2008 Penn State Nittany Lions football team

NCAATeamFootballSeason
Year=2008
Team=Penn State Nittany Lions


ImageSize=
Conference=Big Ten Conference
ShortConference=Big Ten
Division=
CoachRank=6
APRank=6
BCSRank=
Record=6-0
ConfRecord=2-0
HeadCoach=Joe Paterno
OffCoach= Galen Hall
DefCoach= Tom Bradley
OScheme=
DScheme=
StadiumArena=Beaver Stadium
Champion=
BowlTourney=
BowlTourneyResult=

The 2008 Penn State Nittany Lions football team represents the Pennsylvania State University in the 2008 college football season. The team is coached by Joe Paterno and plays its home games in Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania.

Previous season

The 2007 season began with the Nittany Lions ranked #17 in the AP and #18 in the Coaches' preseason polls, ranked as high as #10 at one point. The team dropped out of the rankings with back to back losses to Michigan and Illinois, regained a poll ranking after consecutive blowouts, then dropped out of the polls again after losing to Ohio State, but finished the season ranked #25 in the Coaches Poll with a final record of 9-4, including a victory over the Texas A&M Aggies in the 2007 Alamo Bowl.

Preseason

Prior to the end of the previous season, linebacker Sean Lee announced his plans to return for his senior season. [cite web|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07309/831238-143.stm|title=PSU Football: Lee says NFL can wait for now|first=Ron|last=Musselman|date=2007-11-05|accessdate=2008-01-15|publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] However, Lee tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during practice. He is sidelined for the whole season, but had a redshirt available. He used it and plans to come back in 2009.

In January, junior cornerback Justin King announced that he was going to declare for the 2008 NFL Draft, skipping his final year of eligibility. King had graduated the previous semester with a degree in liberal arts with an emphasis in sports management. According to King's stepfather and high school coach, "He wanted to get an education and a degree from Penn State, which he did. He wanted to help turn Penn State around, and he did that, too." [cite web|url=http://pennstate.scout.com/2/718257.html|title=The King is Gone|first=Bob|last=Lichtenfels|date=2008-01-13|accessdate=2008-01-14|publisher=Fight On State]

Despite the injury, Lee was named one of the team's captains for 2008. [cite web|url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_563639.html|title=Injured Lee one of Penn State's captains|first=Sam|last=Ross Jr.|date=2008-04-22|accessdate=2008-04-22|publisher=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review] Also elected captains by their teammates were center A. Q. Shipley, receiver Derrick Williams, safety Anthony Scirrotto and defensive end Josh Gaines. All five are seniors. [cite web|url=http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042908aaa.html|title=Nittany Lions Announce Captains for 2008 Season|date=2008-04-29|accessdate=2008-04-30|publisher=Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics]

uspensions

Five players were suspended prior to spring drills for their involvement in an October 7 fight at the HUB-Robeson Center during the previous season, including defensive tackle Chris Baker, linebacker Navorro Bowman, defensive back Knowledge Timmons, defensive tackle Phil Taylor, and receiver Chris Bell. [cite web|url=http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2008/02/11/two_players_suspended.aspx|title=Two players suspended|first=Josh|last=Langenbacher|date=2008-02-11|accessdate=2008-04-15|publisher=The Daily Collegian] Tight end Andrew Quarless became the sixth player suspended after a DUI incident in March. [cite web|url=http://pennstate.scout.com/2/735241.html|title=Quarless Charged With DUI|first=Mark|last=Brennan|date=2008-03-06|accessdate=2008-04-15|publisher=Fight On State] Bell was later kicked off the team after brandishing a knife at a teammate. [cite web|url=http://pennstate.scout.com/2/744585.html|title=Bell Facing Multiple Charges|date=2008-04-08|accessdate=2008-04-15|publisher=Fight On State]

Following spring practice, Baker, Bowman, Quarless, Timmons and Taylor were allowed to rejoin and work out with the team. [cite web|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08120/877577-100.stm|title=Suspended Penn State football players return to team|first=Ron|last=Musselman|date=2008-04-29|accessdate=2008-04-30|publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] Baker was sentenced to two years probation. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3399902|title=Penn State tackle pleads guilty, gets two years probation|date=2008-05-16|accessdate=2008-05-19|publisher=Associated Press]

ESPN's "Outside the Lines" aired a story on the legal troubles of the Penn State football team on July 27, 2008. [cite news | last=Ross, Jr | first=Sam | title=ESPN's 'Outside the Lines' targets PSU | url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/pennstate/s_579640.html | publisher=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review | date=2008-07-27 | accessdate=2008-07-31] The story detailed the increased number of PSU football players that have been arrested during the past few years. Among the statistics presented in the story was that 46 different players since 2002 have been charged with a combined 163 counts that have resulted in 27 players pleading guilty to 45 crimes. [cite news|last=Lavigne|first=Paula|title=Has Penn State's on-field progress led to off-field problems?|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/otl/news/story?id=3504915|publisher=ESPN|date=2008-07-27|accessdate=2008-07-31] Three days after the story aired, Paterno dismissed Baker and Taylor, apparently after another off-campus incident. [cite news|last=Musselman|first=Ron|title=2 DTs kicked off football team|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08213/900799-143.stm|publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=2008-07-31|accessdate=2008-07-31]

Recruiting class

The Nittany Lions received 14 letters of intent on National Signing Day, February 6, 2008.College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Brandon Beachum
position = RB
hometown = Youngstown, OH
highschool = Cardinal Mooney HS
feet = 6
inches = 1
weight = 220
40 = 4.65
commitdate = 2007-07-29
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 4
espn grade = 78College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Jack Crawford
position = DE
hometown = Richland, NJ
highschool = St. Augustine Prep
feet = 6
inches = 6
weight = 250
40 = 4.55
commitdate = 2007-08-26
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 68College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Mike Farrell
position = OT
hometown = Pittsburgh, PA
highschool = Shady Side Academy Senior School
feet = 6
inches = 5
weight = 272
40 = 5.45
commitdate = 2008-01-22
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 75College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = D'Anton Lynn
position = S
hometown = Celina, TX
highschool = Celina HS
feet = 6
inches = 1
weight = 177
40 = 4.50
commitdate = 2007-11-10
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 79College Athlete Recruit Entry
position = DE
recruit = Pete Massaro
highschool = Marple Newtown SHS
hometown = Newtown Square, PA
feet = 6
inches = 4
weight = 245
40 = 4.75
commitdate = 2007-08-20
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 77College Athlete Recruit Entry
position = MLB
recruit = Michael Mauti
highschool = Mandeville HS
hometown = Mandeville, LA
feet = 6
inches = 1
weight = 220
40 = 4.60
commitdate = 2007-06-23
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 4
espn grade = 82College Athlete Recruit Entry
position = OT
recruit = Deon'tae Pannell
highschool = Wylie E. Groves HS
hometown = Beverly Hills, MI
feet = 6
inches = 5
weight = 305
40 = 5.4
commitdate = 2007-08-10
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 40College Athlete Recruit Entry
position = WR
recruit = A.J. Price
highschool = South Lakes HS
hometown = Reston, VA
feet = 6
inches = 4
weight = 175
40 = 4.50
commitdate = 2008-01-21
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 79College Athlete Recruit Entry
position = OG
recruit = Matt Stankiewitch
highschool = Blue Mountain HS
hometown = Schuylkill Haven, PA
feet = 6
inches = 4
weight = 290
40 = 5.2
commitdate = 2007-04-14
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 78College Athlete Recruit Entry
position = DT
recruit = James Terry
highschool = Brandywine HS
hometown = Wilmington, DE
feet = 6
inches = 3
weight = 294
40 = 5.2
commitdate = 2007-07-28
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 74College Athlete Recruit Entry
position = DT
recruit = Brandon Ware
highschool = Harrisburg HS
hometown = Harrisburg, PA
feet = 6
inches = 4
weight = 340
40 = 5.44
commitdate = 2008-01-27
scout stars = 1
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 40College Athlete Recruit Entry
position = TE
recruit = Mark Wedderburn
highschool = Cardinal O'Hara HS
hometown = Springfield, PA
feet = 6
inches = 5
weight = 235
40 = 4.60
commitdate = 2007-11-27
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 78College Athlete Recruit Entry
position = WLB
recruit = Mike Yancich
highschool = Trinity SHS
hometown = Washington, PA
feet = 6
inches = 3
weight = 219
40 = 4.50
commitdate = 2007-06-26
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 4
espn grade = 78College Athlete Recruit Entry
position = MLB
recruit = Michael Zordich
highschool = Cardinal Mooney HS
hometown = Youngstown, OH
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 210
40 = 4.7
commitdate = 2007-06-01
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 4
espn grade = 79College Athlete Recruit End
40 = yes
year = 2008
rivals ref title = Penn State Commit List for 2008
scout ref title = Scout.com Football Recruiting: Penn State
espn ref title = RecruitTracker 2008: Penn State
rivals school = 61
scout s = 157
espn schoolid = 213
scout overall = 41
rivals overall = 42
accessdate = 2008-02-07
collapse = yes

pring practice

A record crowd of 73,000 fans attended the annual Blue-White scrimmage at Beaver Stadium on April 19th, surpassing the previous year's record of 71,000. The Blue squad won 27–14. [cite news|url=http://live.psu.edu/story/30331|title=Record crowd of 73,000 turns out for Blue-White Game|publisher=The Pennsylvania State University|accessdate=2008-04-19|date=2008-04-19] Redshirt freshman running back Stephfon Green opened up the scoring for White, taking his first handoff 57 yards for a touchdown. Green finished the game with 87 yards on 12 carries, a 7.2 yard per carry average. Tight end Andrew Szczerba was the game's leading receiver, catching five passes for 65 yards in the first half alone, mostly over the middle.

In the quarterback competition, both Daryll Clark and Pat Devlin rotated between the first, second and third teams. Overall, Clark finished 9 of 16 for 106 yards and two scores, including a 33-yard touchdown pass to Derrick Williams. Devlin was 12 of 18 for 122 yards and a 22-yard touchdown pass to backup receiver Graham Zug.

On defense, sophomore Aaron Maybin tied for a game-high six tackles, including 3.5 sacks for the White team. Sophomore Ollie Ogbu led the Blue with six tackles and two sacks. Redshirt freshman linebacker Nate Stupar also had six tackles. Sophomore linebacker Chris Colasanti had four stops and forced and recovered a fumble. [cite news|url=http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/041908aaa.html|title=Record Crowd Of 73,000 Turns Out For Blue-White Game|publisher=Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics|accessdate=2008-04-20|date=2008-04-19]

Award watchlists

* Gerald Cadogan::Outland Trophy watchlistcite web|url=http://www.ncaafootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=34&url_article_id=12166&change_well_id=2|title=2008 Outland Trophy Watch List Announced|publisher=NCAAFootball.com|date=2008-04-18|accessdate=2008-04-19] ::Draddy Trophy semifinalist [cite web|url=http://www.footballfoundation.com/news.php?id=1635|title=NFF Announces 2008 Draddy Trophy Semifinalists|publisher=National Football Foundation|date=2008-10-01|accessdate=2008-10-02]

* Maurice Evans::Lombardi Award watchlistcite web|url=http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/031008aaa.html|title=Evans & Shipley Named to Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List|publisher=Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics|date=2008-03-10|accessdate=2008-03-11] ::Bronko Nagurski Trophy watchlist [cite web|url=http://pennstate.scout.com/2/754247.html|title=Evans on Nagurski Watch List|publisher=Fight On State|date=2008-05-12|accessdate=2008-05-13] ::Chuck Bednarik Award watchlist::Ted Hendricks Award watchlist
* A. Q. Shipley::Lombardi Award watchlist::Outland Trophy watchlist::Rimington Trophy watchlist [cite web|url= http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/050708aaa.html|title=Shipley Named to Rimington Trophy Watch List|publisher=Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics|date=2008-05-07|accessdate=2008-05-07]

* Derrick Williams::Maxwell Award watchlistcite web|url= http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/070108aaa.html|title=Evans Named To Bednarik And Williams To Maxwell Award Watch Lists|publisher=Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics|date=2008-07-01|accessdate=2008-07-03] ::Fred Biletnikoff Award watchlist

Pre-season awards

* Jeremy Boone::First-team Athlon Sports pre-season All-Big Tencite web|url=http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/052008aaa.html|title=Evans Named To Athlon Pre-Season All-America Team|publisher=Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics|date=2008-05-20|accessdate=2008-05-20]

* Deon Butler::Third-team Athlon Sports pre-season All-Big Ten

* Maurice Evans::First-team Athlon Sports pre-season All-American

* Josh Gaines::Third-team Athlon Sports pre-season All-Big Ten

* Kevin Kelly::Second-team Athlon Sports pre-season All-Big Ten

* Rich Ohrnberger::First-team Athlon Sports pre-season All-Big Ten
* Lydell Sargeant::Second-team Athlon Sports pre-season All-Big Ten

* Anthony Scirrotto::Second-team Athlon Sports pre-season All-Big Ten

* A. Q. Shipley::First-team Athlon Sports pre-season All-Big Ten

* A. J. Wallace::First-team Athlon Sports pre-season All-Big Ten (kick returner)::Third-team Athlon Sports pre-season All-Big Ten (cornerback)

* Derrick Williams::Third-team Athlon Sports pre-season All-Big Ten

chedule

CFB Schedule Entry
date= 08/30/2008
time = 12:00 p.m.cite web|url=http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/070208aaa.html|title=Times and Television Arrangements Set For Three More Penn State Football Games|publisher=Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics|date=2008-07-02|accessdate=2008-07-03]
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank = 22
opponent = cfb link|year=2008|team=Coastal Carolina Chanticleers|school=Coastal Carolina University|title=Coastal Carolina
opprank =
site_stadium = Beaver Stadium
site_cityst = University Park, PA
gamename =
tv = BTN
score = 66–10
overtime =
attend = 106,577CFB Schedule Entry
date= 09/06/2008
time = 3:30 p.m.cite web|url=http://www.osubeavers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=24799&SPID=1952&DB_OEM_ID=4700&ATCLID=1351668|title=Prime Time Dates Headline 2008 football Schedule|publisher=Oregon State Sports Information|date=2007-12-12|accessdate=2007-12-12]
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank = 19
opponent = Oregon State [cite web|url=http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121207aab.html|title=Nittany Lions to Host Oregon State During 2008 football Season|publisher=Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics|date=2007-12-12|accessdate=2007-12-14]
opprank =
site_stadium = Beaver Stadium
site_cityst = University Park, PA
gamename =
tv = ABC Regional (ESPN2 in other markets)
score = 45–14
overtime =
attend = 108,159CFB Schedule Entry
date= 09/13/2008
time = 3:30 p.m.cite web|url=http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/060308aaa.html|title=Penn State-Syracuse Clash Set for 3:30 p.m. Kick on ABC |publisher=Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics|date=2008-06-03|accessdate=2008-06-03]
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank = 17
opponent = Syracuse
opprank =
site_stadium = Carrier Dome
site_cityst = Syracuse, NY
gamename =
tv = ABC Regional
score = 55–13
overtime =
attend = 45,795CFB Schedule Entry
date= 09/20/2008
time = 12:00 p.m.
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank = 15
opponent = cfb link|year=2008|team=Temple Owls|school=Temple University|title=Templecite web|url=http://owlsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110507aac.html|title=Temple Football Hosts #25 Penn State at Noon on Saturday|publisher=Temple Athletics|date=2007-11-05|accessdate=2007-11-05]
opprank =
site_stadium = Beaver Stadium
site_cityst = University Park, PA
gamename =
tv = BTN
score = 45–3
overtime =
attend = 105,106CFB Schedule Entry
date= 09/27/2008
time = 8:00 p.m.cite web|url=http://bigten.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/041608aaa.html|title=Big Ten Announces Five Prime-Time Football Games to Appear on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2 During 2008 Season|publisher=Big Ten Conference|date=2008-04-16|accessdate=2008-04-16]
w/l = w
nonconf =
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank = 12
opponent = Illinois
opprank = 21
site_stadium = Beaver Stadium
site_cityst = University Park, PA
gamename =
tv = ABC Regional [cite web|url=http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091508aad.html|title=Penn State-Illinois Primetime Clash To Air on ABC|publisher=Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics|date=2008-09-15|accessdate=2008-09-15]
score = 38–24
overtime =
attend = 109,626CFB Schedule Entry
date= 10/04/2008
time = 12:00 p.m.cite web|url=http://bigten.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092208aac.html|title=Big Ten Weekly Football Release - Sept. 22|publisher=Big Ten Conference|date=2008-09-22|accessdate=2008-09-22]
w/l = w
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank = 6
opponent = Purdue
opprank =
site_stadium = Ross-Ade Stadium
site_cityst = West Lafayette, IN
gamename =
tv = ESPNcite web|url=http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092808aaa.html|title=Penn State-Purdue Contest To Air on ESPN|publisher=Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics|date=2008-09-28|accessdate=2008-09-28]
score = 20–6
overtime =
attend = 57,215CFB Schedule Entry
date= 10/11/2008
time = 8:00 p.m.
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank = 6
opponent = Wisconsin
opprank = 24
site_stadium = Camp Randall Stadium
site_cityst = Madison, WI
gamename =
tv = ESPN [cite web|url=http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/100508aaa.html|title=Penn State-Wisconsin Clash To Air on ESPN; Nittany Lions Remain No. 6 in Polls|publisher=Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics|date=2008-10-05|accessdate=2008-10-05]
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date= 10/18/2008
time = 4:30 p.m.
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming = yes
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Michigan
opprank =
site_stadium = Beaver Stadium
site_cityst = University Park, PA
gamename =
tv = ESPN or ESPN2
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date= 10/25/2008
time = 8:00 p.m.
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Ohio State
opprank =
site_stadium = Ohio Stadium
site_cityst = Columbus, OH
gamename =
tv = ABC, ESPN or ESPN2
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date= 11/08/2008
time =
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Iowa
opprank =
site_stadium = Kinnick Stadium
site_cityst = Iowa City, IA
gamename =
tv =
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date= 11/15/2008
time =
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Indiana
opprank =
site_stadium = Beaver Stadium
site_cityst = University Park, PA
gamename =
tv =
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date= 11/22/2008
time =
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Michigan State
opprank =
site_stadium = Beaver Stadium
site_cityst = University Park, PA
gamename =
tv =
score =
overtime =
attend =

Game notes

August 30: Coastal Carolina

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Coastal Carolina
R1=0
R2=7
R3=0
R4=3
Home=Penn State
H1=14
H2=24
H3=21
H4=7Sophomore tailback Evan Royster ran for three touchdowns and 64 yards on eight carries, and redshirt freshman Stephfon Green gained 89 yards on 10 carries including two scores to help the Nittany Lions defeat the Chanticleers of Coastal Carolina 66-10. Penn State has won seven straight season openers. After Trent Usher provided the Chanticleers' lone touchdown on a 33-yard reception to cut Penn State's lead to 14-7 early in the second quarter, Derrick Williams scored on an 89-yard kickoff return en route to a 38-7 halftime lead.

Many reserves saw action in the second half, including Chaz Powell's 55 yard touchdown run, and freshman Brandon Beachum's 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter for the Nittany Lions' final touchdown. Coastal Carolina kicked a field goal as time expired for the final score.

Defensively for Penn State, Tyrell Sales led the defense with seven tackles, while Aaron Maybin had two sacks. Bani Gbadyu snagged his first career interception. Twenty-eight Nittany Lions recorded at least one tackle.

The win tied Joe Paterno with Florida State's Bobby Bowden atop the career wins list among major college coaches with his 373rd win. [cite web|url=http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/083008aaa.html|title=Nittany Lions Roll Past Coastal Carolina, 66-10|date=2008-08-30|accessdate=2008-09-02|publisher=Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics]

September 6: Oregon State

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Oregon State
R1=0
R2=7
R3=0
R4=7
Home=Penn State
H1=14
H2=21
H3=10
H4=0

In the week leading up to the game, a campus police search turned up a small amount of marijuana in an on-campus apartment home to defensive end Maurice Evans, defensive tackle Abe Koroma, tight end Andrew Quarless and cornerback A. J. Wallace. Coach Paterno later announced that Evans, Koroma and Quarless would not play against Oregon State. Wallace was allowed to return to practice, according to Paterno, "Wallace was not part of that." In an unrelated incident, cornerback Willie Harriott was dismissed from the team. [cite web|url=http://pennstate.scout.com/2/786961.html|title=Paterno Benches Three for Oregon State|first=Mark|last=Brennan|publisher=Fight On State|date=2008-09-04|accessdate=2008-09-04]

Despite the off-field distractions, the Nittany Lions rolled to a 35-7 halftime lead en route to a 45-14 win in their first ever meeting with the Beavers. Sophomore tailback Evan Royster ran for a career-high 141 yards on 17 carries and three touchdowns. Daryll Clark's 276 total yards of offense (215 yards passing, 61 yards rushing) helped Penn State total 454 yards of offense.

Linebackers Tyrell Sales and Navarro Bowman both recorded 10 tackles each, both career-highs. Linebacker Josh Hull and safety Mark Rubin both made their first career interceptions. [cite web|url=http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/090608aaa.html|title=Nittany Lions Thump Oregon State, 45-14|publisher=Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics|date=2008-09-06|accessdate=2008-09-08] Junior defensive end Jerome Hayes, making his first career start in place of the suspended Evans, was lost for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL in his left knee. Hayes missed the latter half of the 2007 season with a torn ACL in his right knee. [cite web|url=http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/090708aaa.html|title=Hayes to Miss Remainder of Season With Knee Injury|publisher=Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics|date=2008-09-07|accessdate=2008-09-08]

For his performance, Royster was named Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week.

September 13: Syracuse

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Penn State
R1=21
R2=17
R3=10
R4=7
Home=Syracuse
H1=0
H2=6
H3=7
H4=0

The Nittany Lions defeated their old rivals 55-13 in their first meeting since the series was last played in 1990. Each of Penn State's three quarterbacks threw touchdown passes. Daryll Clark finished 10 of 21 for 163 yards and two touchdowns, Pat Devlin was 8 of 13 for 130 yards and two touchdowns, and Paul Cianciolo was 2 of 4 for 51 yards and a score. Receivers Jordan Norwood and Deon Butler both had over 100 yards receiving and two touchdowns apiece. Patrick Shadle kicked two field goals in the second quarter for six of Syracuse's 13 points.

The Nittany Lion defense held the Orange offense without a first down until early in the second quarter. [cite web|url=http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/091308aab.html|title=Nittany Lions Thump Syracuse, 55-13|publisher=Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics|date=2008-09-13|accessdate=2008-09-20]

September 20: Temple

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Temple
R1=0
R2=0
R3=3
R4=0
Home=Penn State
H1=0
H2=31
H3=7
H4=7

After a scoreless first quarter, the Nittany Lions scored three touchdowns in the first six minutes of the second quarter en route to a 31-0 halftime lead. The Penn State defense held the Owls to only 138 yards of total offense, including only 16 yards on the ground. In contrast, the Nittany Lions totaled 546 of offense, highlighted by Stephfon Green's 132 rushing yards including a 69-yard touchdown. [cite web|url=http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/092008aad.html|title=No. 16 Penn State Cruises to a 45-3 Victory Over Temple|publisher=Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics|date=2008-09-20|accessdate=2008-09-20]

Sophomore linebacker Navorro Bowman, in his first start, recorded 11 tackles, including five tackles for loss and three sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. Bowman was named Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week.cite web|url=http://bigten.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092208aaa.html|title=MSU's Ringer Becomes First Offensive Player to Claim Three Straight Weekly Football Honors|publisher=Big Ten Conference|date=2008-09-22|accessdate=2008-09-22]

The win, combined with Florida State's loss to Wake Forest, gave Paterno sole possession of the career record for most wins by a Division I FBS coach. [cite news|title=JoePa is Back On Top |url=http://pennstate.scout.com/2/792754.html|first=Mark|last=Harrington|publisher=Fight On State|date= 2008-09-20|accessdate=2008-09-21]

September 27: Illinois

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Illinois
R1=14
R2=0
R3=3
R4=7
Home=Penn State
H1=14
H2=7
H3=3
H4=14

The Nittany Lions defeated the Fighting Illini 38-24 in a nationally-televised, prime time, "White Out" game, earning their first win over a ranked opponent this season and their first victory over a ranked opponent in a conference opener since joining the Big Ten. Illinois jumped out to a 14-7 lead, becoming the first team to take a lead on the Nittany Lions and the first to score points against them in the first quarter this season. However, the Nittany Lions responded with two touchdowns en route to a 21-14 halftime lead. The Illini wouldn't score again until kicking a field goal on the final play of the third quarter after recovering a Stephfon Green fumble, but Derrick Williams returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown. Penn State was 4 of 4 in the red zone and was penalized only once for 10 yards.

The Illini's 24 points were the most allowed by Penn State this season as were their 189 total rushing yards. cite web | url =http://www.cumberlink.com/articles/2008/09/28/sports/local/doc48e049e15e488715394400.txt | title = Not just getting by anymore | publisher = "The Sentinel" | last = Thomas | first = Eric | date = 2008-09-29 | accessdate = 2008-09-29 ]

Derrick Williams is the first player under Paterno to score a rushing, receiving, and a kick return touchdown in the same game. [cite news|title= Penn State remains unbeaten, tops Illinois, 38-24|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08271/915839-100.stm?cmpid=sports.xml|publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date= 2008-09-27|accessdate=2008-09-28] His career-high 241 all-purpose yards (33 rushing, 75 receiving and 133 on kick returns) are the most by a Nittany Lion since Larry Johnson gained 289 yards versus Michigan State in 2002.cite web|url=http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/092808aag.html|title=Notes and Records:Penn State vs. Illinois|publisher=Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics|date=2008-09-28|accessdate=2008-09-29] Williams was selected the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week.cite web|url=http://bigten.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092908aab.html|title = Michigan, Northwestern and Penn State Football Players Honored After Big Wins|publisher=Big Ten Conference|date = 2008-09-29|accessdate=2008-09-29]

October 4: Purdue

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Penn State
R1=0
R2=10
R3=7
R4=3
Home=Purdue
H1=0
H2=0
H3=0
H4=6

Penn State defeated the Boilermakers 20-6 in their last matchup against Purdue coach Joe Tiller, who is retiring after this season. The Nittany Lions outgained Purdue 422 to 241 in total offense.

Daryll Clark completed 18 of 26 passes for 226 yards and a ran for a touchdown—a quarterback sneak on 4th-and-goal in the second quarter for the first points of the game. Running back Evan Royster ran for 141 yards and a touchdown and also caught four balls for 53 yards.

Purdue quarterback Curtis Painter finished 13-for-22 for 112 yards but was replaced by backup Joey Elliott after throwing an interception to Nittany Lion safety Drew Astorino. Purdue kicker Chris Summers missed all three of his kick attempts—two field goal attempts and an extra point attempt. Running back Kory Sheets' fourth quarter touchdown was Purdue's first offensive touchdown against Penn State since 2005. [cite web|url=http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/100408aab.html|title=No. 6 Nittany Lions Halt Purdue, 20-6|publisher=Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics|date=2008-10-04|accessdate=2008-10-05]

October 11: Wisconsin

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October 18: Michigan

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October 25: Ohio State

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Road=Penn State
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Home=Ohio State
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November 8: Iowa

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Road=Penn State
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Home=Iowa
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November 15: Indiana

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Road=Indiana
R1=
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Home=Penn State
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November 22: Michigan State

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Road=Michigan State
R1=
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Home=Penn State
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Rankings

Awards

* Navorro Bowman::Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (Sep. 20)
* Evan Royster::Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week (Sep. 6)cite web|url=http://bigten.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/090808aaa.html|title=Big Ten Honors Three Offensive Players of the Week in Football For First Time Since 1997|publisher=Big Ten Conference|date=2008-09-08|accessdate=2008-09-08]
* Derrick Williams::Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week (Sep. 27)

External links

* [http://gopsusports.cstv.com/ Official Penn State Athletics website]
* [http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/psu-m-footbl-body.html Official Penn State Athletics football subsite]
* [http://www.gopsf.com/ Penn State Football website]

See also

*2008 Big Ten Conference football season

References