2002 Penn State Nittany Lions football team

American college football season August 2012 February 2026 football 2002 Penn State Nittany Lions Penn State text logo.svg 250 Big Ten Conference Big Ten 15 16 9–4 5–3 Joe Paterno 37th Fran Ganter 19th Tom Bradley 3rd Pro-style 4–3 Beaver Stadium Capital One Bowl L 9–13 vs. Auburn The 2002 Penn State Nittany Lions football team represented the Pennsylvania State University in the 2002 NCAA Division I-A football season.Penn State Yearly Results (2000-2004) David DeLassus College Football Data Warehouse July 26, 2015 http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/p/penn_state/2000-2004_yearly_results.php August 5, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150805073109/http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/p/penn_state/2000-2004_yearly_results.php dead The team's head coach was Joe Paterno. It played its home games at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Preseason The Nittany Lions returned 16 starters from the previous season, who won five of its final seven games. Six starters returned on defense, led by defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy, who returned for his fifth year despite speculations he would enter the NFL draft.http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011002aaa.html Kennedy To Return For Senior Season Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics January 10, 2002 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot The offensive unit averted a possible quarterback controversy when last year's starter Matt Senneca announced that he would not be returning for his final year of eligibility.http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011602aaa.html https://archive.today/20130120075411/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011602aaa.html dead January 20, 2013 Matt Senneca Not Returning for Senior Season Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics January 16, 2002 January 23, 2007 Redshirt sophomore Zack Mills would lead the offense, with expectations high after showing flashes of brilliance coming off the bench in 2001. Larry Johnson would also become the featured back, after spending three seasons playing in a tailback-by-committee that had inconsistent production. Johnson will have the luxury of running behind an offensive line that returned all five starters. Penn State was ranked number 24 in both the AP and Coaches college football preseason polls. Recruiting class yes yes Jay Alford DT Orange, NJ Orange HS 6 3 270 4.80 NA 3 4 Chris Auletta OL Melville, NY St. Anthony's HS 6 6 300 5.30 NA 3 3 yes Brian Borgoyn OL Pittsburgh, PA Woodland Hills SHS 6 5 290 NA NA 4 4 Levi Brown DT Norfolk, VA Granby HS 6 5 290 5.00 December 19, 2001 4 4 Mark Farris OL Pittsburgh, PA North Hills SHS 6 6 285 5.00 January 23, 2002 4 4 Vince Gliatta DB Canton, OH Canton Central Catholic HS 6 1 190 4.50 NA 2 yes Tamba Hali DE Teaneck, NJ Teaneck HS 6 3 240 4.70 January 27, 2002 4 4 Patrick Hall RB Canton, GA Sequoyah HS 6 3 230 NA January 13, 2002 1 3 Josh Hannum WR Wallingford, PA Strath Haven HS 6 0 170 4.20 NA 3 4 Maurice Humphrey CB Berlin, CT Berlin HS 6 0 185 4.40 November 26, 2001 3 3 Donnie Johnson RB Cincinnati, OH North College Hill HS 5 11 195 4.40 December 21, 2001 3 3 Ed Johnson DE Detroit, MI Crockett Vocational Tech 6 3 255 4.70 NA 1 3 Jim Kanuch S Johnstown, PA Westmont Hilltop HS 6 1 190 4.43 NA 4 4 Jeremy Kapinos P Springfield, VA West Springfield HS 6 1 220 4.90 December 11, 2001 4 2 Lee Lispi OL Pittston, PA Pittston Area SHS 6 6 295 5.10 NA 3 3 yes Calvin Lowry CB Fayetteville, NC Douglas Byrd HS 6 0 185 4.40 NA 3 4 Robert Price OL Shaker Heights, OH Shaker Heights HS 6 3 295 5.20 NA 3 3 Steve Roach OL Martinsburg, WV Martinsburg Senior HS 6 2 305 5.20 NA 3 2 Tim Shaw RB Livonia, MI Clarenceville HS 6 2 217 4.44 January 28, 2002 2 3 BranDon Snow LB Newark, DE Newark HS 6 2 225 4.47 February 6, 2002 4 4 Chris Wilson RB Baltimore, MD Catonsville HS 6 2 245 4.60 NA 1 4 J.R. Zwierzynski RB Joliet, IL Joliet Catholic Academy 6 2.5 220 4.50 January 18, 2002 3 4 yes 2002 Penn State Commit List for 2002 Scout.com Football Recruiting: Penn State bwi 157 16 21 February 9, 2007 yes Pre-season awards Jimmy Kennedy Playboy pre-season All-Americanhttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042402aaa.html Kennedy Named To Playboy All-America Team Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics April 24, 2002 October 28, 2008August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Second-team Athlon Sports pre-season All-Americanhttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/061802aaa.html Kennedy Named to Lindy's & Athlon Pre-Season All-America Teams Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics June 18, 2002 October 28, 2008August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Second-team Lindy's pre-season All-American Zack Mills Lindy's pre-season Big Ten Most Valuable Player Schedule 2002 AP Eastern August 31 12:00 p.m. w y 24 UCF Beaver Stadium University Park, PA ESPNhttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/052102aaa.html Nittany Lions' Season Opener with UCF To Be Televised by ESPN May 21, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate AthleticsAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot 27–24 103,029 September 14 8:00 p.m. w y Nebraska 8 Beaver Stadium University Park, PA ABChttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/040802aaa.html https://archive.today/20130121211400/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/040802aaa.html dead January 21, 2013 Nittany Lion Football Team To Battle Nebraska in Primetime Clash in Beaver Stadium April 8, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics 40–7 110,753 September 21 12:00 p.m. w y 15 Louisiana Tech Beaver Stadium University Park, PA ESPN Plushttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/061302aaa.html Nittany Lions' Clash With Louisiana Tech To Be Televised by ESPN Regional June 13, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate AthleticsAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot 49–17 103,987 September 28 12:00 p.m. l 12 Iowa Beaver Stadium University Park, PA ESPNhttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091602aac.html https://archive.today/20130120073245/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091602aac.html dead January 20, 2013 Penn State-Iowa Football Game Selected As ESPN Telecast September 16, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics 35–42 OT 108,247 October 5 3:30 p.m. w y 20 Wisconsin 19 Camp Randall Stadium Madison, WI ABChttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092302aac.html Penn State-Wisconsin Clash Selected As ABC Telecast September 23, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate AthleticsAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot 34–31 79,403 October 12 3:30 p.m. l y 15 Michigan 13 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI rivalry ABChttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/093002aaa.html Penn State-Michigan Clash Selected As ABC Telecast September 30, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate AthleticsAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot 24–27 OT 111,502 October 19 12:00 p.m.http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/061902aaa.html https://archive.today/20120708221348/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/061902aaa.html dead July 8, 2012 Penn State-Northwestern Homecoming Football Game Set For 12:10 p.m. Kickoff June 19, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics w y 20 Northwestern Beaver Stadium University Park, PA ESPN2http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/100702aab.html https://archive.today/20120711232836/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/100702aab.html dead July 11, 2012 Penn State-Northwestern Homecoming Clash To Air on ESPN2 October 7, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics 49–0 108,853 October 26 3:30 p.m. l y 18 Ohio State 4 Ohio Stadium Columbus, OH rivalry ABChttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101302aaa.html https://archive.today/20130121080242/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101302aaa.html dead January 21, 2013 Penn State-Ohio State Clash To Air on ABC October 13, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics 7–13 105,103 November 2 3:30 p.m. w 20 Illinois Beaver Stadium University Park, PA ESPNhttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/102702aaa.html https://archive.today/20130120075707/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/102702aaa.html dead January 20, 2013 Penn State-Illinois Clash Set for 3:30 Kickoff on ESPN October 27, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics 18–7 105,589 November 9 3:30 p.m. w y 19 Virginia Beaver Stadium University Park, PA ABChttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110302aaa.html Penn State-Virginia Clash Set for 3:30 Kickoff on ABC November 3, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate AthleticsAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot 35–14 108,698 November 16 3:30 p.m.http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110402aac.html https://archive.today/20120712080320/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110402aac.html dead July 12, 2012 Penn State-Indiana Clash Set for 3:30 Kickoff on ESPN November 4, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics w y 16 Indiana Memorial Stadium Bloomington, IN ESPN2 58–25 27,454 November 23 3:30 p.m. w 15 Michigan State Beaver Stadium University Park, PA rivalry ABChttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111102aaa.html Penn State-Michigan State Clash Set for 3:30 p.m. Kickoff on ABC; Indiana Game To Air on ESPN2 November 11, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate AthleticsAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot 61–7 108,755 January 1, 2003 Wednesday 1:00 p.m. l y y 10 Auburn 19 Florida Citrus Bowl Orlando, FL Capital One Bowl ABChttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120802aaa.html Penn State To Tangle With Auburn In Capital One Bowl on January 1 December 8, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate AthleticsAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot 9–13 66,334 Roster 2002 Penn State Nittany Lions y Josh Hannum 2 WR FR Chris Ganter 3 QB FR y Larry Johnson 5 RB SR y y Larry Johnson (running back) Donnie Johnson 6 WR FR Zack Mills 7 QB SO y Terrance Phillips 9 WR FR y Tony Johnson 11 WR JR y Tony Johnson (wide receiver) Michael Robinson 12 QB FR y Michael Robinson (fullback) Kinta Palmer 13 WR FR y Reginald Walker 13 RB SO Andy Kubic 14 QB FR Kevin Darling 15 WR FR Dan Corrado 16 QB FR Greg Hennigar 17 QB FR Tom Lundquist 19 QB FR y Gerald Smith 19 WR SO y Tim Shaw 20 RB FR y Tim Shaw (American football) Pete Gilmore 22 WR SO y Aric Heffelfinger 23 RB FR Bryant Johnson 24 WR SR y Mike Gasparato 26 RB SO y BranDon Snow 30 RB FR Ernie Terrell 31 WR FR y Chris Wilson 32 RB FR Mike Lukac 33 TE JR y Brian Fairchild 36 FB FR y Paul Jefferson 39 FB JR y Sean McHugh 42 FB JR y y Ricky Upton 44 RB JR y Adam Senk 45 FB FR y Zachery Moran 46 WR FR Tyler Lenda 50 G SR Blase Iorio 52 OL FR Scott Davis 54 G SO y Tommy McHugh 56 OL FR Eric Rickenbach 59 OL SR Robert Price 60 C FR David Costlow 61 C JR y Nick Daise 62 OL FR Joe Iorio 63 C SR Matt Schmitt 64 T SR Lance Antolick 66 OL FR y Jonathan Nabavi 67 G JR y John Wilson 68 T FR y Nick Marmo 70 C SO y Mark Farris 71 G FR Gus Felder 72 T SR Tyler Reed 74 G FR y y Tyler Reed (American football) Chris McKelvy 75 T JR Damone Jones 76 T JR E.Z. Smith 77 G FR Brian Borgoyn 78 OL FR Shawn Campbell 79 OL SR Scott Shirley 80 WR JR y Jason Stryker 81 WR SO y Vic Surma 82 WR FR Ryan Scott 83 WR SO y Steve Delich 84 WR SR y Isaac Smolko 85 TE FR y y Matt Kranchick 88 TE JR y y Andrew Richardson 89 TE FR y Mike Pawlikowski 91 TE SO y Casey Williams 93 TE JR y Anwar Phillips 1 CB FR y y Deryck Toles 2 LB JR Jesse Neumeyer 8 S FR Jim Kanuch 9 DB FR Calvin Lowry 10 DB FR y y Yaacov Yisrael 15 S JR Andy Ryland 16 LB JR y Lavon Chisley 17 DE FR y Andrew Guman 18 S SO y Marcus Mills 20 DB FR y Alan Zemaitis 21 CB FR y Maurice Humphrey 22 DB FR Shawn Mayer 23 S SR y Rich Gardner 25 CB JR y Nolan McCready 26 DB FR Chris Harrell 27 S SO y James Millon 28 CB SR Paul Cronin 29 S FR y Ryan Pinckney 29 LB SR Eric Dare 30 CB JR Bryan Scott 32 CB SR y Gio Vendemia 34 DB FR y John Royse 35 DB FR y J.R. Zwierzynski 35 LB FR LaMar Stewart 37 LB SO Jimi Mitchell 38 LB SO T.C. Cosby 40 LB SO Scott Paxson 41 LB FR y y Adam Taliaferro 43 DB JR y Patrick Hall 44 LB FR Pat Bedics 45 LB FR Curt Reese 46 DB SO y Gino Capone 47 LB JR Ben Lego 48 DB JR y Zack Pierce 48 LB FR Tim Johnson 51 LB SO y Steve Roach 53 DL FR Matthew Rice 55 DE FR y y Charles Rush 57 DT FR y Dethrell Garcia 58 LB FR Tyler Valoczki 60 DT SR Randy Buck 62 DT SR Sam Ruhe 65 LB JR Jason Robinson 69 DT SO y Jimmy Kennedy 73 DT SR y Jimmy Kennedy (American football) Michael Haynes 81 DE SR y Michael Haynes (defensive lineman) Jeremiah Davis 86 DE SO John Bronson 87 DE SO y y Levi Brown 90 DT FR y Levi Brown (offensive tackle) Tamba Hali 91 DT FR y y Ed Johnson 92 DL FR Derek Wake 94 LB SO y y Cameron Wake Mike Sothern 95 DL FR Jay Alford 96 DL FR y Greg Bauer 97 DE FR Anthony Adams 98 DT SR y Tim Falls 99 DT SR Robbie Gould 4 K SO y y David Royer 14 P SR Matt Huet 25 K SO Jeremy Kapinos 36 P FR y David Kimball 95 K JR http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/psu-m-footbl-mtt.html October 12, 2002 Joe Paterno Game summaries UCF UCF 3 6 0 15 Penn State 10 0 10 7 After a sloppy first half, Penn State scored 17 unanswered points in the second half and then withstood a late charge to hold off the Golden Knights for a 27–24 win. Zack Mills was 13 of 20 for 194 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. On defense, Anthony Adams recovered a fumbled snap to set up a field goal, and Derek Wake blocked a field goal attempt. Trailing 27–9 in the fourth quarter, UCF got within three points with 24 seconds remaining but failed to recover the onside kick, and Penn State ran out the clock.http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/083102aae.html https://archive.today/20120712152349/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/083102aae.html dead July 12, 2012 Nittany Lion Football Starts Fresh with 27–24 Victory over UCF August 31, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics Nebraska Nebraska 0 7 0 0 Penn State 0 13 20 7 In front of a crowd of 110,753, a new Beaver Stadium attendance record that stood intact for 15 years, (110,823 VS Michigan 2017) Penn State routed the Cornhuskers 40–7, as Larry Johnson and backup quarterback Michael Robinson each had two touchdown runs. Cornerback Rich Gardner had his first career interception and returned it 44 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter. It was Penn State's first victory over a top 10 team since 1999.http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091502aad.html Penn State Dominates Nebraska 40–7, Jump to #15 in ESPN Poll September 15, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate AthleticsAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot Louisiana Tech Louisiana Tech 10 0 7 0 Penn State 14 7 28 0 Penn State beat the Bulldogs 49–17, despite Tech's quarterback Luke McCown throwing for more than 400 yards but also threw three interceptions and had a fumble lost. Larry Johnson ran for 147 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns and also had a touchdown reception. Michael Robinson also had three rushing touchdowns.http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092102aac.html https://archive.today/20120716032846/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092102aac.html dead July 16, 2012 Penn State Tames Bulldogs 49–17, Improves to 3–0 September 21, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics Iowa Iowa 17 9 9 0 7 Penn State 0 7 6 22 0 2002 Iowa Hawkeyes football team After trailing the Hawkeyes by 22 points in the fourth quarter, Zack Mills threw for three touchdowns in the final 7:13 to tie the game 35–35 and force overtime, but the Nittany Lions were unable to score in overtime and lost 42–35. For the game, Mills completed 23 of 44 passes for a school record 399 yards and four touchdowns. The team finished with only 54 yards rushing, and Michael Robinson, who had five touchdowns in twelve carries in the past two games, was held to minus-2 yards on four carries.http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092802aab.html https://archive.today/20120717214908/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092802aab.html dead July 17, 2012 Penn State Falls Short in OT Against Iowa, 42–35 September 28, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics But the play that was most shown repeatedly on sports highlights shows throughout the rest of the season happened after the game. Following a couple questionable calls by the line judge in overtime, Joe Paterno sprinted down the field to catch up with referee Dick Honig as he approached the tunnel and grabbed Honig by the back of the shirt to voice his displeasure with the way the game ended. Paterno was angered that Penn State wide receiver Tony Johnson caught a pass with both feet in bounds according to the stadium's video replay board, but the play was ruled an incompletion.http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/psu/20021002psu1002p4.asp https://web.archive.org/web/20021020005646/http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/psu/20021002psu1002p4.asp dead October 20, 2002 Football: Paterno Says No Apology Needed Fittipaldo Ray Pittsburgh Post-Gazette October 2, 2002 January 23, 2007 Wisconsin Penn State 10 11 7 6 Wisconsin 0 14 6 11 Penn State scored on four of its first five possessions as the Lions beat the Badgers 34–31. Penn State scored on touchdowns from Zack Mills, Larry Johnson, and Sean McHugh and got four Robbie Gould field goals. Defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy and defensive end Michael Haynes each had three sacks, as the Lions sacked Wisconsin quarterback Brooks Bollinger seven times. Wisconsin scored to close it to three points with 1:17 remaining, but Bryan Scott covered up the onside kick to seal the game.http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/100502aac.html https://archive.today/20120708213026/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/100502aac.html dead July 8, 2012 Penn State Edges Wisconsin 34–31 to Notch 50th Big Ten Victory October 5, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics Michigan Penn State 7 0 6 8 3 Michigan 0 7 0 14 6 The Wolverines beat Penn State 27–24 in overtime. A slow first half gave way to a shootout in the second half. The game was tied 7–7 at halftime, and the teams combined for only 240 yards. Penn State led 13–7 late in the third quarter and looked to seize control of the game after forcing a Michigan punt at their own 20, but a roughing the punter penalty kept the drive alive, and Michigan found the end zone eight plays later. Zack Mills finished the day 19 of 31 for 264 yards and two touchdowns.http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101202aaa.html https://archive.today/20120713044633/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101202aaa.html dead July 13, 2012 Penn State falls to Michigan 27–24 in Overtime October 12, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics Joe Paterno expressed his displeasure with the officials for the second time this season as he yelled at referee David Witvoet after regulation. There were a number of odd and questionable actions by the officials during the game, as pointed out by the TV commentators, including the roughing the punter penalty and the referee refusing to ask for measurements when it appeared Michigan had been stopped short of first down. Each time he glanced at the sideline and signaled first down. It was most noticeable in the third quarter when he signaled first down even as Michigan was lining up in short-yardage formation, thinking it was third-and-1. But Paterno and the coaching staff were most livid about a blown call with 40 seconds remaining in regulation and the score tied at 21–21. Receiver Tony Johnson had just made a leaping catch of a Mills pass at the Michigan 22. The side judge ruled Johnson out of bounds despite replays showing he had both feet at least a yard inbounds. Numerous replays on TV showed the large divot in the field where Johnson's feet had landed. Instead of a field goal opportunity to win the game in regulation, the game was forced into overtime. Northwestern Northwestern 0 0 0 0 Penn State 7 28 7 7 Larry Johnson set Penn State's single-game rushing record as the Nittany Lions shut out the Wildcats 49–0. Johnson rushed for 257 yards on 23 carries and scored twice before sitting out the final 28 minutes. In all, twelve Penn State players carried the ball for a total of 423 yards. The defense recorded its first shutout since the 1999 Alamo Bowl, holding the Wildcats to 9 yards rushing and 202 total yards.http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101902aab.html https://archive.today/20120710040550/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101902aab.html dead July 10, 2012 Lions Celebrate 83rd Homecoming with 49–0 Shutout of Northwestern October 19, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics Ohio State Penn State 7 0 0 0 Ohio State 0 3 10 0 The Buckeyes defense held Zack Mills to only 98 yards passing and intercepted three passes, including one by Chris Gamble returned for a touchdown, to beat the Nittany Lions 13–7. Penn State was held to only 179 yards of offense and eight first downs, fewest under Joe Paterno.http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/102602aaa.html Nittany Lions Fall 13–7 to Buckeyes in Defensive Dogfight October 26, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate AthleticsAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot Despite this, Penn State led 7–3 at halftime and very nearly won the game at the end. Illinois Illinois 0 0 0 7 Penn State 9 9 0 0 Larry Johnson set the school record for rushing yards in a game, beating his own record from two weeks prior, as the Nittany Lions beat the Fighting Illini 18–7. Johnson rushed for 279 yards on 31 carries, including an 84-yard touchdown run. The Penn State defense went 11-plus quarters without allowing a touchdown before Illinois scored with 5:22 remaining.http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110202aad.html https://archive.today/20120715125755/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110202aad.html dead July 15, 2012 Defensive Power Surge in Happy Valley, Lions Win 18–7 November 2, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics Virginia Virginia 7 0 0 7 Penn State 7 3 10 15 The defense held the Cavaliers to only 30 yards rushing as Penn State won 35–14. Zack Mills was 19 of 30 for 227 yards and two touchdowns. The Lions had 289 yards on the ground, including 118 yards on 31 carries and a touchdown by Larry Johnson. Backup quarterback and holder Chris Ganter also scored on a 30-yard run off of a fake field goal.http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110902aaa.html Sweet Revenge! Lions Roll over Cavaliers 35—14 November 9, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate AthleticsAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot Indiana Penn State 14 14 10 20 Indiana 12 6 0 7 Larry Johnson broke two school records as Penn State beat the Hoosiers 58–25. For the third time in five weeks, Johnson set the school's single-game rushing record with 327 yards on 28 carries. Johnson also broke Penn State's single-season rushing record with a total of 1,736 yards with two games left to play.http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111602aab.html Larry Johnson and Lions Pound Hoosiers 58–25 November 16, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate AthleticsAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot Michigan State Michigan State 0 0 7 0 Penn State 14 34 7 6 Land Grant Trophy Larry Johnson became the ninth player in NCAA history to rush for 2,000 yards in a seasonhttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112302aae.html Johnson runs past 2,000-yard mark with huge half November 23, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate AthleticsAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot as Penn State blew out the Spartans 61–7. Johnson finished the day with 279 yards and four touchdowns, all in the first half. Bryant Johnson also scored on an 81-yard punt return and a 41-yard touchdown reception. Penn State had 400 yards of offense at halftime and finished with 536 total yards, including 422 yards rushing.http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112302aaf.html Oh, the Wonder of it! Penn State Pummels Spartans 61–7 November 23, 2002 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate AthleticsAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot 2003 Capital One Bowl – Auburn Auburn 0 0 7 6 Penn State 3 3 0 3 2002 Auburn Tigers football team The Auburn Tigers rushed for 200 yards, controlled the clock, and outscored the Lions 13–3 in the second half to upset the Nittany Lions 13–9 in the 2003 Capital One Bowl Capital One Bowl Capital One Bowl. Larry Johnson finished with only 72 yards on 20 carries. Zack Mills was also ineffective, going 8 of 24 for 67 yards and an interception. He was pulled for a couple drives in the third quarter, and backup quarterback Michael Robinson led to the Lions for a field goal to go up 9–7.http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/010103aaa.html Auburn Upsets Penn State in Capital One Bowl January 1, 2003 October 28, 2008 Penn State Intercollegiate AthleticsAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot Rankings 2002 NCAA Division I-A football rankings 17 AP 24 24 NR NR 15 12 20 15 20 18 20 19 16 15 11 10 10 16 17 Coaches 24 23 25 25 15 12 21 17 21 17 21 19 16 16 12 10 10 15 9 16 BCS NR NR NR 15 15 14 13 12 Awards Watchlists Michael Haynes Ted Hendricks Award semifinalisthttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/102402aaa.html https://archive.today/20120712054518/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/102402aaa.html dead July 12, 2012 Haynes Named A Semifinalist For Inaugural Ted Hendricks Defensive End Award Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics October 24, 2002 January 23, 2007 and finalisthttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111202aaa.html Haynes Among Four Finalists For Inaugural Ted Hendricks Defensive End Award Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics November 12, 2002 October 28, 2008August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Bryant Johnson Fred Biletnikoff Award watchlisthttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082702aab.html Bryant Johnson Named to Biletnikoff Award Watch List Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics August 27, 2002 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Larry Johnson Doak Walker Award watchlist,http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082102aab.html Tailback Larry Johnson Named A Doak Walker Award Candidate Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics August 21, 2002 January 23, 2007 semifinalisthttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112002aaa.html Larry Johnson Selected A Semifinalist for Doak Walker Award Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics November 20, 2002 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot and finalisthttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120202aab.html Larry Johnson Selected A Finalist for Doak Walker Award Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics December 2, 2002 October 28, 2008August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Maxwell Award finalisthttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120302aaa.html Larry Johnson Selected A Finalist for Maxwell Award Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics December 3, 2002 October 28, 2008August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Walter Camp Player of the Year finalisthttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120402aaa.html Larry Johnson Named A Finalist for Walter Camp Player of the Year Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics December 4, 2002 October 28, 2008August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Jimmy Kennedy Bronko Nagurski Trophy watchlisthttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/041102aaa.html Kennedy Named To Watch List For Bronko Nagurski Trophy Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics April 11, 2002 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Rotary Lombardi Award watchlisthttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/040302aaa.html https://archive.today/20130120035049/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/040302aaa.html dead January 20, 2013 Kennedy Named To Watch List For 33rd Annual Rotary Lombardi Award Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics April 3, 2002 January 23, 2007 and semifinalisthttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/103002aaa.html https://archive.today/20120708102957/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/103002aaa.html dead July 8, 2012 Kennedy Named A Semifinalist For Rotary Lombardi Award Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics October 30, 2002 October 28, 2008 Outland Trophy watchlist Zack Mills Davey O'Brien Award watchlisthttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082002aaa.html https://archive.today/20130120064152/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082002aaa.html dead January 20, 2013 Quarterback Mills Named To Davey O'Brien Award Watch List Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics August 20, 2002 January 23, 2007 and semifinalisthttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111302aaa.html Quarterback Zack Mills Named A Semifinalist for Davey O'Brien Award Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics November 13, 2002 October 28, 2008August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Bryan Scott Jim Thorpe Award watchlisthttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082902aaa.html Nittany Lion Bryan Scott Named to Jim Thorpe Award Watch List Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics August 29, 2002 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Players Gino Capone Second-team All-Big Ten (conference media selection)http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112602aaa.html Six Nittany Lions Named To All-Big Ten Football Squad; Haynes & Kennedy Earn Player of the Year Honors Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics November 26, 2002 January 23, 2007 First-team Verizon CoSIDA Academic All-District Rich Gardner Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (September 14)http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091602aad.html Gardner Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics September 16, 2002 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Robbie Gould Big Ten Specialist of the Week (October 5)http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/100702aae.html Penn State's Kennedy and Gould Named Big Ten Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics October 7, 2002 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Andrew Guman Second-team Verizon CoSIDA Academic All-District Michael Haynes Second-team Associated Press All-Americanhttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121702aaa.html Johnson, Haynes & Kennedy Named To Associated Press All-America Teams Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics December 17, 2002 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot CNNSI.com All-Americanhttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120902aaa.html Michael Haynes & Larry Johnson Named To CNNSI.com All-America Team Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics December 9, 2002 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot FWAA All-Americanhttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120202aac.html Michael Haynes & Larry Johnson Named To Football Writers All-America Team Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics December 2, 2002 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year First-team All-Big Ten Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (September 21)http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092302aae.html Haynes Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics September 23, 2002 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot CNNSI.com mid-season first-team All-American Joe Iorio First-team Verizon CoSIDA Academic All-Americanhttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120202aaa.html Iorio Named To Verizon Academic All-America Football Team Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics December 2, 2002 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot First-team Verizon CoSIDA Academic All-Districthttp://www.cosida.com/formpdfs/udfbad02.pdf PDF 2002 Verizon Academic All-District Football Team College Sports Information Directors of America November 26, 2008 Bryant Johnson First-team All-Big Ten (conference coaches selection) Larry Johnson 2002 Doak Walker Award winnerhttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121202aac.html Larry Johnson Wins Maxwell And Doak Walker Awards Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics December 12, 2002 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot 2002 Maxwell Award winner AFCA All-Americanhttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120502aaa.html https://archive.today/20130121053905/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120502aaa.html dead January 21, 2013 Larry Johnson Named To AFCA All-America Team Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics December 5, 2002 January 23, 2007 First-team Associated Press All-American Chevrolet Offensive Player of the Yearhttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120702aaa.html Larry Johnson Named Chevrolet Offensive Player of the Year Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics December 7, 2002 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot FWAA All-American CNNSI.com All-American Walter Camp Player of the Yearhttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121202aad.html Nittany Lion Senior Tailback Larry Johnson Named Walter Camp Player of The Year Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics December 12, 2002 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot First-team Walter Camp All-Americanhttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121202aab.html Larry Johnson and Jimmy Kennedy Named To Walter Camp All-America Team Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics December 12, 2002 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot First-team All-Big Ten Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week (October 19)http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/102202aaa.html Larry Johnson Named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics October 22, 2002 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week (November 2)http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110402aab.html Larry Johnson Named Big Ten Co-offensive Player of the Week Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics November 4, 2002 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week (November 16)http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111602aab.html Larry Johnson Earns Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week For Third Time This Season Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics November 16, 2002 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot ESPN.com Player of the Week (November 16) Sporting News Player of the Week (November 16) USA Today Player of the Week (November 16)http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111902aab.html https://archive.today/20120709070956/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111902aab.html dead July 9, 2012 Larry Johnson named USA Today Player of the Week Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics November 19, 2002 October 28, 2008 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week (November 23)http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112502aaa.html https://archive.today/20130121070030/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112502aaa.html dead January 21, 2013 Larry Johnson Earns Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week For Fourth Time This Season Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics November 25, 2002 January 23, 2007 Most Valuable Player, 2003 Senior Bowlhttp://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/012003aab.html https://archive.today/20130120073834/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/012003aab.html dead January 20, 2013 Nittany Lions Shine in Senior Bowl; Johnson & Haynes Earn MVP Honors in North Win Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics January 20, 2003 January 27, 2007 Jimmy Kennedy Third-team Associated Press All-American First-team Walter Camp All-American Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year First-team All-Big Ten Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (October 5) Shawn Mayer Second-team All-Big Ten Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (October 26)http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/102802aaa.html Shawn Mayer Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics October 28, 2002 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Zack Mills Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week (September 28)http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/093002aac.html Zack Mills Named Big Ten Co-offensive Player of the Week Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics September 30, 2002 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Matt Schmitt First-team Verizon CoSIDA Academic All-District Postseason Penn State finished the season ranked #16 in the final AP college football poll and #15 in the final Coaches college football poll, earning Penn State its 25th Top 15 finish under Joe Paterno.http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/010403aaa.html https://archive.today/20130121053006/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/010403aaa.html dead January 21, 2013 Nittany Lions Earn 25th Top 15 Final Ranking Under Paterno Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics January 4, 2003 January 23, 2007 Tailback Larry Johnson would finish the season as the first Nittany Lion to lead the nation in rushing and all-purpose yardage. Johnson become the ninth player in Division I-A history to gain 2,000 yards rushing in the regular season, finishing third in Heisman Trophy balloting.http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011603aaa.html Larry Johnson Is First Nittany Lion to Lead Nation in Rushing & All-Purpose Yardage; Haynes Among NCAA Defensive Leaders Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics January 16, 2003 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Penn State claimed second place in football attendance for the second consecutive season, averaging 107,239 through eight home games, ranking in the top four for the 12th consecutive year. The Nittany Lions also broke the NCAA record for total season attendance with 1,247,707 during the 13-game schedule, including a Beaver Stadium record of 110,753 for the Nebraska game.http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/021003aaa.html Penn State Claims Second In NCAA Football Attendance; Breaks NCAA Record For Total Attendance with 1.2 Million Fans Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics February 10, 2003 January 23, 2007August 2026 InternetArchiveBot NFL draft A school record six seniors would be drafted in the first two rounds of the 2003 NFL draft, including another school record four players in the first round.http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042803aaa.html https://archive.today/20130121065937/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042803aaa.html dead January 21, 2013 Nittany Lions Lead All Schools With Six Selections in First Two Rounds of NFL Draft Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics 2003-04-28 2007-01-23 Round Pick Overall Name Position Team 1st 12 12 Jimmy Kennedy Defensive tackle St. Louis Rams 1st 14 14 Michael Haynes Defensive end Chicago Bears 1st 17 17 Bryant Johnson Wide receiver Arizona Cardinals 1st 27 27 Larry Johnson Running back Kansas City Chiefs 2nd 23 55 Bryan Scott Free safety Atlanta Falcons 2nd 25 57 Anthony Adams Defensive tackle San Francisco 49ers All-star games Game Date Site Players 57th Hula Bowl February 1, 2003 War Memorial Stadium, Wailuku, Hawaii Gus Felder, Joe Iorio, Shawn Mayer 54th Senior Bowl January 18, 2003 Ladd–Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Alabama Anthony Adams, Michael Haynes, Bryant Johnson, Larry Johnson, Bryan Scott Instant replay A few other conference coaches had lobbied for instant replay before, but they had fallen on deaf ears until Joe Paterno, who had been against instant replay citing the length of games as a factor, changed his opinion after a number of questionable officiating calls in the Iowa and Michigan games. Paterno and Penn State athletic director Tim Curley called for a comprehensive review of Big Ten officiating. At the news conference after the Michigan game, Paterno went further and said that the conference should change the way that officials are assigned, referring to the assignment of the officiating crew that worked the Michigan game, three of whom live in the state of Michigan.http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/college_football/20021015-1555-fbc-pennst-paterno.html Paterno wants further review of Big Ten officiating practices Lewerenz Dan San Diego Union-Tribune October 15, 2002 January 23, 2007 After the Big Ten concluded its comprehensive review of its officiating, the conference implemented a pilot program during the 2003 season to evaluate the use of instant replay. The pilot was used to gather data and did not interfere with games or overturn any missed calls.http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/notebooks/20030815bigten0815p1.asp https://web.archive.org/web/20031208210150/http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/notebooks/20030815bigten0815p1.asp dead December 8, 2003 Big Ten to Experiment with Program for Instant Replay Fittipaldo Ray Pittsburgh Post-Gazette August 15, 2003 January 23, 2007 For the 2004 season, the Big Ten introduced college football's first instant replay system. A technical advisor in the press box with access to the television feeds will be able to stop a game for a replay review and potentially overturn a play, with no limit on the number of plays that can be reviewed.http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04218/356960.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20040824002527/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04218/356960.stm dead August 24, 2004 Instant Replay Comes to Big Ten for a One-Year Look Fittipaldo Ray Pittsburgh Post-Gazette August 4, 2004 January 23, 2007 Notes Penn State set a new single season attendance record of 857,911 fans. References Penn State Category:Penn State Nittany Lions football seasons Penn State Nittany Lions football