65 °F °C, sunny (at kickoff) Alex Kemp Big Ten Network Matt Devlin (play-by-play), Glen Mason (analyst) ESPN Box Score First quarter UCF – Storm Johnson, 4 yard pass from Blake Bortles, Shawn Moffitt XP good, 8:13 (UCF 7–0) PSU – Zach Zwinak, 6 yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 4:26 (TIE 7–7) Second quarter UCF – Storm Johnson, 58 yard run, Moffitt XP good, 13:57 (UCF 14–7) UCF – J. J. Worton, 5 yard pass from Bortles, Moffitt XP good, 8:51 (UCF 21–7) PSU – Sam Ficken, 47 yard field goal, 3:03 (UCF 21–10) Third quarter UCF – Josh Reese, 25 yard pass from Bortles, Moffitt XP good, 8:46 (UCF 28–10) PSU – Zwinak, 9 yard run, Ficken XP good, 7:23 (UCF 28–17) UCF – Moffitt, 22 yard field goal, 2:30 (UCF 31–17) Fourth quarter PSU – Zwinak, 1 yard run, Ficken XP good, 13:35 (UCF 31–24) UCF – Moffitt, 36 yard field goal, 8:10 (UCF 34–24) PSU – Allen Robinson, 5 yard pass from Christian Hackenberg, Ficken XP good, 2:51 (UCF 34–31) Top passer Christian Hackenberg – 21/28, 262 yards, TD Top rushers Zach Zwinak – 21 rushes, 128 yards, 3 TD Top receiver Allen Robinson – 9 receptions, 143 yards, TD Top defender Glenn Carson – 6 tackles Jordan Lucas – 6 tackles Trevor Williams – 6 tackles C.J. Olaniyan – 6 tackles This was the two teams' first meeting since 2004, and the meeting reunited O'Brien and George O'Leary, under whom O'Brien was a graduate assistant in 1995, his first season coaching. The two squads are also set to meet in Ireland to open the 2014 season.Tolley Tim Penn State Nittany Lions vs. UCF Knights Complete Game Preview https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1768959-penn-state-nittany-lions-vs-ucf-knights-complete-game-preview Bleacher Report Turner Broadcasting System September 12, 2013 September 10, 2013 September 25, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130925062816/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1768959-penn-state-nittany-lions-vs-ucf-knights-complete-game-preview live In an article in The Patriot-News, writer Bob Flounders asserted that if the Nittany Lions beat the Knights of UCF, they would be on a fast track to a 5–0 start, which would have been their first since 2008.Flounders Bob Winning the day: Penn State likely looking at a 5–0 start if it defeats Central Florida Saturday http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/winning_the_day_penn_state_lik.html September 10, 2013 The Patriot-News September 10, 2013 Harrisburg, PA September 13, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130913001625/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/winning_the_day_penn_state_lik.html live As this was Penn State's first night game with a particularly young team, keeping emotions in check was a key,Snyder Audrey Penn State players aim to keep the mood light and the schedule routine as they prep for a night game http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/penn_state_players_try_to_keep.html September 11, 2013 The Patriot-News September 11, 2013 Harrisburg, PA September 14, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130914004134/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/penn_state_players_try_to_keep.html live as was improving third down efficiency (the Lions were 2-for-26 on the season) good for dead last in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).Orso Anna Penn State working to improve on third down after another subpar performance http://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_a5e17dac-1a90-11e3-8fde-001a4bcf6878.html September 12, 2013 The Daily Collegian September 11, 2013 University Park, PA January 5, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140105215510/http://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_a5e17dac-1a90-11e3-8fde-001a4bcf6878.html live UCF, who was 2–0 coming into the game, went 10–4 in 2012, and was led by their running back Latavius Murray, who graduated. As such, their top offensive player was quarterback Blake Bortles. Defensively, they had only allowed one scoring play all season.Slanina Jared Know your foe: Central Florida Golden Knights http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/9/11/4715090/know-your-foe-central-florida-golden-knights/in/4471123 Black Shoe Diaries – SB Nation Vox Media September 12, 2013 September 11, 2013 September 15, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130915081023/http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/9/11/4715090/know-your-foe-central-florida-golden-knights/in/4471123 live Penn State students organized a "whiteout", in which the entire student section dons white.Slanina Jared Penn State-Central Florida Game Preview http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/9/13/4723448/penn-state-central-florida-game-preview-big-ten-network-mike-hull Black Shoe Diaries – SBNation Vox Media September 14, 2013 September 13, 2013 September 16, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130916052109/http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/9/13/4723448/penn-state-central-florida-game-preview-big-ten-network-mike-hull live Outside linebacker Mike Hull returned after missing the prior game against Eastern Michigan.Orso Anna UCF, talented quarterback pose threat to unbeaten Nittany Lions http://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_bfa7dc14-1c0b-11e3-9c64-0019bb30f31a.html?TNNoMobile September 14, 2013 The Daily Collegian September 13, 2013 University Park, PA September 6, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200906205640/https://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_bfa7dc14-1c0b-11e3-9c64-0019bb30f31a.html?TNNoMobile live UCF got the ball to start the game at their nine-yard line after a penalty on the kickoff return, and their junior quarterback Blake Bortles orchestrated an efficient drive in which he converted two third downs and was 6/7 passing for 65 yards and a 4-yard touchdown pass to Storm Johnson. Penn State took over and got two first downs, the latter of which as a fourth down conversion, before a 44-yard pass to Allen Robinson immediately followed by a 6-yard touchdown run by Zach Zwinak to tie the game. Penn State moved the ball on their next drive, but ultimately turned the ball over on downs giving UCF good field position, with which they ran a two play drive culminating with a 58-yard touchdown run by Johnson to make it 14–7 UCF.UCF Knights vs. Penn State Nittany Lions – Play By Play – September 14, 2013 https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=332570213 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures September 14, 2013 September 17, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130917042123/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?gameId=332570213 live Penn State's special teams responded with a 44-yard kickoff return by Geno Lewis, but their offense went three-and-out, and though they punted the ball deep into UCF territory, the Knights marched down the field with a strong running game and scored another touchdown to go up 21–7. On Penn State's ensuing drive, Sam Ficken kicked a career-long 47-yard field goal.Penn State Media Relations Nittany Lions fall to UCF http://www.yourerie.com/sports/sports-article/nittany-lions-fall-to-ucf/d/sports/sports-article/g0YzjBkM-kKqrwxE-FHIXA YourErie.com – Powered by JET 24 and FOX 66 Nexstar Broadcasting January 20, 2014 September 14, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140202165531/http://www.yourerie.com/sports/sports-article/nittany-lions-fall-to-ucf/d/sports/sports-article/g0YzjBkM-kKqrwxE-FHIXA February 2, 2014 UCF got some decent yardage on their next drive, but Bortles threw his first interception since October 27, 2012, with 1:17 in the half, but they ran down the clock and Ficken missed his first field goal attempt of the season, a 57-yard try as time expired. At the half, UCF had 290 total yards including 170 rushing yards, compared to 220 total yards for Penn State with only 89 rushing yards. Penn State got the ball to start the second half, but punted on their first drive. UCF responded with a touchdown via a 25-yard pass. Penn State came right back with a touchdown of their own. UCF's ensuing drive brought them to the one yard line, but Penn State held them to a field goal, making the score 31–17. Zwinak rushed for his third touchdown of the game on Penn State's next drive, and Shawn Moffitt kicked his second field goal of the game. Penn State drove 51 yards on their next drive before Zwinak lost a fumble with 5:43 remaining in the game.http://espn.go.com/ncf/drivechart?gameId=332570213 UCF Knights vs. Penn State Nittany Lions – Drivechart – September 14, 2013 ESPN Internet Ventures ESPN September 18, 2013 September 17, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130917101706/http://espn.go.com/ncf/drivechart?gameId=332570213 dead UCF went three-and-out, and on their punt, the snap went over the punter's head, and Penn State got the ball at the UCF 25. Penn State took advantage, scoring on a 5-yard touchdown pass to Allen Robinson with 57 seconds left.https://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2013/9/14/4731534/ucf-punt-penn-state Nice punt, UCF Vox Media SBNation.com September 14, 2013 September 18, 2013 Volk, Pete September 18, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130918043957/http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2013/9/14/4731534/ucf-punt-penn-state live Penn State needed to regain possession of the ball after the score, and failed to do so, so ultimately UCF held on to win by three.https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=332570213 UCF Knights vs. Penn State Nittany Lions – Box Score – September 14, 2013 ESPN Internet Ventures ESPN September 18, 2013 September 17, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130917230125/http://espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=332570213 live Penn State's defense had excelled in their first two games, but regressed significantly against Central Florida, particularly with poor tackling, which some attributed to their practice strategy of "thud" tackling, in which one does not actually take a player to the ground, instead making a "thud" to stop a player. Several media outlets speculated that the Lions used this due to their lack of scholarship players in the wake of sanctions imposed due to the Penn State child sex abuse scandal. Defensive coordinator John Butler renounced that assertion, commenting he employed "thud" when he coached at South Carolina.Flounders Bob Tackling a tough subject: Poor play, more than practice approach, was Penn State defense's problem vs. UCF http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/tackling_a_tough_subject_poor.html September 19, 2013 The Patriot-News September 17, 2013 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania September 27, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130927095321/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/tackling_a_tough_subject_poor.html live Penn State's linebackers were also criticized; Glenn Carson and Nyeem Wartman received criticism for not being as strong as the 2012 team's Michael Mauti and Gerald Hodges. In addition, 2012 Big Ten Freshman of the Year defensive end Deion Barnes "barely wreaked any havoc", and DaQuan Jones, whose strong play had previously compensated for Barnes' weak play, was held to just five tackles.Juliano Joe UCF vs. Penn State: Giving out grades http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inq-pennstate/UCF-vs-Penn-State-Giving-out-grades.html September 19, 2013 The Philadelphia Inquirer September 14, 2013 September 30, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130930154437/http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inq-pennstate/UCF-vs-Penn-State-Giving-out-grades.html live The offense, however, was considered a "bright spot"; they gained 455 total yards, though receiver Allen Robinson commented that a fast start would have helped them gain more early momentum: "We are in the Big Ten playing against some great offenses and people are going to put points up early, so we need to get going early and start off fast."Associated Press Penn State's offense a bright spot vs. UCF http://www.csnphilly.com/ncaa/penn-states-offense-bright-spot-vs-ucf Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia NBC Universal September 19, 2013 September 15, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130918062923/http://www.csnphilly.com/ncaa/penn-states-offense-bright-spot-vs-ucf September 18, 2013 Freshman quarterback Christian Hackenberg earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week accolades for the second time in the first three weeks of the season.Hackenberg named Big Ten Freshman of Week http://www.csnphilly.com/ncaa/hackenberg-named-big-ten-freshman-week Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia NBC Universal September 19, 2013 September 16, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130918171346/http://www.csnphilly.com/ncaa/hackenberg-named-big-ten-freshman-week September 18, 2013 #024 #fff Penn State starting lineup +Offense Position Player Class LT Donovan Smith SO LG Miles Dieffenbach JR C Ty Howle SR RG John Urschel SR RT Adam Gress SR TE Jesse James SO QB Christian Hackenberg FR RB Zach Zwinak JR WR Geno Lewis FR WR Allen Robinson JR WR Richy Anderson FRReference: +Defense Position Player Class DE C. J. Olaniyan JR DT DaQuan Jones SR DT Kyle Baublitz JR DE Deion Barnes SO OLB Stephen Obeng-Agyapong SR MLB Glenn Carson SR OLB Nyeem Wartman FR CB Trevor Williams (American football) SO S Malcolm Willis SR S Adrian Amos JR CB Jordan Lucas SOReference: +Special teams Position Player Class K Sam Ficken JR P Alex Butterworth SRReference: September 21 vs. Kent State 2013 Kent State Golden Flashes football team Seattle Seahawks; New York Giants;text-align:center; autocollapse Penn State vs. Kent State – Game summary September 21 3:30 p.m. EDT Kent State 0 0 0 0 Penn State 7 7 7 13 Beaver Stadium 92,371 64 °F °C, intermittent rain, ranging from drizzle to heavy Dan Capron Big Ten Network Kevin Kugler (play-by-play), Chuck Long (analyst) ESPN Box Score First quarter PSU – Bill Belton, 15 yard pass from Christian Hackenberg, Sam Ficken XP good, 0:09 (PSU 7–0) Second quarter PSU – Zach Zwinak, 2 yard run, Ficken XP good, 9:26 (PSU 14–0) Third quarter PSU – Zach Zwinak, 1 yard run, Ficken XP good, 4:53 (PSU 21–0) Fourth quarter PSU – Sam Ficken, 25 yard field goal, 13:12 (PSU 24–0) PSU – Zach Zwinak, 1 yard run, Ficken XP good, 6:42 (PSU 31–0) PSU – Sam Ficken, 54 yard field goal, 2:45 (PSU 34–0) Top passer Christian Hackenberg – 13/35, 176 yards, TD, INT Top rushers Akeel Lynch – 14 rushes, 123 yards Zach Zwinak – 15 rushes, 65 yards, 3 TD Top receiver Allen Robinson – 3 receptions, 43 yards Top defender Glenn Carson – 7 tackles Penn State came into the game 2–1, while the Kent State Golden Flashes entered 1–2, including 0–1 in conference play, though this was a non-conference matchup. Kent State was expected to be without their star offensive weapon, wide receiver and running back Dri Archer, who suffered lingering effects from an ankle injury sustained in week one.Dri Archer Likely a No-Go for Kent vs. Penn State John Taylor http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/09/18/dri-archer-likely-a-no-go-for-kent-vs-penn-state/ NBC Sports September 18, 2013 September 19, 2013 September 20, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130920004146/http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/09/18/dri-archer-likely-a-no-go-for-kent-vs-penn-state/ live In 2012, Archer rushed for 1,429 yards and scored 16 touchdowns, led the Golden Flashes in receptions and receiving yards, and recorded three kickoff returns for touchdowns; he even received some Heisman hype (he did not win).Kent State Players to Watch – Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Complete Game Preview Tim Tolley https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1777890-penn-state-nittany-lions-vs-kent-state-golden-flashes-complete-game-preview Turner Broadcasting System Bleacher Report September 18, 2013 September 19, 2013 September 21, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053840/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1777890-penn-state-nittany-lions-vs-kent-state-golden-flashes-complete-game-preview/page/4 live Without Archer, Kent State would have to more heavily rely on their freshman quarterback Colin Reardon, who had "not exactly dazzled" in Kent State's first three games, but had yet to throw an interception. Picking up the slack in the running game was Trayvion Durham, who had a total of 152 rushing yards in their first three games.Penn State vs. Kent State Game Notes http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/psu/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2013-14/release/release.pdf Penn State University Department of Athletics September 16, 2013 September 21, 2013 September 18, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130918080905/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/psu/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2013-14/release/release.pdf live The game also featured two top sophomore defensive ends – NFL prospects Roosevelt Nix for Kent State and Deion Barnes for Penn State, neither of whom had gotten off to a particularly strong start to the season, but both of whom had won their conference's freshman of the year award in 2012.Penn State Players to Watch – Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Complete Game Preview Tim Tolley https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1777890-penn-state-nittany-lions-vs-kent-state-golden-flashes-complete-game-preview Bleacher Report Turner Broadcasting System September 18, 2013 September 19, 2013 September 21, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053512/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1777890-penn-state-nittany-lions-vs-kent-state-golden-flashes-complete-game-preview/page/5 liveRanking Penn State's Real 'Supa Six' When It Comes to NFL Potential Cory Giger http://www.altoonamirror.com/page/content.detail/id/571128/Giger--Ranking-Penn-State-s-real--Supa-Six--when-it-comes-to-NFL-potential.html?nav=5017 Altoona Mirror April 29, 2013 September 19, 2013 September 21, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053249/http://www.altoonamirror.com/page/content.detail/id/571128/Giger--Ranking-Penn-State-s-real--Supa-Six--when-it-comes-to-NFL-potential.html?nav=5017 live Penn State also looked to rebound from sloppy tackling the previous week against UCF that underscored an overall poor defensive performance.Penn State vs. Kent State: Keys to the Game Anna Orso http://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_502f846c-21f7-11e3-9594-0019bb30f31a.html The Daily Collegian University Park, Pennsylvania September 20, 2013 September 21, 2013 September 6, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200906204923/https://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_502f846c-21f7-11e3-9594-0019bb30f31a.html live Offensively for Penn State, a quarter of the way through the season, one ESPN writer projected Allen Robinson to win the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year award, and Christian Hackenberg to win the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award for their strong performances through the first three games.Big Ten Football Awards Race Rracker: Week 4 Brian Bennett https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/84358/big-ten-awards-race-tracker-week-4-2 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures September 19, 2013 September 19, 2013 September 21, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055041/http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/84358/big-ten-awards-race-tracker-week-4-2 live That duo along with the running back trio of Zach Zwinak, Bill Belton, and Akeel Lynch led Penn State's offense,Penn State Depth Chart and Injury Report: Kent State Edition Devon Edwards http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/9/20/4750998/penn-state-depth-chart-and-injury-report-kent-state-edition Black Shoe Diaries Vox Media September 20, 2013 September 21, 2013 September 21, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054151/http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/9/20/4750998/penn-state-depth-chart-and-injury-report-kent-state-edition live which was coming off a performance in which they had scored 31 points, into the game.Big Ten Predictions: Week 4 Adam Rittenberg Brian Bennett https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/84285/big-ten-predictions-week-4-2 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures September 19, 2013 September 19, 2013 September 21, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055135/http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/84285/big-ten-predictions-week-4-2 liveChristian Hackenberg Continuing to Evolve as Penn State Nittany Lion Josh Moyer https://www.espn.com/blog/colleges/psu/post/_/id/12038/hackenberg-continuing-to-evolve-at-psu ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures September 19, 2013 September 19, 2013 September 21, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055137/http://espn.go.com/blog/colleges/psu/post/_/id/12038/hackenberg-continuing-to-evolve-at-psu live In heavy rain that announcer Kevin Kugler described as a "deluge", Penn State's Blue Band wore ponchos in the stands during a "blue out", to support the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape. After Penn State went three-and-out to start the game, Kent State got excellent field position at the opposition's 36-yard line after Penn State committed kick catching interference on the punt, but failed to capitalize as their kicker, Anthony Melchiori, missed a 31-yard field goal.Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions – Drivechart http://espn.go.com/ncf/drivechart?gameId=332640213 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures September 21, 2013 September 21, 2013 September 24, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130924035658/http://espn.go.com/ncf/drivechart?gameId=332640213 dead Penn State's next drive stalled, and on fourth down, quarterback Christian Hackenberg executed a "pooch punt", in which the quarterback lines up in the shotgun formation, and punts the ball, for 44-yards pinning Kent State inside their 10-yard line.Penn State-Kent State Live Blog Ben Jones http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/penn-statekent-state-live-blog-first-quarter-00,1386950/ https://archive.today/20130921201314/http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/penn-statekent-state-live-blog-first-quarter-00,1386950/ dead September 21, 2013 Penn State Football City Portals State College, PA September 21, 2013 September 21, 2013 Penn State drove down the field late in the first quarter getting it to the five-yard line, when Hackenberg had the ball slip from his hand backing Penn State up to the 15-yard line, but on the subsequent play, Hackenberg completed a 15-yard pass to Bill Belton for a touchdown to culminate a 9-play, 87-yard drive encapsulating 3:39. Kent State's offense again proved ineffective, and Penn State's proved strong, as they drove down the field on a 10-play, 82-yard drive ending with Zach Zwinak running for a 2-yard touchdown. Towards the end of the first half, the teams began to exchange punts, and the half ended with Penn State ahead 14–0. In the third quarter, Hackenberg threw an interception, but on the next drive, Kent State threw an interception and Penn State got the ball back. Later in the quarter, Penn State ran a 51-yard drive that got them inside the ten-yard line down to the one, at which point Zwinak ran for a touchdown, his second of the game. Later in the quarter, Penn State began another drive that spilled into the fourth quarter on which Akeel Lynch was the primary running back for the Lions, running for a total of 78 yards en route to Sam Ficken booting his first field goal of the game, a 25-yarder. In the middle of the fourth quarter, Penn State embarked on a drive that milked over five-and-a-half minutes off the clock and culminated with Zwinak rushing for his third touchdown of the game, a one-yard score with 6:42 to play. After another lackluster drive by Kent State, they punted for the ninth time, and on Penn State's ensuing drive, Tyler Ferguson entered at quarterback, and Von Walker, a member of Penn State's "run-on" program, entered at running back,Penn State Blanks Kent State 34–0 Shelly Stallsmith http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/penn_state_vs_kent_state_updat.html The Patriot News Harrisburg September 21, 2013 September 22, 2013 September 25, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130925015220/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/penn_state_vs_kent_state_updat.html live and on the drive, Ficken kicked a personal record 54-yard field goal, the longest by a Penn State player since 1979,Ficken's 54-yard Kick the Longest for PSU Since '79 Frank Bodani http://www.ydr.com/psu/ci_24149398/fickens-big-kick-longest-since-79 York Daily Record September 22, 2013 September 22, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130928035422/http://www.ydr.com/psu/ci_24149398/fickens-big-kick-longest-since-79 September 28, 2013 which was the final scoring play of the game, whose final score was 34–0.Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions – Play By Play https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=332640213&period=0 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures September 21, 2013 September 22, 2013 September 26, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130926083635/http://espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?gameId=332640213&period=0 liveZach Zwinak (three TDs), Penn St. Roll Past Kent State Associated Press https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=332640213 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures September 21, 2013 September 22, 2013 September 24, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130924034753/http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=332640213 live Penn State's defense excelled, shutting out an opponent for the first time since the 2010 season, also against Kent State. The Lions held Kent State to 190 total yards – just 56 rushing yards, and allowed them to move into Penn State territory only twice out of 14 drives. In the post game media conference, Coach Bill O'Brien commended his defensive coordinator John Butler for his hard work in practice the previous week to rebound from an embarrassing performance against Central Florida.Penn State Defeats Kent State at Beaver Stadium Mark Wogenrich https://www.mcall.com/2013/09/21/penn-state-defense-rebounds-to-dominate-kent-state/ The Morning Call Allentown, PA September 21, 2013 September 22, 2013 September 25, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130925035216/http://articles.mcall.com/2013-09-21/sports/mc-penn-state-football-kent-state-20130921_1_bill-o-brien-zach-zwinak-christian-hackenberg live Defensive end Deion Barnes recorded his first sack of the season, and safety Ryan Keiser made his first career interception, while linebacker Glenn Carson led the team with seven tackles.Lions' Defense Bounces Back with Shutout Dan Norton http://articles.philly.com/2013-09-22/sports/42294589_1_deion-barnes-christian-hackenberg-beaver-stadium The Philadelphia Inquirer September 22, 2013 September 22, 2013 September 23, 2013 https://archive.today/20130923154547/http://articles.philly.com/2013-09-22/sports/42294589_1_deion-barnes-christian-hackenberg-beaver-stadium dead Offensively, Penn State was led by their tandem at running back – trio Zach Zwinak, who had three touchdown rushes, excelling in the grind-it-out style of play Penn State employed in the rain, Bill Belton rushed for 90 yards on 13 carries and had a receiving touchdown,Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions – Box Score https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=332640213 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures September 21, 2013 September 22, 2013 September 24, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130924035349/http://espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=332640213 live and Akeel Lynch had a "career day", rushing for 123 yards on just 14 carries.Back to Back to Back: Penn State Has Three Talented Running Options this Season Bob Flounders http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/back_to_back_to_back_penn_stat.html The Patriot News Harrisburg September 22, 2013 September 22, 2013 September 27, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130927182749/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/back_to_back_to_back_penn_stat.html live The passing game faltered in the rainy conditions, as Christian Hackenberg frequently forced the ball to Allen Robinson for incomplete passes – Robinson finished with 3 receptions, and Hackenberg with 22 incomplete passes and an interception.The Penn State Report Card: Run Game, Suffocating Defense Spark Shutout of Kent State Bob Flounders http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/the_penn_state_report_card_run.html The Patriot News Harrisburg September 22, 2013 September 22, 2013 September 25, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130925024437/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/the_penn_state_report_card_run.html live Penn State did improve on third downs, converting 7-of-18, but remained in the bottom of the FBS, 120 out of 123 teams.Moyer Josh Bye week to-do list: Penn State Nittany Lions https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/85092/bye-week-to-do-list-penn-state ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures September 29, 2013 September 27, 2013 October 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131001010926/http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/85092/bye-week-to-do-list-penn-state live #024 #fff Penn State starting lineup Offense Position Player Class LT Donovan Smith SO LG Miles Dieffenbach JR C Ty Howle SR RG John Urschel SR RT Adam Gress SR TE Jesse James SO QB Christian Hackenberg FR RB Zach Zwinak JR TE Kyle Carter SO WR Allen Robinson JR WR Brandon Felder SRReference: Defense Position Player Class DE C. J. Olaniyan JR DT DaQuan Jones SR DT Austin Johnson FR DE Deion Barnes SO OLB Stephen Obeng-Agyapong SR MLB Glenn Carson SR OLB Nyeem Wartman FR CB Trevor Williams (American football) SO S Malcolm Willis SR S Adrian Amos JR CB Jordan Lucas SOReference: Special teams Position Player Class K Sam Ficken JR P Alex Butterworth SRReference: Bye week #1 – September 28, 2013 After their first four non-conference games, Penn State had their first of two mid-season bye weeks, this one heading into conference play.5 Players Who Need to Improve After the Bye Tim Tolley https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1789482-penn-state-football-5-players-that-need-to-improve-after-the-bye Bleacher Report Turner Broadcasting System September 29, 2013 September 27, 2013 September 29, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130929215158/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1789482-penn-state-football-5-players-that-need-to-improve-after-the-bye live Off the field, Penn State received relief from sanctions imposed in wake of the Penn State child sex abuse scandal; based on a recommendation from independent integrity monitor George Mitchell, Penn State was allowed to have five additional scholarships in 2014, and up to the full 25 by 2015, meaning they would have the full 85 by the 2016 season. “The decision is the result of a thoughtful and deliberative process to ensure we reached the most appropriate outcome. During our discussions, we had the benefit of engaging with Senator Mitchell’s expert perspective and the views of our Big Ten colleagues.” – Rita Hartung Cheng, chair of the NCAA executive committee meetings regarding Mitchell's annual reportNCAA to Reduce Scholarship Sanctions on Penn State John Taylor http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/09/24/ncaa-to-reduce-scholarship-sanctions-on-penn-state/ NBC Sports September 24, 2013 September 29, 2013 September 27, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130927134147/http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/09/24/ncaa-to-reduce-scholarship-sanctions-on-penn-state/ live The reduction of penalties led to an article in The Patriot News on whether Penn State achieved an "unequivocal" bye week victory, perhaps even their biggest victory of the season.Has Penn State Football Achieved Season's Biggest Victory During a Bye Week? Michael Sedor http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/has_penn_state_football_achiev.html The Patriot-News Harrisburg, PA September 26, 2013 September 29, 2013 October 19, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131019153541/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/09/has_penn_state_football_achiev.html live On the field, several keys for improvement were identified within the media, including finding a secondary receiver to Allen Robinson, strengthening the secondary, and continuing improvement on third downs. Also, Penn State's tight end tandem, which struggled during non-conference play, needed to improve, particularly as Penn State had a young quarterback in Christian Hackenberg who would face tougher defenses in conference play.TEs Kyle Carter, Jesse James, Adam Breneman – 5 Players Who Need to Improve After the Bye Tim Tolley https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1789482-penn-state-football-5-players-that-need-to-improve-after-the-bye Bleacher Report Turner Broadcasting System September 27, 2013 September 29, 2013 November 9, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131109132144/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1789482-penn-state-football-5-players-that-need-to-improve-after-the-bye/page/4 live October 5 vs. Indiana 2013 Indiana Hoosiers football team Seattle Seahawks; New York Giants;text-align:center; autocollapse Penn State vs. Indiana – Game summary October 5 12:00 p.m. EDT Penn State 0 7 10 7 Indiana 7 6 8 23 Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, Indiana 42,125 71 °F °C, light rain John O'Neill Big Ten Network Matt Devlin (play-by-play), Glen Mason (analyst), Jon Jansen (sideline) ESPN Box Score, CSTV Game Book First quarter IND – Isaiah Roundtree, 5 yard pass from Nate Sudfeld, Mitch Ewald XP good, 3:05 (IND 7–0) Second quarter PSU – Allen Robinson, 46 yard pass from Christian Hackenberg, Sam Ficken XP good, 9:16 (TIE 7–7) IND – Ewald, 24 yard field goal, 6:43 (IND 10–7) IND – Ewald, 27 yard field goal, 0:00 (IND 13–7) Third quarter PSU – Robinson, 26 yard pass from Hackenberg, Ficken XP good, 9:18 (PSU 14–13) IND – Tevin Coleman, 44 yard run, Tre Roberson run for two-point conversion good, 7:56 (IND 21–14) PSU – Ficken, 30 yard field goal, 2:04 (IND 21–17) Fourth quarter IND – Roberson, 2 yard run, Ewald XP good, 14:10 (IND 28–17) IND – Kofi Hughes, 36 yard pass from Sudfeld, Ewald XP good, 10:42 (IND 35–17) IND – Roberson, 9 yard run, Ewald XP good, 10:30 (IND 42–17) PSU – Bill Belton, 14 yard pass from Hackenberg, Ficken XP good, 7:44 (IND 42–24) IND – Donovan Smith tackled in end zone by Nick Mangieri; safety, 5:40 (IND 44–24) Top passer Christian Hackenberg – 30/55, 340 yards, 3 TD Top rushers Zach Zwinak – 17 rushes, 72 yards Top receiver Allen Robinson – 12 receptions, 173 yards, 2 TD Top defender Glenn Carson – 10 tackles (9 solo) Mike Hull – 10 tackles (6 solo), 0.5 sacks In their second game away from Beaver Stadium of the season, the Nittany Lions traveled to Bloomington, Indiana for their game against the Indiana Hoosiers, their first conference opponent. This was the teams' 17th meeting, with Penn State owning a 16–0 record coming into the game.Nelson Jeff Penn State-Indiana Big Ten opener set for noon kickoff http://news.psu.edu/story/288781/2013/09/23/athletics/penn-state-indiana-big-ten-opener-set-noon-kickoff The Pennsylvania State University October 1, 2013 September 23, 2013 October 4, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131004215949/http://news.psu.edu/story/288781/2013/09/23/athletics/penn-state-indiana-big-ten-opener-set-noon-kickoff live Indiana featured the Big Ten's best passing offense in 2012, led by quarterback Chase Coffman, who returned in 2013. Indiana entered the game with a record of 2–2. As they had in 2012,Pickel Greg Penn State Opponent Preview: Kevin Wilson, Indiana, entering make or break season http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/08/penn_state_opponent_preview_ke_1.html October 1, 2013 The Patriot-News August 2, 2013 Harrisburg, PA October 4, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131004212633/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/08/penn_state_opponent_preview_ke_1.html live struggled defensively in their first four games, averaging giving up nearly 33 points per game.Indiana Overall Team Statistics http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/stats/2013-2014/ind.html Big Ten Conference October 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131004213349/http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/stats/2013-2014/ind.html October 4, 2013 dead Their offense however, had shined thus far, and had come into their previous game, a 45–28 loss to Missouri, averaging 50 points per game, but sputtered against the Tigers.Marot Michael Tigers take advantage of Indiana's off-night 45–28 http://collegefootball.ap.org/postandcourier/article/tigers-take-advantage-indianas-night-45-28 January 20, 2014 Associated Press September 22, 2013 Columbus, Indiana February 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140201202513/http://collegefootball.ap.org/postandcourier/article/tigers-take-advantage-indianas-night-45-28 live A preview on SB Nation noted that Indiana's pass first offense might "cause problems" for Penn State, though it expressed some optimism, as Mike Hull finally returned and Adrian Amos moved from safety to cornerback.Slanina Jared Penn State-Indiana Game Preview http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/10/4/4795792/penn-state-indiana-game--kickoff-preview-Christian-Hackenberg-Zach-Zwinak SB Nation Vox Media October 6, 2013 October 4, 2013 October 7, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131007085238/http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/10/4/4795792/penn-state-indiana-game--kickoff-preview-Christian-Hackenberg-Zach-Zwinak live Offensively for Penn State, balancing the running game with the passing game was a key – in the previous season's game against Indiana, Penn Statewide receiver Allen Robinson caught 10 passes for 197 yards and 3 touchdownsAssociated Press Penn State routs Indiana; Michael Mauti leaves with knee injury https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=323220213 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures October 6, 2013 November 17, 2012 January 8, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210108032629/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=323220213 live – as this was expected to be a developmental game for freshman quarterback Christian Hackenberg. There was no conclusive advantage on special teams. Penn State got the ball to start the game, and drove down the field with relative ease (facing only one third down) prior to stalling at their 26-yard line and turning the ball over on downs. After an Indiana three and out, Penn State ran another drive at the end of which they turned over on downs. Each team ran one more drive before Indiana attained first downs on three consecutive plays, ultimately culminating their possession with a five-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Nate Sudfeld to Isaiah Roundtree, making the score 7–0 at the end of the first quarter.Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Indiana Hoosiers – Play By Play – October 05, 2013 https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=332780084 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures October 6, 2013 November 9, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131109133503/http://espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?gameId=332780084 live Penn State responded on their second drive of the second quarter via a 46-yard pass from Hackenberg to Robinson to tie the game. Later, Mitch Ewald kicked a short field goal to re-take the lead. Penn State had a chance to tie the game again when kicker Sam Ficken attempted a 42-yard field goal, but Indiana blocked the kick, and with their ensuing momentum drove down the field at the end of the half, ultimately ending with Ewald hitting a field goal as time expired. After halftime, Indiana ran a quick drive on which they punted before Penn State ran a 13-play, 80-yard drive that concluded with Robinson catching his second touchdown of the game, a 26-yard pass from Hackenberg. Indiana responded with a quick score; they converted a two-point conversion to take a 21–14 lead. Late in the third quarter, Hackenberg threw a fade pattern to Robinson in the corner of the end zone, which Robinson corralled, but he landed on his back out of bounds, and came up either with the wind knocked out, or some sort of back injury. Penn State settled for a field goal, and at the end of three, Indiana led 21–17. The fourth quarter entrenched the Hoosiers' lead, as they totaled 23 points to only 7 for Penn State, winning the game 44–24, their final score coming on a safety. Dubbed the "low point ... of the Bill O'Brien era" and Penn State's first ever loss to the Hoosiers, lack of execution was a primary problem for the Nittany Lions; Penn State was just one-of-five on fourth down conversion attempts, a few of which they attempted while in Sam Ficken's field goal range, and on two field goal attempts, there were two botched snaps, the first of which led to a blocked kick, the latter getting past the holder and rolling 31 yards by the time Ficken fell on the ball for a turnover on downs.Gross Mike Miscues prove costly as Penn State falls to Indiana http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/902375_Miscues-prove-costly-as-Penn-State-falls-to-Indiana.html October 10, 2013 Lancaster Newspapers October 5, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131005234612/http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/902375_Miscues-prove-costly-as-Penn-State-falls-to-Indiana.html October 5, 2013 O'Brien also conceded that poor coaching did not help the Lions, and that he tried to "manufacture" momentum at several points in the game: "We coached very average today." − Bill O'BrienWogenrich Mark Indiana scores first win over Penn State in 17 tries http://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-penn-state-football-indiana-1005-20131005,0,2952482.story October 10, 2013 The Morning Call October 5, 2013 Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania https://web.archive.org/web/20131007012923/http://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-penn-state-football-indiana-1005-20131005,0,2952482.story October 7, 2013 dead #024 #fff Penn State starting lineup +Offense Position Player Class LT Donovan Smith SO LG Miles Dieffenbach JR C Ty Howle SR RG John Urschel SR RT Adam Gress SR TE Jesse James SO QB Christian Hackenberg FR RB Zach Zwinak JR WR Geno Lewis FR WR Allen Robinson JR WR Richy Anderson FRReference: Defense Position Player Class DE C. J. Olaniyan JR DT DaQuan Jones SR DT Kyle Baublitz JR DE Deion Barnes SO OLB Stephen Obeng-Agyapong SR MLB Glenn Carson SR OLB Mike Hull JR CB Trevor Williams (American football) SO S Malcolm Willis SR S Adrian Amos JR CB Jordan Lucas SOReference: Special teams Position Player Class K Sam Ficken JR P Alex Butterworth SRReference: October 12 vs. Michigan 2013 Michigan Wolverines football team Seattle Seahawks; New York Giants;text-align:center; autocollapse Michigan vs. Penn State – Game summary October 12 5:00 p.m. EDT #18 Michigan 10 0 17 7 0 3 0 3 Penn State 7 14 3 10 0 3 0 6 Beaver Stadium 107,884 (sellout) 54 °F °C, partly cloudy Todd Geerlings ESPN Joe Tessitore (play-by-play), Matt Millen (analyst), Maria Taylor (sideline) ESPN Box Score First quarter PSU – Brandon Felder, 12 yard pass from Christian Hackenberg, Sam Ficken XP good, 9:39 (PSU 7–0) MICH – Devin Funchess, 59 yard pass from Devin Gardner, Brendan Gibbons XP good, 8:19 (TIE 7–7) MICH – Gibbons, 47 yard field goal, 0:49 (MICH 10–7) Second quarter PSU – Jesse James, 20 yard pass from Hackenberg, Ficken XP good, 11:27 (PSU 14–10) PSU – Felder, 24 yard pass from Hackenberg, Ficken XP good, 7:06 (PSU 21–10) Third quarter MICH – Zach Zwinak fumble forced by Brennen Beyer, recovered by Frank Clark and returned 25 yards for a touchdown, Gibbons XP good, 14:50 (PSU 21–17) MICH – Gibbons, 23 yard field goal, 8:50 (PSU 21–20) PSU – Ficken, 45 yard field goal, 4:21 (PSU 24–20) MICH – Jeremy Gallon, 16 yard touchdown pass from Gardner, Gibbons XP good, 0:28 (MICH 27–24) Fourth quarter MICH – Funchess, 37 yard pass from Gardner, Gibbons XP good, 10:28 (MICH 34–24) PSU – Ficken, 43 yard field goal, 6:35 (MICH 34–27) PSU – Hackenberg, 1 yard run, Ficken XP good, 0:27 (TIE 34–34) First overtime No scoring Second overtime MICH – Gibbons, 25 yard field goal (MICH 37–34) PSU – Ficken, 36 yard field goal (TIE 37–37) Third overtime No scoring Fourth overtime MICH – Gibbons, 40 yard field goal (MICH 40–37) PSU – Bill Belton, 2 yard run (PSU 43–40) Top passer Christian Hackenberg – 23/44, 304 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT Top rusher Bill Belton – 27 rushes, 86 yards, TD Top receiver Brandon Felder – 6 receptions, 96 yards, 2 TD Top defenders Glenn Carson – 10 tackles, sack Mike Hull – 10 tackles C. J. Olaniyan – 8 tackles, 3 sack In the teams' first meeting since the 2010 season, the Nittany Lions looked to achieve their fourth consecutive win in the series, however even a hometown paper, the York Daily Record, predicted the Lions would lose, albeit in a close game, citing Michigan's superiority on both offense and defense, as well as coaching, compared to Penn State's superiority on special teams and intangibles.Penn State Preview http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site515/2013/1009/20131009_031002_PSU-Michigan.pdf October 12, 2013 York Daily Record October 12, 2013 Bodani, Frank Dellinger, Samantha dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131014063519/http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site515/2013/1009/20131009_031002_PSU-Michigan.pdf October 14, 2013 right 30% "Coming off a loss like (Indiana) is just going to motivate us harder. I see more focus in our team after losses ... gets us to work harder in practice, in the film room in order to get a win because we're hungry. We're just more determined – we're hungry for a win. We really want it. We really need it. ... The best way to get over that loss, that feeling of a loss, is to win a game. So we're really searching for this one." Glenn Carson, Penn State senior middle linebacker, October 11, 2013 Penn State's edition of SB Nation also predicted the Lions would lose citing the Wolverines' better athletes, but noted that Michigan's quarterback Devin Gardner has thrown as many interceptions as touchdowns (8) coming into the game, and that Penn State's best chance to win would be if Michigan turned the ball over frequently.Slanina Jared Penn State-Michigan Game Preview http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/10/11/4818176/penn-state-michigan-game-preview-homecoming-christian-hackenberg SB Nation Vox Media October 12, 2013 October 11, 2013 October 14, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131014011426/http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/10/11/4818176/penn-state-michigan-game-preview-homecoming-christian-hackenberg live Coming off an embarrassing loss against Indiana, Penn State's coach Bill O'Brien was "focused" all week and refused to talk to the media about the prior week's loss, focusing strictly on the Michigan game, which was Homecoming for Penn State, was expected to be the first sellout of the season, and featured a whiteout, led by the student section. O'Brien noted, "it would be crazy to think this is just another game".Bodani Frank Penn State Preview: Lions Hope Full House Will Create Winning Atmosphere vs. Michigan http://www.ydr.com/psu/ci_24284760/psu-hopes-full-house-will-create-winning-atmosphere October 12, 2013 York Daily Record October 11, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131013080204/http://www.ydr.com/psu/ci_24284760/psu-hopes-full-house-will-create-winning-atmosphere October 13, 2013 The game was Penn State's second national broadcast of the year, with Penn State alumnus Matt Millen providing color commentary on Penn State's homecoming weekend.http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/psu/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2013-14/release/release.pdf Penn State vs. Michigan Game Notes Penn State Athletics October 10, 2013 October 12, 2013 October 11, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131011150309/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/psu/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2013-14/release/release.pdf live Michigan, coming off a 42–13 victory over Minnesota, entered the game with a win–loss record of 5–0, one of two remaining undefeated teams in the Big Ten (the other was Ohio State, who was 6–0, and whom the Lions are scheduled to play on October 26).Mancuso Tony Lions host Wolverines in primetime http://www.gopsusports.com/blog/2013/10/michigan-gameday-preview-lions-host-wolverines-in-primetime.html Penn State Athletics October 12, 2013 October 11, 2013 October 11, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131011173206/http://www.gopsusports.com/blog/2013/10/michigan-gameday-preview-lions-host-wolverines-in-primetime.html live Michigan's defense, led by their star cornerback Blake Countless, who was tied for the NCAA lead with four interceptions entering the game, had yet to allow a rushing touchdown, and was expected to receive a boost from the return of their 2012 All-Big Ten linebacker Jake Ryan, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) the prior season. As such, a key for Penn State was to match Michigan's physicality in strong offensive line play and establish the line of scrimmage, both on offense and defense, as the game would be won in the trenches. The game was described as a "critical juncture".Moyer Josh With Michigan game, Penn State Nittany Lions at critical juncture https://insider.espn.com/blog/colleges/psu/post/_/id/12485/penn-state-arrives-at-at-critical-juncture?ex_cid=espnapi_public ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures October 12, 2013 October 11, 2013 October 15, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131015110016/http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/colleges/psu/post/_/id/12485/penn-state-arrives-at-at-critical-juncture?ex_cid=espnapi_public live Before the game, Penn State realized that, due to a Ticketmaster glitch, it had oversold student section tickets, and was forced to offer several alternate packages in order not to have to boot students.Dawson Mike Ticketing Glitch Oversells Student Section for Penn State-Michigan Game http://www.centredaily.com/2013/10/08/3828558/ticketing-glitch-oversells-student.html October 13, 2013 Centre Daily Times State College, PA October 8, 2013 October 9, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131009202432/http://www.centredaily.com/2013/10/08/3828558/ticketing-glitch-oversells-student.html live With a Goodyear blimp overhead, Michigan got the ball to start the game, and on their first play from scrimmage, they lost three yards when DaQuan Jones made a tackle for a loss stopping Fitzgerald Toussaint; the loss decimated the drive, which ended in a three-and-out. Penn State's drive was no more successful – after one first down, Christian Hackenberg threw an interception. On Michigan's ensuing drive, however, they were set up on another third down and long, and Penn State's Jordan Lucas picked off Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner's pass, setting Penn State up in the red zone. Penn State capitalized, as Hackenberg threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Brandon Felder. Michigan struck right back, getting two first downs in the running game prior to Gardner throwing a 59-yard touchdown pass to Devin Funchess to tie the game. Penn State did not get a first down on their next drive and tried to convert fourth down deep in their own territory, but failed, setting Michigan up with excellent field position. Penn State's defense, however, responded, with Glenn Carson sacking Gardner to put Michigan out of field goal range, forcing a punt that Michigan downed around the five yard line. On Michigan's next drive, their kicker Brendan Gibbons made a 47-yard field goal.Michigan Wolverines vs. Penn State Nittany Lions – Play By Play October 12, 2013 https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=332850213&period=1 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures October 12, 2013 October 15, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131015113439/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?gameId=332850213&period=1 live After Penn State again punted, Michigan embarked on a drive that included a third-and-long conversion, but ultimately ended when Gardner threw an interception to Penn State defensive end Anthony Zettel, who started over Deion Barnes.Orso Anna Penn State finds victory over Michigan in quadruple overtime http://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_6f66b514-33a7-11e3-9b2b-0019bb30f31a.html October 14, 2013 The Daily Collegian October 12, 2013 University Park, PA October 19, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131019091603/http://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_6f66b514-33a7-11e3-9b2b-0019bb30f31a.html live It took Penn State only one play to capitalize; Hackenberg threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Jesse James to put Penn State back up 14–10. Penn State struck again later in the quarter, again via a touchdown pass from Hackenberg to Felder. Late in the first half, Penn State defensive end C. J. Olaniyan sacked Gardner for the second time, forcing a fumble, which Penn State recovered, but their drive stalled, and they punted. Penn State held a 21–10 advantage at halftime.Jones Ben Penn State-Michigan Live Blog http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/penn-statemichigan-live-blog-halftime-penn-state-up-2110,1396813/ https://archive.today/20131012224544/http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/penn-statemichigan-live-blog-halftime-penn-state-up-2110,1396813/ dead October 12, 2013 Penn State football StateCollege.com October 12, 2013 October 12, 2013Michigan Wolverines vs. Penn State Nittany Lions – Video – October 12, 2013 https://www.espn.com/college-football/video?gameId=332850213 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures October 12, 2013 October 15, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131015113608/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/video?gameId=332850213 live On Penn State's first play from scrimmage in the second half, Zach Zwinak fumbled, and it was returned for a touchdown by Frank Clark to pull within four points. After another Penn State drive stalled, Michigan drove down the field, and was faced with a third-and-short before a freshman offensive lineman committed a dead ball unsportsmanlike conduct penalty to back up Michigan to face a third and long; on that play Olaniyan recorded his third sack of the day, and Michigan punted. On Penn State's ensuing drive, they turned the ball over again, this time via a Hackenberg interception; Michigan capitalized by kicking a field goal. When Penn State got the ball back, they ran a sustained, balanced drive (4 run plays, 5 pass plays, 50 yards) down the field during which they went to Bill Belton in the running game (as Zwinak had fumbled previously in the half) that culminated with Sam Ficken kicking a 45-yard field goal to go up by 4 points. Michigan promptly drove right back down the field, and Gardner threw a touchdown pass to Jeremy Gallon to take the lead for the second time, 27–24. In the fourth quarter, Ficken attempted a 47-yard field goal, but missed, and Penn State's 10-play 45-yard drive came up empty. Michigan took advantage of their ensuing field position and ran a quick drive that ended with a 37-yard touchdown pass from Gardner to Funchess, putting them on top by 10 with 10:28 to go. On Penn State's ensuing drive, they converted a fourth down and one near midfield prior to a penalty and then a sack setting up a third and long on which Hackenberg threw an incomplete pass, so they were forced to settle with pulling within 7; Sam Ficken kicked a 43-yard field goal. Michigan tried to run out the clock on their next drive, and Penn State burned all three of their timeouts. Though they were at one point within field goal range, they committed a five-yard delay of game penalty that pushed them out of range, and they had to punt. Penn State got the ball with 50 seconds left and no timeouts at their own 20-yard line. Needing a touchdown to tie the game, Penn State's first play of scrimmage was a pass from Hackenberg to Robinson along the sideline that was ruled incomplete on the field, but was reviewed and overturned and counted as a 14-yard gain. The next play was an acrobatic catch by Felder for 29 yards, and then a pass down the sideline to Robinson for 36 yards to put the ball inside the one yard line with 29 seconds remaining. Michigan then called their final timeout. Hackenberg then attempted a quarterback sneak over the right side for a touchdown; the play was reviewed and the call was confirmed, and Ficken made the extra point to tie the game with 27 seconds left. Michigan took the ball at their own 35, drove it to the other 35, and lined Gibbons up to attempt a 52-yard field goal, which he missed short. Penn State got the ball with two seconds left, but downed the ball to send the game into overtime.Lions score dramatic 43–40 4OT win vs. Michigan http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/101213aan.html Penn State Athletics October 12, 2013 October 14, 2013 October 15, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131015192142/http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/101213aan.html live Penn State got the ball to start overtime, but went three-and-out and Ficken missed a field goal. Michigan used their entire possession to try to center the ball for Gibbons, and then they attempted a field goal, but it was blocked, to send the game into a second overtime.Rickman Martin Penn State outlasts No. 18 Michigan in 4OT http://college-football.si.com/2013/10/12/penn-state-michigan-four-overtimes/ Sports Illustrated October 14, 2013 October 12, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131014194038/http://college-football.si.com/2013/10/12/penn-state-michigan-four-overtimes/ October 14, 2013 Michigan got the ball to start the second overtime, achieved one first down, and Gibbons redeemed himself, kicking a 25-yard field goal. Ficken responded, tacking on a 36-yard field goal to tie the game at 37, headed into a third overtime. Penn State got the ball to start the third overtime, but on their first play, an end-around to Robinson that he fumbled and was recovered by Clark to set up Michigan with a chance to win the game with any score. Gibbons had an opportunity to win the game, but missed wide, and sent the game into a fourth overtime. Michigan got the ball to start the fourth overtime, and stalled, leaving Gibbons to attempt a 40-yard field goal, which he made to put the Wolverines on top 40–37. Penn State then needed a field goal to tie, or a touchdown to win. Faced with a fourth down and one, O'Brien sent his team out on the field to go for it, and they converted via a two-yard run by Belton. Three plays later, Hackenberg threw an incomplete pass intended for Robinson in the end zone, but officials called pass interference on the play, which occurred in the end zone, resulting in the ball being placed at the two yard line. On Penn State's next play, Hackenberg handed the ball off to Belton, who ran it in for a two-yard touchdown, winning the game for Penn State. The four-overtime game was the longest in Big Ten Conference history.Penn State Football Post – Postgame Notes http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/101313aac.html Penn State Athletics October 14, 2013 October 13, 2013 October 17, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131017021110/http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/101313aac.html live For their performance in the game, Athlon Sports named Hackenberg as both its Big Ten and National Freshman of the Week, and Olaniyan as its Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week. Hackenberg threw for over 300 yards for the third time, already moving him into a tie for third-most all time in Penn State history, tied with Daryll Clark, and behind Matt McGloin and Kerry Collins; it was the third time he had been named freshman of the week. Olaniyan recorded 2.5 sacks and forced a fumble (that was recovered by DaQuan Jones), and this was his first career Big Ten Player of the Week accolade.Hackenberg named Athlon Sports national freshman of the week http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101313aag.html Penn State Athletics October 14, 2013 October 15, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131015044719/http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101313aag.html live ESPN named the game the best of the season's first half, and Robinson's catch late in regulation was named the number-one play on Sports Center's Top Ten.Bye Week Notebook – News and Notes as Lions Prep for Ohio State http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101513aaa.html Penn State Official Athletic Site CBS Interactive October 18, 2013 October 15, 2013 October 19, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131019125246/http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101513aaa.html live #024 #fff Penn State starting lineup +Offense Position Player Class LT Donovan Smith SO LG Miles Dieffenbach JR C Ty Howle SR RG John Urschel SR RT Garry Gilliam JR TE Jesse James SO QB Christian Hackenberg FR RB Zach Zwinak JR TE Kyle Carter SO WR Allen Robinson JR WR Brandon Felder SRReference:Michigan vs Penn State (Oct 12, 2013) – Game Participation http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2013-2014/psumich.html Penn State Athletics October 12, 2013 October 14, 2013 October 15, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131015225240/http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2013-2014/psumich.html live +Defense Position Player Class DE C. J. Olaniyan JR DT DaQuan Jones SR DT Kyle Baublitz JR DE Anthony Zettel SO OLB Mike Hull JR MLB Glenn Carson SR OLB Nyeem Wartman FR CB Trevor Williams (American football) SO S Ryan Keiser JR S Adrian Amos JR CB Jordan Lucas SOReference: +Special teams Position Player Class K Sam Ficken JR P Alex Butterworth SRReference: Bye week #2 – October 19, 2013 After Penn State's quadruple overtime win against Michigan, they tried to get healthy, with veterans being held out of a scrimmage that occurred during the week of practice, instead working on conditioning. One ESPN writer opined that defensive coordinator John Butler needed to emphasize reworking the secondary, similar to how he had focused on reworking the defensive line, which was successful during the prior week's game. Also, Penn State needed to find additional "playmakers" to supplement Allen Robinson in the receiving game, as well as determine who would lead the running game, as Zach Zwinak had fumbled against Michigan and was taken out, and Bill Belton took over and performed well.Moyer Josh Bye week to-do list: Penn State Nittany Lions https://insider.espn.com/blog/colleges/psu/post/_/id/12611/bye-week-to-do-list-penn-state-2?ex_cid=espnapi_public CFB Nation – ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures October 17, 2013 October 16, 2013 October 24, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131024051252/http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/colleges/psu/post/_/id/12611/bye-week-to-do-list-penn-state-2?ex_cid=espnapi_public live Halfway through the season, ESPN.com rated Robinson as the team's offensive MVP, and defensive tackle DaQuan Jones as the team's defensive MVP. The midseason report noted that Penn State had a grueling schedule in the second half of the season that would test the depth of its defense, limited by lack of scholarship players.Moyer Josh Midseason report: Penn State https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/86600/midseason-report-penn-state-2?ex_cid=espnapi_public Big Ten Blog – ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures October 17, 2013 October 15, 2013 January 20, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140120034933/http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/86600/midseason-report-penn-state-2?ex_cid=espnapi_public live Lancaster Newspapers concurred with ESPN, awarding their first half offensive and defensive MVPs to Robinson and Jones respectively as well, adding Sam Ficken as special teams MVP. The column also called sophomore defensive end Deion Barnes the biggest disappointment of the first half, noting that he had even been relegated out of the starting lineup.Gross Mike Looking at Penn State football's immediate past, present and future http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/908056_Looking-at-Penn-State-football-s-immediate-past--present-and-future.html October 20, 2013 Lancaster Newspapers October 20, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131020060122/http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/908056_Looking-at-Penn-State-football-s-immediate-past--present-and-future.html October 20, 2013 Quarterback Christian Hackenberg, who had started the first six games and had a "halftime" in the bye week, as there were still six games to play, viewed the bye week as a bonus: "We have a couple more days to prepare, get a good game plan and get ready to go to a hostile environment and play a really good football team. I think it's more of a bonus for us." Coach Bill O'Brien concurred, asserting that Penn State's win against Michigan gave Hackenberg confidence and development.Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg welcomes bye week following Michigan thriller http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/10/penn_state_quarterback_christi.html October 18, 2013 The Express-Times October 16, 2013 Associated Press Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania October 19, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131019124628/http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/10/penn_state_quarterback_christi.html live October 26 vs. Ohio State 2013 Ohio State Buckeyes football team Ohio State–Penn State football rivalry Seattle Seahawks; New York Giants;text-align:center; autocollapse Penn State vs. Ohio State – Game summary October 26 8:00 p.m. EDT Penn State 0 7 0 7 #4 Ohio State 14 28 14 7 The Horseshoe 105,889 45 °F °C, mostly cloudy Dave Witvoet ABC Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst), Holly Rowe (sideline) ESPN Box Score First quarter OSU – Carlos Hyde, 2 yard run, Drew Basil XP good, 12:43 (OSU 7–0) OSU – Braxton Miller, 39 yard run, Basil XP good, 1:10 (OSU 14–0) Second quarter OSU – Miller, 6 yard run, Basil XP good, 13:00 (OSU 21–0) OSU – Chris Fields, 3 yard pass from Miller, Basil XP good, 8:24 (OSU 28–0) PSU – Brandon Felder, 12 yard pass from Christian Hackenberg, Sam Ficken XP good, 4:12 (OSU 28–7) OSU – Hyde, 39 yard run, Basil XP good, 3:16 (OSU 35–7) OSU – Philly Brown, 25 yard pass from Miller, Basil XP good, 0:03 (OSU 42–7) Third quarter OSU – Dontre Wilson, 26 yard pass from Miller, Basil XP good, 8:52 (OSU 49–7) OSU – Kenny Gution, 2 yard run, Basil XP good, 4:01 (OSU 56–7) Fourth quarter OSU – Guiton, 11 yard run, Basil XP good, 8:24 (OSU 63–7) PSU – Allen Robinson, 65 yard pass from Tyler Ferguson, Ficken XP good, 7:33 (OSU 63–14) Top passer Tyler Ferguson – 7/11, 125 yards, TD Top rusher Bill Belton – 22 rushes, 98 yards Top receiver Allen Robinson – 12 receptions, 173 yards, TD Top defender Jordan Lucas – 11 tackles In Penn State's second nationally televised, prime time game, which was to be called by Nittany Lion alumnus Todd Blackledge,Slanina Jared Penn State-Ohio State Preview http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/10/25/4874312/penn-state-ohio-state-preview Black Shoe Diaries Vox Media October 25, 2013 October 25, 2013 October 26, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131026171614/http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/10/25/4874312/penn-state-ohio-state-preview live the Lions entered the game underdogs, even according to their local media.Berger Zach Staff Predictions: Penn State vs. Ohio State http://onwardstate.com/2013/10/25/staff-predictions-penn-state-vs-ohio-state-2/ Onward State October 25, 2013 October 25, 2013 October 28, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131028020825/http://onwardstate.com/2013/10/25/staff-predictions-penn-state-vs-ohio-state-2/ liveBodani Frank Penn State preview: Underdog Lions hope Ohio State is another prime-time upset http://www.ydr.com/psu/ci_24381463/penn-state-preview-underdog-lions-hope-ohio-state?source=hot_topics October 25, 2013 York Daily Record October 25, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131027045511/http://www.ydr.com/psu/ci_24381463/penn-state-preview-underdog-lions-hope-ohio-state?source=hot_topics October 27, 2013 The opening line put Ohio State 14.5 point favorites.Tolley Tim Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Ohio State Buckeyes: Complete Game Preview https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1821007-penn-state-nittany-lions-vs-ohio-state-buckeyes-complete-game-preview Bleacher Report Turner Broadcasting System October 25, 2013 October 22, 2013 October 29, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131029192121/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1821007-penn-state-nittany-lions-vs-ohio-state-buckeyes-complete-game-preview live Pre-game buildup focused on Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller, for whom there "is no good way to stop", and who Bill O'Brien called one of the top five players in the country. In tandem with star running back Carlos Hyde, Ohio State was expected to score a lot of points, even against Penn State's improved defense; a preview from York Daily Record writer Frank Bodani gave Ohio State the edge on offense, citing the tandem of Miller and Hyde, defense, citing playmaking game-changers Noah Spence and Ryan Shazier, who play defensive end and linebacker respectively, special teams, noting their punt blocking ability and return game, coaching, noting that Ohio State had not yet lost under Urban Meyer, and intangibles, citing the sold-out crowd in prime time.Bodani Frank Nittany Lions vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (Graphic) http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site515/2013/1024/20131024_105020_psu-stackup-1025.pdf October 25, 2013 York Daily Record October 25, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131029195247/http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site515/2013/1024/20131024_105020_psu-stackup-1025.pdf October 29, 2013 Keys to the game for Penn State were to contain Miller, not get beaten over-the-top in coverage, and running the ball, so as to avoid becoming one-dimensional offensively. Ohio State needed to contain Penn State receiver Allen Robinson with their star cornerback Bradley Roby, "ride Hyde" (run the ball with Carlos Hyde), and get pressure on freshman quarterback Christian Hackenberg. Penn State made a few changes on their depth chart for the game, including placing Bill Belton and Zach Zwinak on the first team separated with an "OR". Also, Deion Barnes and Anthony Zettel were listed with an OR between their names; Zettel started the previous week against Michigan.Fitz Sean Official depth chart released for Penn State-Ohio State https://247sports.com/college/penn-state/article/official-depth-chart-released-for-penn-state-ohio-state-156249/ Lions247 247 Sports in collaboration with CBS Sports October 25, 2013 October 21, 2013 October 23, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131023205300/http://pennstate.247sports.com/Article/Official-Depth-Chart-Released-for-Penn-State-Ohio-State-156249 live thumbnail|right|The game was the 14th night game in Ohio Stadium history Ohio State got the ball to start the game, and promptly drove down the field on a 7-play, 75-yard drive culminating with a touchdown run by Carlos Hyde. Penn State responded with a solid drive of their own, running 12 plays and getting to the 12-yard line before Christian Hackenberg threw an interception in the end zone. The two teams exchanged punts, and then Ohio State scored, this time via a 39-yard run from their quarterback Braxton Miller. Hackenberg threw another interception late in the quarter, and Ohio State, early in the second quarter, capitalized with another touchdown. After scoring again, Penn State scored points for their first time to make the score 28–7, off a 12-yard touchdown reception by Brandon Felder. Ohio State scored twice more, and the halftime score was a 42–7 Ohio State advantage. After exchanging punts to start the second half, Zach Zwinak lost a fumble in Penn State territory for the second consecutive week, and for the second consecutive week, he did not carry the ball after it. It took Ohio State only two plays to take advantage, scoring a touchdown on a Miller pass to Dontre Wilson. On Penn State's next drive, Tyler Ferguson replaced Hackenberg at quarterback due to an injury he sustained earlier in the game,Elder Andy Hackenberg, Carson suffer injuries in loss http://www.centredaily.com/2013/10/27/3857476/penn-state-football-hackenberg.html October 27, 2013 Centre Daily Times State College, PA October 27, 2013 October 31, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131031165254/http://www.centredaily.com/2013/10/27/3857476/penn-state-football-hackenberg.html live Ferguson was no more effective, as Penn State ultimately punted. Ohio State scored once more in the third quarter, and they led 56–7 headed into the fourth quarter. After another touchdown for Ohio State, Ferguson threw a touchdown pass to Allen Robinson in which Robinson caught the screen pass behind the line of scrimmage, "runs around, weaving thru traffic from one sideline to the other, and finishes in the end zone for a touchdown".Hey, Wha Happen? PSU 63–14 http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/10/27/5034190/hey-wha-happen-psu-14-osu-63 Black Shoe Diaries Vox Media October 27, 2013 October 27, 2013 October 29, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131029194028/http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/10/27/5034190/hey-wha-happen-psu-14-osu-63 live That would be the final scoring play of the game, which ended 63–14.Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Ohio State Buckeyes – Play By Play – October 26, 2013 https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=332990194&period=0 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures October 27, 2013 October 29, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131029201043/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?gameId=332990194&period=0 live In what linebacker Mike Hull described as "the worst game I've experienced", Penn State allowed the most points it had since 1899, when they lost to the Duquesne Country and Athletic Club on November 25, 1899, 64–5. Ohio State totaled 686 total yards, whereas Penn State totaled 357.No. 4 Buckeyes score early, often in win over Penn State http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/gametracker/recap/NCAAF_20131026_PSU@OHIOST CBSSports.com CBS Interactive October 26, 2013 January 5, 2014 January 6, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140106032212/http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/gametracker/recap/NCAAF_20131026_PSU@OHIOST live The game thrust the Buckeyes into consideration to play in the 2014 BCS National Championship Game, while it subjugated Christian Hackenberg, who "wasn't ready for Ohio State or the 'Shoe", according to an article on Bleacher Report.Regimbal David Penn State vs. Ohio State: 10 Things We Learned in Buckeyes' Win https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1826428-penn-state-vs-ohio-state-10-things-we-learned-in-buckeyes-win Bleacher Report Turner Broadcasting System January 5, 2014 October 26, 2013 November 9, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131109051336/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1826428-penn-state-vs-ohio-state-10-things-we-learned-in-buckeyes-win live An article from SBNation.com noted, "This Penn State one is a talented but extremely flawed one, flawed, especially defensively, in ways that are blatant and clear and easy for any well-coached offense to exploit, and flawed on offense with youth and with inexperience, destined to repeat the past because they must before it gets any better."Muma Steven Penn State vs. Ohio State reaction: Nittany Lions, Buckeyes take stock https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/10/28/5035922/ohio-state-penn-state-results-reaction-black-shoe-diaries-land-grant-holy-land SBNation.com Vox Media January 5, 2014 October 28, 2013 January 6, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140106031617/http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/10/28/5035922/ohio-state-penn-state-results-reaction-black-shoe-diaries-land-grant-holy-land live #024 #fff Penn State starting lineup +Offense Position Player Class LT Donovan Smith SO LG Miles Dieffenbach JR C Ty Howle SR RG John Urschel SR RT Adam Gress SR TE Jesse James SO QB Christian Hackenberg FR RB Bill Belton JR TE Kyle Carter SO TE Adam Breneman FR WR Allen Robinson JRReference:Penn State vs. Ohio State (October 26, 2013) http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2013-2014/psuosu.html Penn State Athletics CBS Interactive October 27, 2013 October 29, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191611/http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2013-2014/psuosu.html live +Defense Position Player Class DE C. J. Olaniyan JR DT DaQuan Jones SR DT Kyle Baublitz JR DE Deion Barnes SO OLB Mike Hull JR MLB Glenn Carson SR OLB Nyeem Wartman FR CB Trevor Williams (American football) SO S Jesse Della Valle JR S Adrian Amos JR CB Jordan Lucas SOReference: +Special teams Position Player Class K Sam Ficken JR P Alex Butterworth SRReference: November 2 vs. Illinois 2013 Illinois Fighting Illini football team Seattle Seahawks; New York Giants;text-align:center; autocollapse Penn State vs. Illinois – Game summary November 2 12:00 p.m. EDT Illinois 0 3 7 7 0 Penn State 7 7 0 3 7 Beaver Stadium 95,131 50 °F °C, cloudy, breezy, few showers Dan Capron ESPN Beth Mowins (play-by-play), Joey Galloway (analyst), Loren Crispell (sideline) ESPN Box Score First quarter PSU – Bill Belton, 5-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 9:44 (PSU 7–0) Second quarter PSU – Christian Hackenberg, 9-yard run, Ficken XP good, 13:13 (PSU 14–0) ILL – Taylor Zalewski, 20-yard field goal, 0:00 (PSU 14–3) Third quarter ILL – Josh Ferguson, 8-yard run, Zalewski XP good, 4:47 (PSU 14–10) Fourth quarter ILL – Ferguson, 7-yard pass from Nathan Scheelhaase, Zalewski XP good, 5:30 (ILL 17–14) PSU – Ficken, 37-yard field goal, 0:41 (TIE 17–17) Overtime PSU – Kyle Carter, 15-yard pass from Hackenberg, Ficken XP good (PSU 24–17) Top passer Christian Hackenberg – 20/32, 240 yards, TD Top rusher Bill Belton – 36 rushes, 201 yards, TD Top receiver Allen Robinson – 11 receptions, 165 yards Top defender Mike Hull – 13 tackles Coming off a shellacking against Ohio State, Penn State looked to rebound behind a strong defensive effort against Illinois. Linebacker Mike Hull noted, "Practice Monday and (Tuesday) was real energetic and we were smacking people out there. We’re ready to play another game on Saturday and get that taste of losing out of our mouth."Carlson Jim Hull, Penn State defense ready for a rebound http://www.thereporteronline.com/sports/20131030/hull-penn-state-defense-ready-for-a-rebound January 20, 2014 The Reporter October 30, 2013 Associated Press Lansdale, Pennsylvania February 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140201183049/http://www.thereporteronline.com/sports/20131030/hull-penn-state-defense-ready-for-a-rebound live Keys to the game included moving on from the prior Saturday's defeat, limiting big plays on defense, containing Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase, and protecting quarterback Christian Hackenberg.Flounders Bob 4 Keys: Penn State's path to a rebound against Illinois Saturday at Beaver Stadium http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/10/4_keys_penn_states_path_to_a_r_1.html November 5, 2013 The Patriot News October 31, 2013 Harrisburg, PA November 5, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131105192758/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/10/4_keys_penn_states_path_to_a_r_1.html live A pre-game analysis of statistical comparisons between the two squads gave Penn State an advantage in most offensive and defensive stats, while it gave Illinois an advantage on special teams. The analyst blamed sanctions imposed by NCAA president Mark Emmert in wake of the Penn State child sex abuse scandal for that disparity, citing scholarship reductions hampering depth.Greene Cari Just the Stats: Penn State vs. Illinois http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/10/30/5044594/just-the-stats-penn-state-vs-illinois-obrien-beckman-math-is-hard Black Shoe Diaries Vox Media November 5, 2013 October 30, 2013 November 4, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131104203426/http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/10/30/5044594/just-the-stats-penn-state-vs-illinois-obrien-beckman-math-is-hard live Illinois got the ball to start the game, and on their opening drive, Scheelhaase threw an interception, setting up Penn State at their own 16, from which they ran a 7-play, 84-yard drive highlighted by a 47-yard pass to Allen Robinson, and culminating with Bill Belton rushing for a 1-yard touchdown. Penn State scored on their second drive as well, a lengthy 17-play drive that encapsulated 7:15, and resulted in Christian Hackenberg running for a 9-yard touchdown early in the second quarter to take a 14–0 lead. After another Illinois punt, Penn State again drove down the field, but Sam Ficken missed a 37-yard field goal, his first miss on a kick inside of 40 yards on the season.https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2582139/sam-ficken Sam Ficken Stats, News, Videos, Pictures, Bio ESPN Internet Ventures Penn State Nittany Lions – ESPN November 6, 2013 October 15, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131015101101/http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/518197/sam-ficken live On the final drive of the first half, Illinois finally achieved points, with kicker Taylor Zalewski making a 21-yard field goal as time expired. After Penn State's first second-half drive faltered, Illinois took the field, and embarked on a 13-play, 88-yard drive, ended by an 8-yard touchdown run from Josh Ferguson. At the end of the third quarter, Penn State led 14–10. In the fourth quarter, the two teams each failed to score on their first drive, but on Illinois' second, Scheelhaase connected with Ferguson on a 7-yard pass to finish off a 13-play, 77-yard drive and take the lead for the first time in the game. Penn State's ensuing drive had promise, but ultimately ended when Belton lost a fumble at the two-yard line. Illinois failed to capitalize, however, and went three-and-out. Taking the field in Illinois territory, Penn State drove into field goal range, at which point Ficken made a 37-yard field goal to tie the game at 17 with 0:41 remaining. Illinois got the ball back, but after a false start penalty on them and a subsequent off-sides penalty on Penn State, they called timeout, and ran one additional play, on which Penn State recorded their first sack of the game. Time expired. In overtime, Penn State's second overtime game in their past three, they got the ball to start, and were faced with a third-down situation needing 11 yards to convert at the 15-yard line. Coming out of a timeout following a holding penalty that brought back a touchdown,Cmor Philip Nittany Lions have trouble scoring in red zone until OT http://www.altoonamirror.com/page/content.detail/id/576253/Nittany-Lions-have-trouble-scoring-in-red-zone-until-OT.html?nav=5017 November 6, 2013 Altoona Mirror November 3, 2013 November 9, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131109133016/http://www.altoonamirror.com/page/content.detail/id/576253/Nittany-Lions-have-trouble-scoring-in-red-zone-until-OT.html?nav=5017 live Kyle Carter made his first and only reception of the day, a 15-yard touchdown pass thrown into a tight window by Hackenberg on one of Penn State's "favorite" plays known simply as "pearl".Jones Gordie Penn State finds a 'Pearl' of a win in OT http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/913584_Penn-State-finds-a--Pearl--of-a-win-in-OT.html November 6, 2013 Lancaster Newspapers November 2, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131109133545/http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/913584_Penn-State-finds-a--Pearl--of-a-win-in-OT.html November 9, 2013 Illinois did not achieve a touchdown on their subsequent drive, as Ryan Keiser intercepted a pass on its first play, ending the game with Penn State emerging victorious, 24–17.Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Penn State Nittany Lions – Play By Play – November 02, 2013 https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=333060213&period=0 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures November 6, 2013 November 9, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131109133511/http://espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?gameId=333060213&period=0 live In a victory that coach Bill O'Brien refused to describe as either "ugly" or "fortunate" despite a variety of media sources doing so,Edwards Devon An Ugly Win: Penn State 24, Illinois 17 http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sbnation/penn_state/SBNation_20131102_An_Ugly_Win__Penn_State_24__Illinois_17.html November 3, 2013 The Philadelphia Inquirer November 2, 2013 November 6, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131106030451/http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sbnation/penn_state/SBNation_20131102_An_Ugly_Win__Penn_State_24__Illinois_17.html liveMcGonigal John Penn State beats Illinois, 24–17, in ugly overtime win http://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_f9e856b4-440c-11e3-9f73-001a4bcf6878.html?mode=jqm November 3, 2013 The Daily Collegian November 2, 2013 University Park, PA September 6, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200906210410/https://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_f9e856b4-440c-11e3-9f73-001a4bcf6878.html?mode=jqm live one article from Lancaster Newspapers described the game by saying, This was some bad football played by two teams going nowhere, both ailing mentally and emotionally over having been beaten on the road in their previous outings by a combined 88 points. And after a long day of players and coaches and officials throwing up all over each other, the truth that Illinois has not won a Big Ten game since Nov. 8, 2011 ... Which is to say, it came down to Illinois doing what it does, which is finding a way to lose, and Penn State doing what it (more often than not) does, which is to find a way to win.Gross Mike Penalty-palooza: Amid mashup of fouls, Penn State leaves a lot of room for improvement http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/913576_Penalty-palooza--Amid-mashup-of-fouls--Penn-State-leaves-a-lot-of-room-for-improvement.html November 3, 2013 Lancaster Newspapers November 2, 2013 dead https://archive.today/20131104102715/http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/913576_Penalty-palooza--Amid-mashup-of-fouls--Penn-State-leaves-a-lot-of-room-for-improvement.html November 4, 2013 mdy-all Offensively, Penn State totaled 25 first downs, two fewer than Illinois, but 490 total offensive yards, exceeding Illinois by 79. Allen Robinson caught 11 passes, and was the only Penn State receiver with more than three catches. The shuffled offensive line on which Donovan Smith did not start, "yes, allowed a sack, and yes, committed a few penalties, but generally opened up gaping holes in the run game, gave Hackenberg plenty of time to throw, and controlled the line of scrimmage". Running back Bill Belton set career highs with both 36 rushes and 201 yards, and was named Big Ten co-offensive player of the week. It was the first time a Penn State player had rushed for over 200 yards since Larry Johnson in 2002.Hockensmith Dustin Penn State's Bill Belton named Big Ten co-offensive player of the week for 201-yard effort vs. Illinois http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/11/penn_states_bill_belton_named.html November 5, 2013 The Patriot News November 4, 2013 Harrisburg, PA November 4, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131104184146/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/11/penn_states_bill_belton_named.html live Defensively, Penn State stopped Illinois for a loss of yardage on only four plays, and though linebackers Mike Hull and Glenn Carson combined for 24 tackles, they had no interceptions, forced fumbles, sacks, or tackles for loss between them. The secondary struggled, though did record two interceptions, mitigating their overall ineffectiveness, much of which, however, stemmed from defensive coordinator John Butler's incessant third-down blitzes, leaving one-on-one coverage for overmatched cornerbacks such as Jordan Lucas. #024 #fff Penn State starting lineup +Offense Position Player Class LT Adam Gress SR LG Miles Dieffenbach JR C Ty Howle SR RG John Urschel SR RT Garry Gilliam JR QB Christian Hackenberg FR RB Bill Belton JR TE Jesse James SO TE Adam Breneman FR WR Allen Robinson JR WR Brandon Felder SRReference:Illinois vs Penn State (Nov 02, 2013) http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2013-2014/psuill.html Penn State Official Athletic Site – Football CBS Interactive November 3, 2013 November 2, 2013 November 4, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131104232742/http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2013-2014/psuill.html live +Defense Position Player Class DE C. J. Olaniyan JR DT DaQuan Jones SR DT Austin Johnson FR DE Anthony Zettel JR OLB Mike Hull JR MLB Glenn Carson SR OLB Ben Kline SO CB Adrian Amos JR S Jesse Della Valle JR S Malcolm Willis SR CB Jordan Lucas SOReference: +Special teams Position Player Class K Sam Ficken JR P Alex Butterworth SRReference: November 9 vs. Minnesota 2013 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team Governor's Victory Bell Seattle Seahawks; New York Giants;text-align:center; autocollapse Penn State vs. Minnesota – Game summary November 9 12:00 p.m. EDT Penn State 7 3 0 0 Minnesota 10 14 0 0 TCF Bank Stadium 48,123 36 °F °C, broken clouds Todd Geerlings ESPN2 Beth Mowins (play-by-play), Joey Galloway (analyst), Paul Carcaterra (sideline) ESPN Box Score First quarter MINN – Chris Hawthorne, 45 yard field goal, 13:33 (MINN 3–0) MINN – David Cobb, 1 yard run, Hawthorne XP good, 3:08 (MINN 10–0) PSU – Zach Zwinak, 6 yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 1:02 (MINN 10–7) Second quarter MINN – Philip Nelson, 6 yard run, Hawthorne XP good, 9:08 (MINN 17–7) PSU – Ficken, 27 yard field goal, 3:11 (MINN 17–10) MINN – Maxx Williams, 24 yard pass from Nelson, Hawthorne XP good, 0:17 (MINN 24–10) Third quarter No scoring Fourth quarter No scoring Top passer Christian Hackenberg – 14/25, 163 yards Top rusher Zach Zwinak – 26 rushes, 150 yards, TD Top receiver Allen Robinson – 7 receptions, 63 yards Top defender Mike Hull – 9 tackles In the teams' first meeting since 2010, Penn State visited TCF Bank Stadium to face a Minnesota team looking for their fourth consecutive Big Ten victory, and their eighth win of the season, which would have been their first time since the 2003 season.Polzin Jim Big Ten football picks: Minnesota's streak on the line vs. Penn State http://host.madison.com/sports/college/football/big-ten-football-picks-minnesota-s-streak-on-the-line/article_fdb0c248-72e1-5d0f-82c7-ea7d8d01c0c9.html November 9, 2013 Wisconsin State Journal November 9, 2013 Madison, WI April 3, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210403171253/https://madison.com/sports/college/football/big-ten-football-picks-minnesota-s-streak-on-the-line/article_fdb0c248-72e1-5d0f-82c7-ea7d8d01c0c9.html live There was consensus among both Penn State's and Minnesota's SB Nation sites, as well as independent picks, that Minnesota would win a relatively close game.Minnesota football: Previevw of Gophers vs. Penn State – Another Potential First Since ... http://www.thedailygopher.com/2013/11/8/5081524/minnesota-football-preview-gopher-football-vs-penn-state-football-gophers-football The Daily Gopher Vox Media November 9, 2013 November 8, 2013 November 9, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131109014341/http://www.thedailygopher.com/2013/11/8/5081524/minnesota-football-preview-gopher-football-vs-penn-state-football-gophers-football liveSlanina Jared Penn State-Minnesota Game Preview http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/11/8/5074880/penn-state-minnesota-game-preview Black Shoe Diaries Vox Media November 9, 2013 November 8, 2013 November 8, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131108194139/http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/11/8/5074880/penn-state-minnesota-game-preview live Minnesota's offense was one of the better rushing teams in the conference (20th in the nation), but Penn State's defense was also pretty good against the run, making it a good matchup. Freshman quarterback Christian Hackenberg in tandem with a running game that, in theory, was led by Bill Belton and supplemented by Zach Zwinak, and receivers Allen Robinson had potential to score a lot of points. Keys to the game included avoiding turnovers and running the football. Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill, recovering from seizures stemming from epilepsy, coached from the press box.Wogenrich Mark Jerry Kill leading Minnesota football revival from press box https://www.mcall.com/2013/11/07/minnesotas-uncommon-path-to-success/ November 9, 2013 The Morning Call November 7, 2013 Allentown, PA November 9, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131109190416/http://articles.mcall.com/2013-11-07/sports/mc-penn-state-football-minnesota-1107-20131107_1_jerry-kill-minnesota-coach-golden-gophers live thumbnail|right|The game marked Penn State's first visit to TCF Bank Stadium Penn State received the opening kickoff, however on their first play from scrimmage, Bill Belton lost a fumble and Minnesota recovered and kicked a field goal after failing to achieve a first down. Penn State's punt on the subsequent drive was downed at the four-yard line, but the poor field position did not adversely affect Minnesota, who drove down the field for a 15-play, 96-yard drive, highlighted by a 24-yard pass from Philip Nelson to Maxx Williams to convert a fourth down to get down to the Penn State four-yard line, from which point they scored two plays later via a 1-yard run by David Cobb. Penn State responded, however, with Zach Zwinak rushing the ball 5 times for 61 yards including a 38-yard run, and ultimately a 6-yard touchdown scamper. At the end of the first quarter, Minnesota led 10–7.Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers – Play By Play – November 09, 2013 (first quarter) https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=333130135&period=1&refresh=OFF ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures November 9, 2013 November 9, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131109193819/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?gameId=333130135&period=1&refresh=OFF live In the second quarter, Minnesota wasted no time, embarking on a 13-play, 70-yard drive that lasted 6:54 and ended with Nelson rushing for a 6-yard touchdown. Penn State responded, driving down the field on 13 plays for 65 yards lasting 5:57, culminating with Ficken kicking a 27-yard field goal after the drive stalled in the red zone. Late in the half, Minnesota drove down the field, and Nelson completed a 24-yard touchdown pass to Williams, putting Minnesota on top 24–10 at the half.Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers – Play By Play – November 09, 2013 (second quarter) https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=333130135&period=2 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures November 9, 2013 November 9, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131109194255/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?gameId=333130135&period=2 live Receiving the second half kickoff, Minnesota initiated a drive that included a 39-yard run by Cobb, but ultimately ended in their first punt of the day, which they downed inside the one-yard line. Penn State achieved two first downs, but an illegal block in the back on Jesse James decimated the drive, which ended with a punt, but they caught a break a play later when Minnesota fumbled and Malcolm Willis recovered in Minnesota territory. The break did not materialize with any points, but their subsequent punt was downed inside the five yard line. Dreadful field position continued when, after driving for several yards, Minnesota's punt settled inside the five yard line, again setting Penn State up with a long field. In the waning moments of the third quarter, Penn State relied on Zwinak, who rushed several consecutive times to garner Penn State breathing room. There was no scoring in the third quarter. Penn State failed to convert a third down (they had still not converted any in the game), but Minnesota committed a roughing the kicker penalty, giving Penn State a second chance with which they converted their first third down of the game, but ultimately turned the ball over on downs. After a Minnesota punt, Penn State, for the first drive of the game, relied on their passing game to drive down the field, but, when faced with a fourth down and ten deep in Minnesota territory, failed to convert. On Minnesota's ensuing possession, however, they managed to run only 47 seconds off the clock, and went three-and-out. Hoping not to again blow an opportunity, Penn State moved promptly down the field, and got into the red zone. While there, a pass to Allen Robinson resulted in a pass interference penalty called against Minnesota, giving Penn State the ball at the two-yard line, from where they fumbled, and Minnesota recovered, and embarked on a possession from which they would not relinquish the ball, winning the game 24–10, after no scoring in the second half.Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers – Play By Play – November 09, 2013 (fourth quarter) https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=333130135&period=4 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures November 9, 2013 November 9, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131109211026/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?gameId=333130135&period=4 live Following their victory and awarding of the Governor's Victory Bell, Minnesota players, purportedly "a little excited after ... the team’s first win over the Nittany Lions in nearly a decade", broke the trophy.Easy there! Gophers bust Governor's Victory Bell http://btn.com/2013/11/09/easy-there-gophers-bust-governors-victory-bell/ Big Ten Network January 6, 2014 November 9, 2013 January 6, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140106031935/http://btn.com/2013/11/09/easy-there-gophers-bust-governors-victory-bell/ live For Penn State, though coming off a 200-rushing yard performance, Belton took a back seat in the rushing attack to Zwinak after fumbling in the first quarter. In total, The Morning Call graded Penn State's offense by awarding them a C−, noting the lack of scoring despite opportunities in Minnesota territory, though noting Zwinak's resurgence as a mitigating factor. They awarded the defense the same grade, noting that though they improved in the second half, they were "torched" on consecutive drives early in the game. They summarized Penn State's coaching with a comment from O'Brien: "It seemed like, when we made a call, they had the right call for it." In total, the article asserted that overall, Minnesota was the superior team.Penn State football falls to Minnesota 24–10 http://articles.mcall.com/2013-11-09/sports/mc-penn-state-grades-20131109_1_brandon-bell-zach-zwinak-minnesota January 6, 2014 The Morning Call November 9, 2013 Allentown, PA January 6, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140106040936/http://articles.mcall.com/2013-11-09/sports/mc-penn-state-grades-20131109_1_brandon-bell-zach-zwinak-minnesota dead StateCollege.com's Ben Jones predominantly concurred, giving the offense a C−, but giving the defense a C+, noting that the defense did keep Penn State competitive in the game.Jones Ben Handing out the grades following Penn State's 24–10 loss to Minnesota http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/penn-state-football-handing-out-the-grades-following-penn-states-2410-loss-to-minnesota,1410522/ Penn State Football StateCollege.com January 6, 2014 November 10, 2013 January 6, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140106034529/http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/penn-state-football-handing-out-the-grades-following-penn-states-2410-loss-to-minnesota,1410522/ live #024 #fff Penn State starting lineup +Offense Position Player Class LT Donovan Smith SO LG Miles Dieffenbach JR C Ty Howle SR RG John Urschel SR RT Adam Gress SR QB Christian Hackenberg FR RB Bill Belton JR FB Pat Zerbe SR TE Jesse James SO WR Allen Robinson JR WR Brandon Felder SRReference:Penn State vs Minnesota (Nov 09, 2013) http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2013-2014/psumin.html Penn State football CBS Interactive November 9, 2013 November 10, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131110005500/http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2013-2014/psumin.html live +Defense Position Player Class DE C. J. Olaniyan JR DT DaQuan Jones SR DT Kyle Baublitz JR DE Deion Barnes SO OLB Mike Hull JR MLB Glenn Carson SR OLB Ben Kline SO CB Adrian Amos JR S Ryan Keiser JR S Malcolm Willis SR CB Jordan Lucas SOReference: +Special teams Position Player Class K Sam Ficken JR P Alex Butterworth SRReference: November 16 vs. Purdue 2013 Purdue Boilermakers football team Seattle Seahawks; New York Giants;text-align:center; autocollapse Penn State vs. Purdue – Game summary November 16 12:00 p.m. EDT Purdue 0 14 7 0 Penn State 14 14 10 7 Beaver Stadium 96,491 52 °F °C, increasing clouds Mike Cannon BTN Eric Collins (play-by-play), Chuck Long (analyst), Jon Jansen (sideline) ESPN Box Score First quarter PSU – Bill Belton, 5 yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 9:11 (PSU 7–0) PSU – Zach Zwinak, 1 yard run, Ficken XP good, 3:03 (PSU 14–0) Second quarter PUR – Justin Sinz, 2 yard pass from Danny Etling, Paul Griggs XP good, 13:48 (PSU 14–7) PSU – Zwinak, 1 yard run, Ficken XP good, 9:35 (PSU 21–7) PSU – Adam Breneman, 8 yard pass from Christian Hackenberg, Ficken XP good, 1:18 (PSU 28–7) PUR – Raheem Mostert, 100 yard kickoff return, Griggs XP good, 1:05 (PSU 28–14) Third quarter PUR – Etling, 11 yard run, Griggs XP good, 11:19 (PSU 28–21) PSU – Ficken, 29 yard field goal, 8:51 (PSU 31–21) PSU – Zwinak, 5 yard run, Ficken XP good, 5:21 (PSU 38–21) Fourth quarter PSU – Hackenberg, 4 yard run, Ficken XP good, 4:27 (PSU 45–21) Top passer Christian Hackenberg – 16/23, 212 yards, TD, INT Top rusher Zach Zwinak – 26 rushes, 149 yards, 3 TD Top receiver Allen Robinson – 8 receptions, 98 yards Top defender Adrian Amos – 8 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks Coming off a loss to Minnesota the preceding week, Penn State looked to defeat Purdue, which they had in every meeting since 2004.Football Game Notes – at Penn State http://www.purduesports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111113aac.html PURDUESPORTS.COM – Purdue Official Athletic Site CBS Interactive November 17, 2013 November 11, 2013 December 4, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131204062145/http://www.purduesports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111113aac.html live Though expected to beat an overmatched Purdue squad that was reeling, having lost 38–14 the prior week against Iowa, and 56–0 the week before that against Ohio State, and entering the game with a 1–8 record,2013 Purdue Boilermakers Football Schedule http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-13/big-ten/2013-purdue-boilermakers-football-schedule.php FootballSchedules.com USA Today Sports Digital Properties November 17, 2013 November 17, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131117233847/http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-13/big-ten/2013-purdue-boilermakers-football-schedule.php live the Lions would have to do so with even less depth than normal. At his mid-week press conference, Bill O'Brien announced at the midweek press conference that Ben Kline would miss the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury, for which he sustained surgery.Moyer Josh Ben Kline Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker out for season surgery https://www.espn.com/blog/colleges/psu/post/_/id/13195/penn-state-lb-ben-kline-out-for-season CFB Nation – ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures November 17, 2013 November 12, 2013 December 3, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131203000434/http://espn.go.com/blog/colleges/psu/post/_/id/13195/penn-state-lb-ben-kline-out-for-season live There was also some pregame concentration surrounding the receiving corps – Allen Robinson was listed on the injury report with a shoulder injury, and Geno Lewis, who had proved to be a potential big play threat early in the season when he caught a 54-yard touchdown pass against Syracuse,McGonigal John Penn State wide receiver Eugene Lewis shows big play ability in win over Syracuse http://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_106af528-134c-11e3-904e-0019bb30f31a.html November 17, 2013 The Daily Collegian September 1, 2013 University Park, PA September 6, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200906210806/https://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_106af528-134c-11e3-904e-0019bb30f31a.html live but had recently been relegated to special teams, was also expected to receive increased playing time in Penn State's second-to-last home game of the season.Gross Mike Torn chest muscle costs Penn State LB Kline for rest of season http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/918019_Torn-chest-muscle-costs-Penn-State-LB-Kline-for-rest-of-season.html November 17, 2013 Lancaster Newspapers November 12, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131202222002/http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/918019_Torn-chest-muscle-costs-Penn-State-LB-Kline-for-rest-of-season.html December 2, 2013 Penn State received the opening kickoff, and on their first play from scrimmage, featured six offensive linemen (albeit unsuccessfully, as Bill Belton rushed for a one-yard loss),Flounders Bob http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/11/rapid_replay_penn_state_45_pur.html The Patriot News Harrisburg, PA November 16, 2013 Rapid Replay: Penn State 45, Purdue 21 (Beaver Stadium) November 17, 2013 November 28, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131128123206/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/11/rapid_replay_penn_state_45_pur.html live before driving down the field on a 13-play, 75-yard drive that culminated with Belton rushing for a five-yard touchdown; he carried the load on the drive, rushing the ball eight times for 36 yards. Penn State would never relinquish that lead. Purdue subsequently went three-and-out, and Penn State responded with another long drive (10 plays, 66 yards) that again culminated with a rushing touchdown, this time from Zach Zwinak on a one-yard run, his tenth touchdown of the season, becoming the 16th Penn State player to eclipse 10, and the first since 2008, when both Evan Royster and Daryll Clark did.http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111613aaf.html Offense surges in 45–21 victory against Purdue CBS Interactive Penn State Official Athletic Site November 16, 2013 November 17, 2013 November 19, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131119225119/http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111613aaf.html live Purdue's ensuing drive ended in the second quarter when quarterback Danny Etling threw a two-yard touchdown pass to Justin Sinz, making the score 14–7 Penn State. Bill Belton lost a fumble on Penn State's next drive, but Purdue turned the ball over right back to Penn State when Jordan Lucas intercepted an Etling pass. Zwinak rushed for his second one-yard touchdown of the game on the ensuing possession. The Nittany Lions scored once more in the first half, via an eight-yard pass from Christian Hackenberg to Adam Breneman, but on the ensuing kickoff, Purdue's Raheem Mostert scored a touchdown on a 100-yard return, thus ending the first half with a score of 28–14, Penn State holding the advantage. Purdue came out of halftime with a vengeance, driving down the field for 84-yards, ultimately pulling within 7 points on an 11-yard rush by Etling. The first field goal of the game occurred on Penn State's subsequent drive, a 29-yarder from Sam Ficken putting the Nittany Lions ahead 31–21. The Boilermakers turned the ball over again on their next drive, and Penn State capitalized when Zwinak rushed for his third touchdown of the game. Purdue turned the ball over on downs their final drive of the third quarter, though Hackenberg threw an interception giving Purdue an opportunity early in the fourth quarter; again, a fumble eliminated any chance of a scoring drive coming to fruition, and Penn State went up 45–21 when Hackenberg rushed for a 4-yard touchdown to culminate an 11-play, 74-yard drive that encapsulated over a third of the fourth quarter, and ended with 4:27 to play. That would be the final scoring drive of the game, which Penn State won by the aforementioned score, 45–21.https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=333200213&period=0 Purdue Boilermakers vs. Penn State Nittany Lions – Play By Play – November 16, 2013 ESPN Internet Ventures ESPN November 17, 2013 December 18, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131218052556/http://espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?gameId=333200213&period=0 live In a game in which Penn State dominated the line of scrimmage, the Nittany Lions rushed for 289 yards behind an offensive line that opened up significant holes, allowing Penn State to achieve their goal of rushing the football, despite not achieving offensive tackle Garry Gilliam's goal of 400 yards.Dent Mark Penn State defeats Purdue, 45–21 https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/psu/2013/11/16/Penn-State-leads-Purdue-24-14-at-halftime/stories/201311160168 November 17, 2013 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette November 17, 2013 December 11, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131211120231/http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/psu/2013/11/16/Penn-State-leads-Purdue-24-14-at-halftime/stories/201311160168 live Purdue's coach Darrell Hazell had opined earlier in the week that Penn State's offensive line was not as good as previous opponents Wisconsin and Iowa, and Penn State used it as motivation, dominating the line of scrimmage, which numerous offensive lineman noted was "fun". Starting center Ty Howle, who noted,"It's fun, knowing you can go out there and impose your will each play. It's a lot of fun."Wogenrich Mark Feeling challenged, Penn State responds by running over Purdue https://www.mcall.com/2013/11/16/feeling-challenged-penn-state-responds-by-running-over-purdue/ November 17, 2013 The Morning Call November 16, 2013 Allentown, PA November 23, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131123074835/http://articles.mcall.com/2013-11-16/sports/mc-penn-state-football-purdue-game-20131116_1_bill-o-brien-center-ty-howle-christian-hackenberg live and all-conference guard John Urschel, who agreed, saying, "This was a real fun game for us, with respect to coming off the ball and just hitting guys. The offensive linemen really enjoyed it. We were having a blast. When you're an offensive lineman and you're getting yards, you want to run the ball over and over again."Juliano Joe Penn State pulls away from Purdue in second half http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/colleges/penn_state/20131117_Penn_State_pulls_away_from_Purdue_in_second_half.html November 17, 2013 The Philadelphia Inquirer November 17, 2013 December 28, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181228130823/http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/colleges/penn_state/20131117_Penn_State_pulls_away_from_Purdue_in_second_half.html live Allen Robinson caught his 78th pass of the season with his fifth catch of the game, and in doing so topped his 77 catches from the 2012 season. Aside from offensive accomplishments, the defense was also impressive, particularly play from Jordan Lucas, who ESPN commented earlier in the week plays with "swagger",Moyer Josh Penn State CB Lucas finding 'swagger' https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/88874/penn-state-cb-lucas-finding-swagger Big Ten Blog – ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures November 18, 2013 November 11, 2013 November 17, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131117180827/http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/88874/penn-state-cb-lucas-finding-swagger live and who, during the game, intercepted a pass, garnering a comment from The Patriot News that he is the "top playmaker in the secondary".Flounders Bob Penn State 45, Purdue 21: 5 things we learned from Saturday's game at Beaver Stadium http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/11/penn_state_45_purdue_21_5_thin.html November 18, 2013 The Patriot News November 16, 2013 Harrisburg, PA November 18, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131118162946/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/11/penn_state_45_purdue_21_5_thin.html live Despite jubilation from the victory, including one Penn State player who quipped that the sixth win made Penn State bowl eligible (the NCAA banned Penn State from bowl participation as part of sanctions imposed in the Penn State child sex abuse scandal), seniors nostalgically remembered this was their second-to-last game at Beaver Stadium. The Lions bounced back from their previous loss against Minnesota, and had not lost two consecutive games under Bill O'Brien since their first two in 2012.Gelston Dan Penn State rolls over Purdue 45–21 behind Zwinak http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/gametracker/recap/NCAAF_20131116_PURDUE@PSU/penn-state-rolls-over-purdue-4521-behind-zwinak NCAA College Football Recap - CBSSports.com CBS Interactive November 17, 2013 Associated Press November 16, 2013 December 11, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131211104810/http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/gametracker/recap/NCAAF_20131116_PURDUE@PSU/penn-state-rolls-over-purdue-4521-behind-zwinak live #024 #fff Penn State starting lineup +Offense Position Player Class LT Donovan Smith SO LG Miles Dieffenbach JR C Ty Howle SR RG John Urschel SR RT Adam Gress SR T Eric Shrive SR QB Christian Hackenberg FR RB Bill Belton JR FB Pat Zerbe SR TE Jesse James SO WR Allen Robinson JRReference:Purdue vs Penn State (Nov 16, 2013) http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2013-2014/psupur.html Penn State Official Athletic Site – Football CBS Interactive November 17, 2013 November 20, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131120005125/http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2013-2014/psupur.html live +Defense Position Player Class DE C. J. Olaniyan JR DT DaQuan Jones SR DT Kyle Baublitz JR DE Deion Barnes SO OLB Mike Hull JR MLB Glenn Carson SR OLB Nyeem Wartman FR CB Adrian Amos JR S Ryan Keiser JR S Malcolm Willis SR CB Jordan Lucas SOReference: +Special teams Position Player Class K Sam Ficken JR P Alex Butterworth SRReference: November 23 vs. Nebraska 2013 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team Seattle Seahawks; New York Giants;text-align:center; autocollapse Penn State vs. Nebraska – Game summary November 23 3:30 p.m. EDT Nebraska 0 7 10 3 3 Penn State 6 0 7 7 0 Beaver Stadium 98,517 36 °F °C, snow showers Jerry McGinn BTN Eric Collins (play-by-play), Chuck Long (analyst), Jon Jansen (sideline) ESPN Box Score First quarter PSU – Adam Breneman, 2 yard pass from Christian Hackenberg, Sam Ficken missed XP (off goal post), 0:33 (PSU 6–0) Second quarter NEB – Quincy Enunwa, 27 yard pass from Ron Kellogg III, Pat Smith XP good, 13:14 (NEB 7–6) Third quarter PSU – Hackenberg, 7 yard run, Ficken XP good, 10:37 (PSU 13–7) NEB – Kenny Bell, 99 yard kickoff return for touchdown, Smith XP good, 10:22 (NEB 14–13) NEB – Smith, 39 yard field goal, 1:11 (NEB 17–13) Fourth quarter PSU – Jesse James, 46 yard pass from Hackenberg, Ficken XP good, 14:50 (PSU 20–17) NEB – Smith, 19 yard field goal, 4:29 (TIE 20–20) Overtime NEB – Smith, 42 yard field goal (NEB 23–20) Top passer Christian Hackenberg – 16/33, 217 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rusher Zach Zwinak – 35 rushes, 149 yards Top receiver Allen Robinson – 8 receptions, 106 yards Top defender Glenn Carson – 10 tackles On Senior Day at Penn State, the final home game of the season, the 6–4 Lions were set to host the 7–3 Nebraska Cornhuskers, however despite the Huskers having the better record, the opening line gave Penn State a two-point advantage.Nebraska-Penn State Preview Capsule http://collegefootball.ap.org/dailyastorian/article/nebraska-penn-state-preview-capsule January 20, 2014 Associated Press November 21, 2013 February 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140201200957/http://collegefootball.ap.org/dailyastorian/article/nebraska-penn-state-preview-capsule live Earlier in the week, it was announced that, in addition to the 14 seniors, Penn State would honor defensive tackle Kyle Baublitz, offensive tackle Garry Gilliam, and wide receiver Alex Kenney on the field prior to the game; none of the three planned to return for the 2014 season despite each having an additional year of eligibility.Johnson Travis Gilliam, Kenney will not return next season http://www.centredaily.com/2013/11/19/3898218/penn-state-football-gilliam-kenney.html November 23, 2013 Centre Daily Times November 19, 2013 November 28, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131128105128/http://www.centredaily.com/2013/11/19/3898218/penn-state-football-gilliam-kenney.html live Offensively for Penn State, Biletnikoff Award semifinalist wide receiver Allen Robinson entered the game by far Penn State's biggest threat in the passing game, with three times more receptions (81) entering the game than Penn State's second receiver, Brandon Felder (27).Johnston Jon Nebraska vs Penn State: By The Numbers http://www.cornnation.com/2013/11/21/5130544/nebraska-vs-penn-state-statistics Corn Nation Vox Media November 23, 2013 November 21, 2013 November 30, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131130011816/http://www.cornnation.com/2013/11/21/5130544/nebraska-vs-penn-state-statistics live Perhaps the biggest opportunity for Penn State's offense to achieve success against Nebraska's defense, however, was through the running game, either on the coattails of Bill Belton or Zach Zwinak; Nebraska's run defense had frequently been "gouged" against Big Ten offenses.Slanina Jared Penn State-Nebraska Game Preview http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/11/22/5123766/penn-state-nebraska-game-preview Black Shoe Diaries Vox Media November 23, 2013 November 22, 2013 November 26, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131126022812/http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/11/22/5123766/penn-state-nebraska-game-preview live Similarly, Nebraska's offense would have an opportunity to continue to achieve success through its running game, led by Ameer Abdullah, who entered the game averaging 6.5 yards per carry.Mancuso Tony 2013 Opponent Preview – Nebraska http://www.gopsusports.com/blog/2013/11/2013-opponent-preview-nebraska.html Penn State Athletic Communications CBS Interactive November 23, 2013 November 20, 2013 December 3, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131203002932/http://www.gopsusports.com/blog/2013/11/2013-opponent-preview-nebraska.html live He had picked up the slack in the absence of their prior starter at quarterback Taylor Martinez, sidelined due to injury. Penn State coach Bill O'Brien predicted that whichever team committed fewer turnovers would win, as both teams had previously experienced problems with turnovers, both entering the game with negative turnover margins.Mancuso Tony Nebraska Gameday Preview – Lions Host Huskers on Senior Day http://www.gopsusports.com/blog/2013/11/nebraska-gameday-preview-lions-host-huskers-on-senior-day.html Penn State Athletic Communications CBS Interactive November 23, 2013 November 22, 2013 November 24, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131124232951/http://www.gopsusports.com/blog/2013/11/nebraska-gameday-preview-lions-host-huskers-on-senior-day.html live Both teams entered the game with freshmen quarterbacks, in Christian Hackenberg for Penn State, and Tommy Armstrong for Nebraska, but both teams' primary playmakers came from outside the quarterback position, with Robinson for Penn State, and Abdullah for Nebraska. According to York Daily Record writer Frank Bodani, Penn State's offense was more consistent than Nebraska's, who committed too many turnovers, giving Penn State the edge. Defensively, Penn State was hit-or-miss in their secondary as well as in stopping the run, so Nebraska, who was also inconsistent, held a slight edge with their playmakers Randy Gregory and Ciante Evans, Nebraska also held an edge on special teams due to consistency and depth, but Penn State had superior coaching as well as intangibles, with a "roaring crowd" on Senior Day.Bodani Frank Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Nittany Lions http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site515/2013/1121/20131121_110217_PSU-NEBRASKA.pdf November 23, 2013 York Daily Record November 22, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131203064117/http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site515/2013/1121/20131121_110217_PSU-NEBRASKA.pdf December 3, 2013 With two hit-or-miss squads, most writers thought this would be a relatively close game, though a plurality leaned towards Nebraska edging out a victory, however some thought that Penn State's seniors would come out with a vengeance, never having defeated Nebraska since they joined the Big Ten, and the "resilient" group would use that motivation to eke out a victory in their final game at Beaver Stadium.Roundtable: Talking Nebraska Cornhuskers-Penn State Nittany Lions game https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/89814/nebraska-penn-state-roundtable?ex_cid=espnapi_public Big Ten Blog – ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures November 23, 2013 Sherman, Mitch Moyer, Josh November 22, 2013 December 2, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131202230257/http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/89814/nebraska-penn-state-roundtable?ex_cid=espnapi_public liveBodani Frank Penn State preview: Seniors savor final moments at Beaver Stadium http://www.ydr.com/psu/ci_24575517/penn-state-preview-seniors-savor-final-moments-at November 23, 2013 York Daily Record November 22, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131123163232/http://www.ydr.com/psu/ci_24575517/penn-state-preview-seniors-savor-final-moments-at November 23, 2013 Shortly before the game, Penn State announced tailback Bill Belton would not play due to illness, leaving Zach Zwinak to carry the load in the running game in the snow.Wogenrich Mark Penn State running back Belton will not play against Nebraska http://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-penn-state-notebook-20131123,0,7061849.story November 23, 2013 The Morning Call November 23, 2013 Allentown, PA https://web.archive.org/web/20131124204526/http://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-penn-state-notebook-20131123,0,7061849.story November 24, 2013 dead Nebraska received the opening kickoff, and promptly went three-and-out, forcing a punt, which though Penn State returner Jesse Della Valle fumbled, but the Lions recovered, setting up Penn State at their own 23 yard line, but they too went three-and-out. Nebraska's second drive, however, got off to a much better start, as Ameer Abdullah rushed for a 25-yard gain on the drive's first play, but ultimately Penn State's defense held on a later third down and short play, forcing another punt. Penn State's subsequent drive showed promise, with Zwinak rushing for a few first downs (on one of which Nebraska star defensive back Cionte Evans was injured; he returned a few drives later), however they eventually punted, and for the second time, Alex Butterworth pinned them inside the 20, and Nebraska failed to execute, punting for the third time; on the punt return, Della Valle redeemed himself with a 25-yard return into Nebraska territory. Penn State took advantage of the field position, and in the waning seconds of the first quarter, Hackenberg threw a two-yard touchdown to Adam Breneman after Zwinak rushed the ball six times for a total of 27 yards; Sam Ficken missed the extra point, his first extra point miss of the season.Sam Ficken Stats https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/2582139/sam-ficken Penn State Nittany Lions – ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures November 23, 2013 December 3, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131203012625/http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/stats/_/id/518197/sam-ficken live Penn State led at the end of the first quarter, 6–0.Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Penn State Nittany Lions – Box Score – November 23, 2013 (Q1) https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=333270213&period=1 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures November 23, 2013 December 3, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131203005648/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?gameId=333270213&period=1 live On Nebraska's next drive, they entered with senior Ron Kellogg III at quarterback, after Armstrong's ineffectiveness. Kellogg III came in firing on all cylinders, completing his first three passes, before Abdullah ran for a first down, and then Kellogg III completed another pass, this time for a touchdown on a 27-yard pass to Quincy Enunwa. Nebraska made the extra point, taking a one-point lead. Penn State's next drive stalled, and again Butterworth was able to pin Nebraska inside the 20 on the ensuing punt. Nebraska subsequently went three-and-out, setting Penn State up with solid field position at their own 37-yard line. They got one first down, and were positioned for another, but Felder dropped a pass, and Penn State's ensuing punt was blocked after Butterworth dropped the low snap, setting up Nebraska in Penn State territory. Nebraska recorded the game's first third down conversion en route to getting the ball in the red zone. On a snap to Abdullah from the wildcat formation, he ran up the middle, but fumbled into the end zone, and Della Valle recovered in the end zone, setting Penn State up with some momentum at their 20-yard line, however they were unable to capitalize, going three-and-out. Nebraska's ensuing drive stalled, and they punted. Penn State came out trying to score before the half, and they did achieve a few first downs, but ultimately punted, and Nebraska downed the ball to go into half time leading by one.Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Penn State Nittany Lions – Box Score – November 23, 2013 (Q2) https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=333270213&period=2 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures November 23, 2013 December 2, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131202232646/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?gameId=333270213&period=2 live Coming out of the half, the snow showers returned, and Penn State got the ball to start the half, and they did convert a third down for the first time of the game, however again, their drive stalled, and Butterworth punted the ball for the sixth time. Nebraska faced a third-and-long on their next drive, and on the play, C. J. Olaniyan sacked the quarterback, and forced and recovered a fumble, setting Penn State up inside the Nebraska 10 yard line. Two plays later, with the snow increasing in intensity, Hackenberg ran a play-action bootleg and rolled right, running for a 7-yard touchdown, putting Penn State up 13–7, as this time, Ficken made the extra point. The lead did not last long; Kenny Bell returned the ensuing kickoff for a 99-yard touchdown, the second consecutive week Penn State surrendered a return touchdown. Back where they started at the beginning of the half in terms of scoring differential, Penn State got the ball inside their own 20 after Geno Lewis fumbled the kickoff return (he recovered). Penn State achieved a first down on the drive, but a false start penalty set up a third-and-long situation from which they could not recover. They punted. Nebraska also punted on their next drive, and the punt was downed at the one-yard line. They did not remain in the shadow of their own goal post for long, as Zwinak rushed for four yards, and then, on a play action pass, Hackenberg threw a 43-yard pass to Allen Robinson. Two plays later, however, Evans intercepted Hackenberg's pass, giving Nebraska good field position at their own 48. They capitalized, kicking a field goal, going up by four. The Huskers led 17–13 at the end of the third quarter.Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Penn State Nittany Lions – Box Score – November 23, 2013 (Q3) https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=333270213&period=3 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures November 23, 2013 December 3, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131203004706/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?gameId=333270213&period=3 live On the first play of the fourth quarter, Jesse James caught a pass in the flat on a third-and-three, and ran down the sideline for a 46-yard touchdown putting Penn State up 20–17. Penn State quickly got the ball back, and looked to milk clock with Zwinak running the football, however two incomplete passes decimated the drive, and they punted it back to Nebraska. After exchanging punts, Nebraska embarked on a drive that had a 62-yard run by Abdullah called back due to a personal foul penalty called. The foul occurred deep into the run, so Nebraska still got the ball at Penn State's 27-yard line. Subsequently, they moved the ball into the red zone, and got it down to the one-yard line before a false start backed them up to the six-yard line ... one play later, they called timeout, and on the next play, Kellogg III scrambled and got to the one-yard line before he and Mike Hull collided, jarring the ball loose, but the ruling was that Nebraska maintained possession, and Smith made a 19-yard field goal to tie the game at 20. When Penn State received the subsequent kickoff, they ran the ball several times, and ultimately punted the ball away with 1:40 remaining from their 38-yard line; it was downed at the five-yard line, setting up Nebraska with two of their three timeouts and 1:31 remaining. Nebraska was backed up inside their one on third-and-long, and threw a long pass that fell incomplete, however Jordan Lucas was flagged for pass interference. The next series, however, was decimated by penalties, and ultimately, Nebraska punted the ball away, and the game went into overtime, Penn State's third OT game of the season (they won the first two).Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Penn State Nittany Lions – Box Score – November 23, 2013 (Q4) https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=333270213&period=4 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures November 23, 2013 December 3, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131203005949/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?gameId=333270213&period=4 live In overtime, Penn State got the ball first, and after failing to achieve a first down, lined up to attempt a field goal, but the typically reliable Ficken missed another kick, and Nebraska conservatively positioned themselves for a field goal try on their ensuing possession. They lined up for a 37-yard field goal, but committed a false start penalty backing them up five yards. It did not matter, however, as Smith hit a 42-yard field goal to win the game, 23–20.Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Penn State Nittany Lions – Box Score – November 23, 2013 (OT) https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=333270213&period=5 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures November 23, 2013 November 27, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131127073959/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?gameId=333270213&period=5 live Nebraska dominated Penn State on special teams, and ultimately, that advantage led to their victory. If it were not for Sam Ficken missing an extra point in the first quarter, Nebraska would not have been able to settle for a field goal late in the second half to send the game into overtime. In addition to the missed extra point, Penn State allowed a kickoff to be returned for a touchdown for the second straight week, and had a punt blocked.Folck Josh Penn State football team doomed by special teams in loss to Nebraska http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/11/penn_state_football_team_doome.html November 30, 2013 The Express-Times November 25, 2013 Lehigh Valley, PA November 29, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131129040311/http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/11/penn_state_football_team_doome.html live Bill O'Brien commented, "We’ll continue to work hard in special teams. They’re good kids working hard."Nebraska edges Nittany Lions in overtime http://cumberlink.com/sports/penn-state-fb/penn-state-football-nebraska-edges-nittany-lions-in-overtime/article_073cbfa4-54ab-11e3-bbd7-0019bb2963f4.html November 30, 2013 The Sentinel November 23, 2013 Associated Press Carlisle, PA November 26, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131126162751/http://cumberlink.com/sports/penn-state-fb/penn-state-football-nebraska-edges-nittany-lions-in-overtime/article_073cbfa4-54ab-11e3-bbd7-0019bb2963f4.html live Offensively, Penn State's was plagued by dropped passes that hindered Christian Hackenberg's overall performance, while the running game, though led by Zach Zwinak who rushed for 149 yards, was one-dimensional, as backup Akeel Lynch could muster only nine yards on five carries. Penn State's defense was "in control for long stretches", but ultimately allowed a third-string quarterback to win the game, and also allowed Ameer Abdullah to rush for 147 yards.Flounders Bob The Penn State Report Card: Lions don't make the grade against Nebraska on Senior Day http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/11/the_penn_state_report_card_lio_9.html November 30, 2013 The Patriot News November 24, 2013 Harrisburg, PA November 28, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131128161743/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/11/the_penn_state_report_card_lio_9.html live Prior to the game, Penn State's seniors were lauded with a video tribute that noted, "[Penn State was] led by your commitment, led by your loyalty, by your actions, led by example." This was their third overtime game of the season, but their first overtime loss since 2002.Penn State Nittany Lions Overtime Games http://gridironhistory.com/overtime/Penn%20State.html GridironHistory.com LRB Sports Media November 30, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131203004009/http://gridironhistory.com/overtime/Penn%20State.html December 3, 2013 dead #024 #fff Penn State starting lineup +Offense Position Player Class LT Donovan Smith SO LG Miles Dieffenbach JR C Ty Howle SR RG John Urschel SR RT Adam Gress SR TE Adam Breneman FR QB Christian Hackenberg FR RB Zach Zwinak JR TE Jesse James SO WR Geno Lewis FR WR Allen Robinson JRReference: +Defense Position Player Class DE C. J. Olaniyan JR DT DaQuan Jones SR DT Kyle Baublitz JR DE Deion Barnes SO OLB Mike Hull JR MLB Glenn Carson SR OLB Nyeem Wartman FR CB Adrian Amos JR S Ryan Keiser JR S Malcolm Willis SR CB Jordan Lucas SOReference: +Special teams Position Player Class K Sam Ficken JR P Alex Butterworth SRReference: November 30 vs. Wisconsin 2013 Wisconsin Badgers football team Seattle Seahawks; New York Giants;text-align:center; autocollapse Penn State vs. Wisconsin – Game summary November 30 3:30 p.m. EDT Penn State 7 7 10 7 #14 Wisconsin 0 14 0 10 Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI 78,064 42 °F °C, clear Bill LeMonnier ESPN Mike Patrick (play-by-play), Ed Cunningham (analyst), Jeannine Edwards (sideline) ESPN Box Score First quarter PSU – Adam Breneman, 68 yard pass from Christian Hackenberg, Sam Ficken XP good, 13:05 (PSU 7–0) Second quarter WISC – Brian Wozniak, 4 yard pass from Joel Stave, Jack Russell XP good, 11:50 (TIE 7–7) WISC – Jeff Duckworth, 20 yard pass from Stave, Russell XP good, 5:05 (WISC 14–7) PSU – Geno Lewis, 3 yard pass from Hackenberg, Ficken XP good, 1:16 (TIE 14–14) Third quarter PSU – Jesse James, 7 yard pass from Hackenberg, Ficken XP good, 8:29 (PSU 21–14) PSU – Ficken, 28 yard field goal, 4:56 (PSU 24–14) Fourth quarter PSU – Lewis, 59 yard pass from Hackenberg, Ficken XP good, 12:59 (PSU 31–14) WISC – Wozniak, 5 yard pass from Stave, Russell XP good, 5:38 (PSU 31–21) WISC – Russell, 48 yard field goal, 4:13 (PSU 31–24) Top passer Christian Hackenberg – 21/30, 339 yards, 4 TD Top rusher Zach Zwinak – 22 rushes, 115 yards Top receiver Allen Robinson – 8 receptions, 122 yards Top defender Mike Hull – 7 tackles In their final game of the season, Penn State looked to play spoiler and try to prevent Wisconsin from achieving a 10-win season and BCS Bowl opportunity in coach Gary Andersen's first season with the Badgers, who entered the game with a 9–2 record and were 24-point favorites to win the game.Jones Ben Nittany Lions look to play spoiler against Wisconsin http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/penn-state-football-nittany-lions-look-to-play-spoiler-against-wisconsin,1418091/ Penn State Football StateCollege.com November 29, 2013 November 28, 2013 December 2, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131202210807/http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/penn-state-football-nittany-lions-look-to-play-spoiler-against-wisconsin,1418091/ live The Badgers entered the game still employing their quintessential offensive philosophy even under their new coach – a power running game behind a physical offensive line led by two of the top rushers in the country, Melvin Gordon and James White, both of whom were on the preseason watchlist for the Doak Walker Award (given to the nation's best running back) and the former of whom was named one of ten semifinalists for the award in mid-November.Temple Jesse UW's James White, Melvin Gordon recognized by Doak Walker Award committee http://www.foxsportswisconsin.com/collegefootball/wisconsin-badgers/story/UWs-James-White-Melvin-Gordon-recognized?blockID=921265 FOX Sports Wisconsin Fox Sports Interactive Media November 29, 2013 July 18, 2013 April 3, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210403171236/https://www.foxsports.com/wisconsin/story/uws-james-white-melvin-gordon-recognized-by-doak-walker-award-committee-071813 liveRittenberg Adam Ameer Abdullah, Melvin Gordon semifinalists for Doak Walker Award https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/89215/abdullah-gordon-semifinalists-for-doak Big Ten Blog – ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures November 29, 2013 November 14, 2013 December 3, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131203043145/http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/89215/abdullah-gordon-semifinalists-for-doak live White, a tough runner in the middle of the field, had emerged in recent weeks, whereas Gordon, a speedster, led the team in rushing and led the country with an 8.2 yards-per-carry average.Slanina Jared Penn State-Wisconsin Preview http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/11/29/5145972/penn-state-wisconsin-game-preview Black Shoe Diaries Vox Media November 29, 2013 November 29, 2013 November 29, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131129171902/http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/11/29/5145972/penn-state-wisconsin-game-preview live Wisconsin's offense also featured a strong passing game, highlighted by quarterback Joel Stave and favorite target Jared Abbrederis, however one game preview asserted that Penn State's defense matched up well against the Badgers' offense. Defensively, Wisconsin entered the game the fifth-best scoring defense in the country, allowing just 13.4 points per game. The "stingy" defense, the preview noted, would likely prove problematic for Penn State. thumbnail|right|Camp Randall Stadium, the venue at which Penn State's final game of the season was played Penn State received the opening kickoff, and after achieving a first down, Christian Hackenberg threw a 68-yard pass to fellow freshman Adam Breneman for a touchdown, the first offensive touchdown Wisconsin had allowed in the previous eight quarters. Wisconsin failed to respond, going three-and-out, and punting on their subsequent drive. Penn State, though they began with poor field position, converted a few third downs, gained 52 yards on a bubble screen to Allen Robinson, and ultimately was faced with a fourth down and inches in the red zone, but committed a false start penalty bringing on the field goal unit. The field goal was blocked, continuing Penn State's special teams woes, however their defense remained stout, forcing another punt, however on the Lions' ensuing drive, Hackenberg threw his first incomplete pass of the day, forcing a punt. In the waning minutes of the first quarter, the Badgers embarked on a drive in which they scored several first downs from both the running game and passing game. At the end of the quarter, they trailed 7–0, but were threatening, and a few minutes later, tied the game via a 4-yard pass from Joel Stave to tight end Brian Wozniak. Later in the quarter, Wisconsin converted a third down and 16 situation, and ultimately scored a touchdown on a pass from Stave to Jeff Duckworth. On their next drive, Penn State was set up in the red zone after a pass interference call in the end zone that broadcaster Ed Cunningham criticized, and a few plays later scored a touchdown via a 3-yard pass to Geno Lewis. Lewis was uncovered on the goal line play, and though Wisconsin coach Gary Andersen ran down the sideline signalling for a timeout, it was not granted, and the play stood. At the half, the score was tied at 14. After Wisconsin's opening drive stalled, the Nittany Lions embarked on a demoralizing drive that fostered widespread defensive confusion from Wisconsin and ultimately ended when Jesse James caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from Hackenberg to put Penn State on top 21–14. On the ensuing Wisconsin drive, Penn State freshman linebacker sacked Stave and forced a fumble that defensive end C. J. Olaniyan returned deep into Wisconsin territory. Penn State earned points, with Ficken redeeming himself on a 28-yard field goal to put Penn State up by 10 points. On the next two drives, each team went three-and-out. At the end of the third quarter, Wisconsin was near midfield during a drive in which they looked to pull within a field goal; at the end of the quarter, Penn State led 24–14. On one of the first plays of the fourth quarter, Trevor Williams intercepted Stave's pass, ending a scoring threat, and furthering the Nittany Lions' momentum. Penn State started their drive at their own 28-yard line, and had a third down and short, but a false start backed them up to a third and long; Hackenberg was unfazed, however, as he threw a 59-yard touchdown pass to Geno Lewis, putting Penn State up by three possessions, 31–14. Down three scores, Wisconsin desperately needed a touchdown, and tried to convert a fourth down and 23, but Penn State recorded a sack, and subsequently got the ball with 9:49 to play. They failed to execute, and about a minute later, punted the ball away. Wisconsin drove down the field and pulled within 10, 31–21, on a Wozniak reception, his second touchdown catch of the day. Penn State got the ball off an onside kick with good field position, and faced a third down and three, but Donovan Smith committed his fourth false start of the day, and Penn State had to throw the ball, and the pass was incomplete. Penn State's subsequent punt was blocked. On the ensuing drive, Jack Russell kicked a career long 48-yard field goal to pull Wisconsin within seven points. Penn State started their drive after Wisconsin kicked it deep inside their own 20-yard line. Penn State got some decent yardage on first down, but committed another false start, backing them up. Zwinak came through for the Lions, however, rushing on third-and-nine for 61 yards, his longest run of the season. From there, Penn State's drive stalled, and with 35 seconds left, Ficken attempted a 31-yard field goal, but missed, and Wisconsin consequently needed to drive the length of the field to score a touchdown, and they did get into Penn State territory, but ultimately, with nine seconds left, Stave threw the ball into the end zone, and Penn State safety Ryan Keiser came away with the interception for a touchback. Christian Hackenberg took a knee to end the game, and the Nittany Lions concluded their upset, winning 31–24.Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Wisconsin Badgers – Play By Play – November 30, 2013 https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=333340275 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures December 1, 2013 December 3, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131203033124/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?gameId=333340275 livePenn State Nittany Lions vs. Wisconsin Badgers – Drivechart – November 30, 2013 http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/drivechart?gameId=333340275 ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures December 1, 2013 December 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131201225524/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/drivechart?gameId=333340275 dead right 30% "The Nittany Lions stepped into Camp Randall as a 24-point underdog, as a struggling team that had just 61 scholarship players and was was set to face the nation's No. 15 team. But these Nittany Lions have become accustomed to overcoming the odds, and they again shocked Wisconsin in a 31–24 upset." Josh Moyer, ESPN Penn State/Big Ten Reporter, November 30, 2013Moyer Josh Penn State Nittany Lions end Wisconsin Badgers BCS bowl hopes https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/90525/psu-ends-wisconsins-bcs-bowl-hopes Big Ten Blog – ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures December 3, 2013 November 30, 2013 December 2, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131202200628/http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/90525/psu-ends-wisconsins-bcs-bowl-hopes live20-year Big Ten Conference veteran Bill LeMonnier was the game's referee, his final game before retiring. LeMonnier was the referee for the 2011 BCS National Championship Game, and past recipient of the Golden Whistle Award, given by the National Association of Sports Officials.LeMonnier concludes 20-year career with Big Ten officiating program http://www.bigten.org/blog/2013/11/lemonnier-concludes-20-year-career-with-big-ten-officiating-program.html Big Ten Conference CBS Interactive December 1, 2013 November 29, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131203015909/http://www.bigten.org/blog/2013/11/lemonnier-concludes-20-year-career-with-big-ten-officiating-program.html December 3, 2013 dead mdy-all In the game, Penn State sent its seniors off by upsetting Wisconsin, ending the Badgers' hopes of playing in a BCS Bowl Game. Using the fact that they were 24-point underdogs as motivation,Juliano Joe Penn State upsets No. 14 Wisconsin http://articles.philly.com/2013-12-02/sports/44622778_1_bill-o-brien-christian-hackenberg-geno-lewis December 3, 2013 The Philadelphia Inquirer December 2, 2013 March 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051814/http://articles.philly.com/2013-12-02/sports/44622778_1_bill-o-brien-christian-hackenberg-geno-lewis dead the Lions won the game by playing sound, fundamental football, not turning the ball over, while scoring two touchdowns subsequently off of Wisconsin interceptions. The game was Penn State's first road win in Big Ten conference play. After the game, to fulfill a bet, linebacker Glenn Carson cut the hair of offensive linemen (and roommates) Ty Howle and Adam Gress, both of whom had long hair that stuck out of their helmets that "bothered" Carson.Bodani Frank Penn State takes offense, upsets Wisconsin to send off seniors with win http://www.ydr.com/psu/ci_24631018/penn-state-takes-offense-upsets-wisconsin December 3, 2013 York Daily Record November 30, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131203131819/http://www.ydr.com/psu/ci_24631018/penn-state-takes-offense-upsets-wisconsin December 3, 2013Wogenrich Mark Penn State defeats Wisconsin in Big Ten final game http://articles.mcall.com/2013-11-30/sports/mc-penn-state-football-wisconsin-game-20131130_1_bill-o-brien-lineman-john-urschel-quarterback-christian-hackenberg December 3, 2013 The Morning Call November 30, 2013 Allentown, PA December 3, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131203005231/http://articles.mcall.com/2013-11-30/sports/mc-penn-state-football-wisconsin-game-20131130_1_bill-o-brien-lineman-john-urschel-quarterback-christian-hackenberg dead #024 #fff Penn State starting lineup +Offense Position Player Class LT Donovan Smith SO LG Miles Dieffenbach JR C Ty Howle SR RG John Urschel SR RT Adam Gress SR TE Adam Breneman FR QB Christian Hackenberg FR RB Zach Zwinak JR TE Jesse James SO WR Geno Lewis FR WR Allen Robinson JRReference: +Defense Position Player Class DE C. J. Olaniyan JR DT DaQuan Jones SR DT Kyle Baublitz JR DE Deion Barnes SO OLB Mike Hull JR MLB Glenn Carson SR OLB Brandon Bell FR CB Adrian Amos JR S Ryan Keiser JR S Malcolm Willis SR CB Jordan Lucas SOReference: +Special teams Position Player Class K Sam Ficken JR P Alex Butterworth SRReference: Statistics Passing Regular season Player ATT Attempts COMP Completions YDS Total yards COMP % Completion percentage TD Touchdowns INT Interceptions LONG Longest play in yards PASS EFF Passing efficiency Christian Hackenberg 392 231 2,955 58.9 20 10 68 134.0 Tyler Ferguson 15 10 155 66.7 1 0 65 175.5 Reference: Penn State Cumulative Season Statistics. Retrieved December 2, 2013. Rushing Regular season Player ATT Attempts YDS Total yards AVG Yards-Per-Carry Average LONG Longest play in yards TD Touchdowns AVG/G Yards-Per-Game Average Zach Zwinak 210 989 4.7 61 12 82.4 Bill Belton 157 803 5.1 51 5 73.0 Akeel Lynch 60 358 6.0 42 1 39.8 Allen Robinson 6 36 6.0 14 0 3.1 Christian Hackenberg 49 −68 −1.4 15 4 −5.7 Reference: Penn State Cumulative Season Statistics. Retrieved December 2, 2013. Receiving Regular season Player REC Receptions YDS Total yards AVG Yards-Per-Reception Average LONG Longest play in yards TD Touchdowns AVG/G Yards-Per-Game Average Allen Robinson 97 1432 14.8 65 6 119.3 Brandon Felder 28 312 11.1 29 3 26.0 Jesse James 25 333 13.3 58 3 27.8 Geno Lewis 18 234 13.0 59 3 19.5 Kyle Carter 18 222 12.3 29 1 18.5 Adam Breneman 15 186 12.4 68 3 16.9 Bill Belton 15 158 10.5 30 2 14.4 Richy Anderson 13 111 8.5 15 0 10.1 Reference: Penn State Cumulative Season Statistics. Retrieved December 2, 2013. Kicking Regular season Player XPM Extra points made XPA Extra points attempted FGM Field goals made FGA Field goals attempted FG% Field goal percentage LONG Longest field goal made PTS Total points scored Sam Ficken 41 42 15 23 65.2% 54 86 Reference: Penn State Nittany Lions 2013 Statistics – Team and Player Stats – ESPN. Retrieved December 2, 2013. Punting Regular season Player NO. Total punts YDS. Total combined yardage of all punts AVG Average per punt in yards LONG Yardage of longest punt TB Touchbacks I 20 Total number of punts downed inside the 20-yard line Alex Butterworth 51 2,000 39.2 66 4 17 Christian Hackenberg 2 85 42.5 43 1 1 Reference: Penn State Cumulative Season Statistics. Retrieved December 2, 2013. Defense Regular season Player SOLO Solo tackles AST Assisted tackles TCK Total tackles TFL Tackles for a loss SCK Total sacks INT Total interceptions DEF Total passes deflected FF Total forced fumbles FR Total fumble recoveries Glenn Carson 43 47 90 4 1 0 3 0 0 Mike Hull 44 34 78 4.5 0.5 0 2 1 1 Jordan Lucas 45 20 65 4.5 1 3 16 2 0 Malcolm Willis 40 21 61 1 0 1 2 1 0 DaQuan Jones 33 23 56 11.5 3 0 0 0 1 C. J. Olaniyan 28 22 50 11 5 1 3 3 1 Adrian Amos 32 18 50 4 2.5 1 6 0 0 Ryan Keiser 26 12 38 2 1 3 11 0 0 Stephen Obeng-Agyapong 20 14 34 2 1 1 1 1 1 Nyeem Wartman 17 15 32 2.5 1 0 4 1 0 Deion Barnes 12 16 28 4 2 0 2 1 0 Austin Johnson 14 13 27 3 1 0 0 0 1 Brandon Bell 14 10 24 0 0 0 0 1 0 Trevor Williams (American football) 17 7 24 0 0 2 10 0 0 Kyle Baublitz 14 9 23 3 3 0 1 0 0 Jesse Della Valle 13 8 21 0 0 0 1 0 0 Ben Kline 9 9 18 1.5 1 0 0 0 0 Anthony Zettel 11 5 16 6 4 1 3 0 0 Carl Nassib 11 1 12 2 1 0 1 1 0 Reference: Penn State Cumulative Season Statistics. Retrieved December 3, 2013. Rankings 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings 16 7 8 RV NR RV NR RV NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR Awards Allen Robinson – Richter-Howard Receiver of the Year Award (second consecutive year), First-team All-Big Ten (media and coaches),Pickel Greg Lion receiver Allen Robinson Big Ten receiver of the year and talks future; three nab all-conference honors http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/12/penn_state_football_lion_recei.html December 3, 2013 The Patriot News December 2, 2013 Harrisburg, PA December 4, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131204161057/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/12/penn_state_football_lion_recei.html live First team All-American (Sporting News)Robinson named first-team All-American http://pennstate.scout.com/2/1356483.html Scout.com Fox Sports December 13, 2013 December 13, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131213201023/http://pennstate.scout.com/2/1356483.html December 13, 2013 dead John Urschel – First-team All-Big Ten (media and coaches)Three Penn State football players earn first-team All-Big recognition http://www.yorkdispatch.com/sports/ci_24640974/three-penn-state-football-players-earn-first-team December 3, 2013 York Dispatch December 2, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131211201311/http://www.yorkdispatch.com/sports/ci_24640974/three-penn-state-football-players-earn-first-team December 11, 2013 Academic All-American (second time, just the 11th Penn State player to be named an Academic All-American twice),Adamski Chris Penn State notebook: Ferguson to explore transfer options http://triblive.com/sports/college/pennstate/5202932-74/penn-state-ferguson#axzz2meuipoSL December 6, 2013 Pittsburgh Tribune-Review December 5, 2013 December 11, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131211024144/http://triblive.com/sports/college/pennstate/5202932-74/penn-state-ferguson#axzz2meuipoSL live William V. Campbell Trophy (the "academic Heisman")Scaff B. John Urschel awarded Campbell Trophy http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/12/11/5199662/john-urschel-awarded-campbell-trophy-penn-state-academic-heisman Black Shoe Diaries Vox Media December 12, 2013 December 11, 2013 December 11, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131211164508/http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/12/11/5199662/john-urschel-awarded-campbell-trophy-penn-state-academic-heisman live DaQuan Jones – First-team All-Big Ten (coaches), Second-team All-Big Ten (media)JC grad named to All-Big Ten team http://www.wbng.com/sports/JC-grad-named-to-All-Big-Ten-team-234260741.html WBNG-TV: Sports Granite Broadcasting December 3, 2013 December 3, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053308/http://www.wbng.com/sports/JC-grad-named-to-All-Big-Ten-team-234260741.html March 4, 2016 Adrian Amos – Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (coaches)Check out the 2013 All-Big Ten football teams http://btn.com/2013/12/02/check-out-the-2013-all-big-ten-football-teams/ Big Ten Network December 3, 2013 December 2, 2013 December 10, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131210134751/http://btn.com/2013/12/02/check-out-the-2013-all-big-ten-football-teams/ live Glenn Carson – Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (coaches and media) Sam Ficken – Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (media) Christian Hackenberg – Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (coaches and media), Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the YearBennett Brian Big Ten Conference announces major football award winners https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/90851/big-ten-announces-major-award-winners Big Ten Blog – ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures December 15, 2013 December 3, 2013 December 15, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131215224540/http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/90851/big-ten-announces-major-award-winners live Ty Howle – Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (coaches and media) Jesse James – Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (media) Jordan Lucas – Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (coaches and media) C. J. Olaniyan – Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (coaches and media) Donovan Smith – Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (coaches and media) Post-season Less than a week after the season's conclusion, backup quarterback Tyler Ferguson announced his plans to transfer from the university to somewhere he would have an opportunity to start, rather than be Christian Hackenberg's backup for the remainder of his career.Moyer Josh Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Tyler Ferguson plans to transfer https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/90947/qb-ferguson-to-transfer-from-penn-state Big Ten Blog – ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures December 6, 2013 December 4, 2013 December 9, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131209212148/http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/90947/qb-ferguson-to-transfer-from-penn-state live Later, it was announced that though he originally intended to transfer to Western Kentucky (WKU), at which Bobby Petrino was head coach; when Petrino accepted the head coaching position at Louisville, Ferguson changed his plans, and transferred there.Fornelli Tom Tyler Ferguson transferring to Louisville http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/24405049/report-tyler-ferguson-transferring-to-louisville Eye on College Football - CBSSports.com CBS Interactive January 12, 2014 January 10, 2014 January 12, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140112054036/http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/24405049/report-tyler-ferguson-transferring-to-louisville live In early December, it was reported that quarterbacks coach Charlie Fisher and linebackers coach Ron Vanderlinden, the latter of whom was a holdover from the Joe Paterno era, departed, with speculation that they were forced out by Bill O'Brien.Flounders Bob Reported departures of Ron Vanderlinden and Charlie Fisher indicate change is in the air http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/12/reports_ron_vanderlinden_and_c.html December 22, 2013 The Patriot News December 3, 2013 Harrisburg, PA December 24, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131224082757/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/12/reports_ron_vanderlinden_and_c.html live Departure of Bill O'Brien thumbnail|right|O'Brien in April 2012|alt=A man in a white shirt (Penn State coach Bill O'Brien) sits in front of a blue background with the words "Penn State" partly visible. He is addressing the media in front of a microphone emblazoned with the Penn State logo. Several weeks after the departure of those assistants, reports began to surface that O'Brien had interviewed for the Houston Texans' head coaching position to replace Gary Kubiak, who was fired late in the season.Schwab Frank Houston Texans reportedly closing in on hiring Penn State's Bill O'Brien as next head coach https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/houston-texans-reportedly-closing-hiring-penn-state-bill-225352500--nfl.html Shutdown Corner – Yahoo Sports Yahoo! January 5, 2014 December 28, 2013 December 31, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131231205208/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/houston-texans-reportedly-closing-hiring-penn-state-bill-225352500--nfl.html live Subsequently, the two sides were reported to be negotiating a contract, and on January 3, 2014, the Texans held a press conference announcing O'Brien as their new head coach.Associated Press Bill O'Brien officially named head coach of Houston Texans http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/news/20140102/bill-o-brien-houston-texans-coach-penn-state.ap/ NFL - SI.com Time January 5, 2014 January 5, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140105065554/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/news/20140102/bill-o-brien-houston-texans-coach-penn-state.ap/ dead Assistant head coach and wide receivers coach Stan Hixon, safeties coach Anthony Midget, defensive coordinator John Butler, running backs coach Charles London, and strength coach Craig Fitzgerald submitted resignations on January 6, and most were expected to follow O'Brien to the NFL,Flounders Bob Where have all the Penn state assistant coaches gone? Seven program members submit resignations http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2014/01/where_have_all_the_penn_state.html January 6, 2014 The Patriot News January 6, 2014 Harrisburg, PA January 7, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140107000303/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2014/01/where_have_all_the_penn_state.html live leaving only offensive line coach Mac McWhorter, who was 63 years old and came out of retirement to coach at Penn State, defensive line coach Larry Johnson, a long-time member of the staff, and tight ends coach John Strollo, as assistant coaches on the staff, and thus making Penn State more attractive of a coaching position to a new coach, as he could bring in his own staff.Gross Mike Penn State coaching picture keeps shifting focus http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/940066_Penn-State-coaching-picture-keeps-shifting-focus.html January 5, 2014 Lancaster Newspapers January 5, 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140106040935/http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/940066_Penn-State-coaching-picture-keeps-shifting-focus.html January 6, 2014 thumbnail|Defensive line coach and interim coach Larry Johnson was a candidate for the head coaching position, but ultimately was not hired Early candidates for the job included former Rutgers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano, Penn State alumni Al Golden, who was the coach of the Miami and Mike Munchak, who was the coach of the Tennessee Titans prior to his dismissal, and Pennsylvania native James Franklin, Vanderbilt's head coach, as well as Larry Johnson, Penn State's defensive line coach.Westerholm Russell Penn State head coach candidates: Will one of these five be announced by the weekend? http://www.universityherald.com/articles/6558/20140102/penn-state-head-coach-candidates-will-one-of-these-five-be-announced-by-the-weekend.htm January 5, 2014 University Herald January 2, 2014 January 5, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140105060458/http://www.universityherald.com/articles/6558/20140102/penn-state-head-coach-candidates-will-one-of-these-five-be-announced-by-the-weekend.htm live In the ensuing days, ESPN reported that the search committee, led by athletic director David Joyner, targeted Munchak, Franklin, and Golden as its top three candidates, but that Johnson remained in the mix.McMurphy Brett Penn State Nittany Lions coaching search targeting James Franklin, Al Golden, Mike Munchak https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/10237965/penn-state-nittany-lions-coaching-search-targeting-james-franklin-al-golden-mike-munchak ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures January 5, 2014 January 4, 2014 January 5, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140105062946/http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/10237965/penn-state-nittany-lions-coaching-search-targeting-james-franklin-al-golden-mike-munchak live On Sunday, January 5, 2014, Golden took himself out of contention for the position,Golden breaks silence, reaffirms commitment to Miami http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/940354_Golden-breaks-silence--reaffirms-commitment-to-Miami.html January 6, 2014 Lancaster Newspapers January 5, 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140106040435/http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/940354_Golden-breaks-silence--reaffirms-commitment-to-Miami.html January 6, 2014 while Munchak appeared to be an emerging strong candidate.Around Nittany Nation: Golden's footing appears even, Munchak's stock on the rise http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/940301_AROUND-NITTANY-NATION--Golden-s-footing-appears-even--Munchak-s-stock-on-the-rise.html January 6, 2014 Lancaster Newspapers January 5, 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140106040752/http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/940301_AROUND-NITTANY-NATION--Golden-s-footing-appears-even--Munchak-s-stock-on-the-rise.html January 6, 2014 Over the next few days, however, Franklin emerged as the top candidate, and on January 11, he was officially named and introduced as Penn State's head coach.Penn State selects James Franklin to lead football program http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011114aab.html Penn State Official Athletic Site CBS Interactive January 12, 2014 January 11, 2014 January 11, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140111155212/http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011114aab.html dead Upon his hiring, questions began to surface about whether he would retain Johnson or bring back Vanderlinden, the latter of whom was Maryland's head coach when Franklin was on its staff in 2000, to the staff;Edwards Devon James Franklin's biggest recruit? Larry Johnson http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2014/1/10/5293784/james-franklin-first-job-head-coach-at-penn-state-retaining-larry-johnson-recruiting-nittany-lions Black Shoe Diaries - SBNation.com Vox Media January 12, 2014 January 10, 2014 January 12, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140112173443/http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2014/1/10/5293784/james-franklin-first-job-head-coach-at-penn-state-retaining-larry-johnson-recruiting-nittany-lions livePickel Greg Scouting James Franklin's assistants, and which ones might join him in State college http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2014/01/penn_state_football_scouting_james_franklin.html January 12, 2014 The Patriot News January 11, 2014 Harrisburg, PA January 12, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140112183948/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2014/01/penn_state_football_scouting_james_franklin.html live unlike when O'Brien was hired and announced that he would retain the pair at his introductory press conference, Franklin simply noted that he would meet with the pair, but commented that he is "fiercely loyal" to his assistants from Vanderbilt, and intended to bring many with him to Penn State.Bodani Frank As James Franklin takes PSU reins, is there room for Larry Johnson? http://www.ydr.com/psu/ci_24894377/james-franklin-takes-psu-reins-is-there-room January 12, 2014 York Daily Record January 11, 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140112221237/http://www.ydr.com/psu/ci_24894377/james-franklin-takes-psu-reins-is-there-room January 12, 2014 Ultimately, neither Johnson nor Vanderlinden were on Franklin's staff for the 2014 season, with the former accepting a position with rival Ohio State.Poorman Mike Vander State? Franklin bringing all of his old staff: It's 8 down, 2 to go http://www.statecollege.com/news/columns/vander-state-franklin-bringing-all-of-his-old-staff-its-8-down-2-to-go,1441257/ Penn State football: StateCollege.com StateCollege.com January 19, 2014 January 17, 2014 January 20, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140120125142/http://www.statecollege.com/news/columns/vander-state-franklin-bringing-all-of-his-old-staff-its-8-down-2-to-go,1441257/ live Intermittently, Penn State named Johnson, the lone remaining holdover from the Joe Paterno era, the interim head coach in an effort to stabilize the program to prevent recruit defection, as well as prevent current players, namely quarterback Hackenberg, whose father commented that he was undecided on whether or not to return, from transferring.Flounders Bob Christian Hackenberg and Penn State: Interim head coach Larry Johnson encouraged by chat he had with Hackenberg family http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2014/01/christian_hackenberg_and_penn.html January 5, 2014 The Patriot News January 3, 2014 Harrisburg, PA January 4, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140104223256/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2014/01/christian_hackenberg_and_penn.html liveJuliano Joe Penn State scrambles to retain O'Brien's recruits http://articles.philly.com/2014-01-03/sports/45802308_1_bill-o-brien-defensive-tackle-thomas-holley-dave-joyner January 5, 2014 The Philadelphia Inquirer January 3, 2014 September 20, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150920050825/http://articles.philly.com/2014-01-03/sports/45802308_1_bill-o-brien-defensive-tackle-thomas-holley-dave-joyner dead A few weeks later, however, it appeared Hackenberg would return, as Ferguson followed through on his plans to transfer, and Franklin lauded Hackenberg in his introductory press conference.Huguenin Mike Report: Vandy's James Franklin to take over at Penn State https://www.nfl.com/news/report-vandy-s-james-franklin-to-take-over-at-penn-state-0ap2000000311152 NFL.com NFL Enterprises January 12, 2014 January 9, 2014 January 12, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140112011139/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000311152/article/report-vandys-james-franklin-to-take-over-at-penn-state liveJohnson Travis Franklin ready to get started, pledges to 'dominate the state' in recruiting http://www.centredaily.com/2014/01/11/3980789/penn-state-football-franklin-ready.html January 12, 2014 Centre Daily Times January 12, 2014 January 12, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140112181339/http://www.centredaily.com/2014/01/11/3980789/penn-state-football-franklin-ready.html live After the announcement of O'Brien's departure, star wide receiver Allen Robinson, a junior, declared that he would forgo his senior season, and enter the 2014 NFL draft;Huguenin Mike Penn State WR Allen Robinson declares for 2014 NFL Draft http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000308317/article/allen-robinson-led-big-ten-in-receptions-in-past-2-seasons College Football 24/7 - NFL.com NFL Enterprises January 5, 2014 January 2, 2014 January 6, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140106034447/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000308317/article/allen-robinson-led-big-ten-in-receptions-in-past-2-seasons dead according to projections from a CBSSports.com mock draft, Robinson would likely be selected in the late first round.Hinnen Jerry Penn State WR Allen Robinson declares for NFL Draft http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/24395628/penn-state-wr-allen-robinson-declares-for-nfl-draft Eye on College Football - CBSSports.com CBS Interactive January 5, 2014 January 2, 2014 January 4, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140104161031/http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/24395628/penn-state-wr-allen-robinson-declares-for-nfl-draft live Draft prospects Three players were invited to the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine, held February 22–25, 2014, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana: DaQuan Jones, Allen Robinson, and John Urschel. http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020714aaa.html Three Nittany Lions Invited to 2014 NFL Combine Penn State Department of Intercollegiate Athletics February 7, 2014 February 7, 2014 February 7, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140207165700/http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020714aaa.html live All-star games Game Date Site Players 2014 East-West Shrine Game January 18, 2014 Tropicana FieldSt. Petersburg, Florida Stephen Obeng-Agyapong, Glenn Carson, John UrschelTrio of Nittany Lions playing in 89th annual East-West Shrine Game http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/011514aaa.html Penn State Official Athletic Site CBS Interactive January 19, 2014 January 16, 2014 January 19, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140119024236/http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/011514aaa.html live 2014 Senior Bowl January 25, 2013 Ladd–Peebles Stadium,Mobile, Alabama DaQuan JonesHockensmith Dustin Penn State's DaQuan Jones accepts invitation to Reese's Senior Bowl http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/12/penn_states_daquan_jones_accep.html December 13, 2013 The Patriot News December 9, 2013 Harrisburg, PA December 12, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131212042834/http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/12/penn_states_daquan_jones_accep.html live References Penn State Category:Penn State Nittany Lions football seasons Category:Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy seasons Penn State Nittany Lions football