2012 Penn State Nittany Lions football team

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

2012 Penn State Nittany Lions football
ConferenceBig Ten Conference
DivisionLeaders Division
Record8–4 (6–2 Big Ten)
Head coach
Offensive schemeSpread option
Defensive coordinatorTed Roof (1st season)
Base defense4–3
CaptainGame Captains
Home stadiumBeaver Stadium
Seasons
← 2011
2013 →
2012 Big Ten Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
Legends Division
No. 25 Nebraska xy   7 1     10 4  
No. 24 Michigan   6 2     8 5  
No. 17 Northwestern   5 3     10 3  
Michigan State   3 5     7 6  
Iowa   2 6     4 8  
Minnesota   2 6     6 7  
Leaders Division
No. 3 Ohio State* x   8 0     12 0  
Penn State*   6 2     8 4  
Wisconsin y$   4 4     8 6  
Purdue   3 5     6 7  
Indiana   2 6     4 8  
Illinois   0 8     2 10  
Championship: Wisconsin 70, Nebraska 31
  • $ – BCS representative as conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • * Ohio State and Penn State ineligible for conference championship game and post-season bowl games due to NCAA sanctions.
Rankings from AP Poll

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

After losing their first two games, the Nittany Lions finished their season winning eight of their final 10 to finish with a record of eight wins and four losses (8–4).

Schedule

edit
DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendanceSource
September 112:00 p.m.Ohio*ESPNL 14–2497,186
September 812:00 p.m.at Virginia*ABCL 16–1756,087
September 153:30 p.m.Navy*
  • Beaver Stadium
  • University Park, PA
ABC/ESPN2W 34–798,792
September 223:30 p.m.Temple*
  • Beaver Stadium
  • University Park, PA
ABC/ESPN2W 24–1393,680
September 2912:00 p.m.at IllinoisESPNW 35–746,734
October 612:00 p.m.No. 24 Northwestern 
  • Beaver Stadium
  • University Park, PA
ESPNW 39–2895,769[4]
October 208:00 p.m.at IowaBTNW 38–1470,585
October 275:30 p.m.No. 9 Ohio State
  • Beaver Stadium
  • University Park, PA (rivalry)
ESPNL 23–35107,818
November 33:30 p.m.at PurdueESPNUW 34–940,098
November 103:30 p.m.at No. 18 NebraskaABCL 23–3285,527
November 1712:00 p.m.Indiana
  • Beaver Stadium
  • University Park, PA
BTNW 45–2290,358
November 243:30 p.m.Wisconsin
  • Beaver Stadium
  • University Park, PA
ESPN2W 24–21 OT93,505
  • *Non-conference game
  •  Homecoming
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Eastern time

Coaching staff

edit

Roster

edit

Wide receiver Shawney Kersey left the team on September 12, 2012 for "personal reasons".[13] On September 28, 2012, quarterback and tight end Paul Jones left the Penn State football team.[14]

2012 Penn State Nittany Lions football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos. # Name Class
TB 1 Bill Belton So
QB 2 Shane McGregor Sr
WR 6 Shane Phillips   Fr
WR 7 Eugene Lewis Fr
WR 8 Allen Robinson So
RB 9 Michael Zordich   Sr
QB 11 Matt McGloin   Sr
QB 12 Steven Bench Fr
WR 13 Tyler Lucas   Fr
QB 14 Garrett Venuto   Jr
WR 15 Alex Kenney   So
WR 17 Matthew Mege   Jr
TE 18 Jesse James Fr
WR 20 Malik Golden Fr
WR 21 Trevor Williams Fr
TB 22 Akeel Lynch Fr
TB 24 Derek Day Sr
TB 26 Curtis Dukes   Jr
RB 28 Zach Zwinak   So
FB 30 Andre Dupree   Jr
FB 32 Jack Haffner Fr
RB 33 Colin Bryan Fr
FB 34 Dominic Salamone Fr
FB 35 Pat Zerbe   Jr
RB 36 Deron Thompson   Fr
WR 37 Evan Lewis   Sr
FB 41 J.R. Refice   Jr
FB 45 P.J. Byers Sr
G 50 Anthony Stanko Fr
C 54 Matt Stankiewtich Sr
C 55 Wendy Laurent Fr
G, OT 56 Anthony Alosi   Fr
OT 58 Adam Gress   Jr
C 60 Ty Howle   Sr
C 62 Frank Figueroa   Jr
G 64 John Urschel   Jr
C 65 Miles Dieffenbach   So
G 66 Angelo Mangiro   Fr
G 68 Bryan Davie   So
OT 70 Nate Cadogan   Jr
G 73 Mark Arcidiacono   Jr
G 75 Eric Shrive   Jr
OT 76 Donovan Smith   Fr
G 77 Patrick Christie   So
OT 78 Mike Farrell Sr
OT 79 Kevin Blanchard   Fr
WR 80 Matt Zanellato   Fr
TE 82 Brian Irvin Sr
TE 83 Brent Wilkerson Fr
TE 84 Matt Lehman   Jr
WR 85 Brandon Moseby-Felder   Jr
TE 86 Bryce Wilson   Fr
TE 87 Kyle Carter   Fr
WR 88 Jonathan Warner Fr
TE 89 Gary Gilliam   Jr
Defense
Pos. # Name Class
CB 2 Jake Kiley Fr
CB 3 Da'Quan Davis Fr
CB 4 Adrian Amos So
LB 5 Nyeem Wartman Fr
LB 6 Gerald Hodges Sr
S 7 Stephen Obeng-Agyapong   Jr
LB 8 Gary Wooten Fr
S 10 Malcolm Willis   Jr
CB 12 Stephon Morris Sr
S 14 Jordan Lucas Fr
CB 14 Mike Wallace   Jr
CB 15 Patrick Flanagan   So
CB 16 Devin Pryor   So
DE 18 Deion Barnes   Fr
S 21 Bryant Harper Fr
LB 22 T.J. Rhattigan   Fr
S 23 Ryan Keiser   So
S 27 Jacob Fagnano Sr
S 29 Jeff Cully   Jr
LB 30 Charles Idemudia Fr
DE 31 Brad Bars   So
LB 33 Michael Yancich   Sr
LB 38 Ben Kline   Fr
CB 39 Jesse Della Valle   So
LB 40 Glenn Carson Jr
LB 42 Michael Mauti   Sr
LB 43 Mike Hull   So
LB 46 Adam Cole Fr
DL 47 Jordan Hill Sr
DE 48 Jordan Kerner   Fr
LB 49 Brennan Franklin Fr
LB 51 Drew Boyce   Fr
DE 52 Brent Smith Fr
DT 53 Derek Dowrey Fr
LB 54 James Van Fleet Sr
DE 59 Pete Massaro   Sr
DT 72 Brian Gaia Fr
DT 84 Kyle Baublitz   So
DE 86 C.J. Olaniyan   So
DT 88 Tyrone Smith   So
DE 90 Sean Stanley Sr
DT 91 DaQuan Jones Jr
DE 92 Albert Hall Fr
DT 93 James Terry   Sr
DE 94 Evan Schwan Fr
DE 95 Carl Nassib   Fr
DT 96 Cody Castor Sr
DE 98 Anthony Zettel   Fr
DT 99 Austin Johnson Fr
Special teams
Pos. # Name Class
P 29 Reynolds Parthemore Fr
P 32 Joe Baker Sr
LS 44 Michael Fuhrman Sr
P 45 Alex Butterworth Jr
K 48 Kevin DiSanto   So
LS 57 Emery Etter   Jr
LS 63 Joe Marvin Fr
PK 97 Sam Ficken So
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches

Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  •   Injured
  •   Redshirt

Roster
Last update: October 20, 2012

Game summaries

edit

September 1 vs. Ohio

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

at Beaver Stadium

Game information

The Ohio University Bobcats spoiled head coach Bill O'Brien's PSU debut defeating the Nittany Lions 24–14. Penn State led 14–3 at the half due to passing touchdowns by QB Matt McGloin to Bill Belton (6 yard) and Matt Lehman (14 yard). Ohio came out of the half-time intermission with 21 unanswered points from passing scores from QB Tyler Tettleton to Landon Smith (43 yard) and Donte Foster (5 yard) and a Tettleton run (1 yard). Penn State committed several costly turnovers including a muffed punt by linebacker Gerald Hodges which set up an Ohio TD and an interception thrown with a minute left by Matt McGloin which essentially put the nail in the coffin. Beau Blankenship led the way for the Bobcats rushing for 109 yards on 31 carries and catching 7 passes for 72 yards. Allen Robinson led the Lions catching 9 passes for 92 yards. Penn State tight end Kyle Carter also caught 6 passes for 72 yards.[15]

September 8 at Virginia

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

at Scott Stadium

Game information

Penn State was without starting running back Bill Belton due to injury, so senior Derek Day got the start. Penn State's opening drive of the game lasted 17 plays and 75 yards and took up about 6 minutes resulting in an 8-yard TD pass from QB Matt McGloin to Kyle Carter. Their first-half offense was thwarted, however, when they could not convert on 2 FG attempts. Drew Jarrett's 46-yard FG put Virginia on the scoreboard with 3:56 remaining in the first half. True freshman Steven Bench took over QB duties for Penn State late in the first half when McGloin left the field after being hit in the elbow on 2 consecutive series.
Virginia's opening drive of the second half resulted in a 1-yard TD pass from QB Michael Rocco to Jeremiah Mathis. Penn State's FG woes continued in the third quarter when Sam Ficken missed a 20-yard FG which would have tied the game. In the fourth quarter, McGloin completed a long pass to Allen Robinson, who made the diving catch but was shaken up after the play. Ficken's PAT attempt was blocked. Penn State's final scoring drive began when Michael Mauti recovered a Virginia fumble deep in UVA territory. On the ensuing drive, Ficken attempted a 32-yard field goal and, for the first time on the day, made it. Rocco's 6-yard pass to Jake McGee and the ensuing PAT gave Virginia a 1-point lead with 1:28 remaining in the contest. Ficken missed a 43-yard field goal as time expired.[16]

September 15 vs. Navy

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

at Beaver Stadium

  • Date: September 15
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 98,792
  • TV: ESPN2/ABC
Game information

In the game where new head coach Bill O'Brien celebrated his first victory at Penn State,[18] the Lions overpowered Navy 34–7. Senior quarterback Matt McGloin threw for 231 yards (13–21) and 4 touchdowns including three to sophomore wide receiver Allen Robinson who had 5 catches for 136 yards. For the second consecutive game, Penn State was without starting halfback Bill Belton. Fifth year senior Michael Zordich, who has spent his career at PSU playing fullback carried the ball 11 times for 50 yards. Teammate Curtis Dukes carried 11 times for 47 yards. Navy turned the ball over several times including a fumble which was recovered by Linebacker U Mike Hull and returned for a 74-yard touchdown. Gerald Hodges also recorded an interception.[19]

September 22 vs. Temple

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

at Beaver Stadium

  • Date: September 22
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 93,680
  • TV: ESPN2/ABC
Game information

Led by a strong effort by senior quarterback Matt McGloin who ran for two touchdowns and threw for another, the Lions defeated Temple 24–13. With running back Bill Belton out for the third straight game, it was up to McGloin to lead the team around the goal line. He did, with a one-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a two yarder. He also threw a touchdown to sophomore wide receiver Allen Robinson, who recorded 5 catches for 82 yards and a score. Sophomore Zach Zwinak saw the first extensive action of his career at running back; he ran for 94 yards on 18 carries. Fullback Michael Zordich added 15 carries of his own for 75 yards. Kicker Sam Ficken, who had missed 4 field goals and an extra point the previous week, converted on all 3 extra points and a 21-yard field goal. Defensively, the Lions were led by another strong effort from senior linebacker Michael Mauti, who recorded 9 tackles, and defensive tackle Jordan Hill, who added 7 tackles and a sack.[20]

September 29 at Illinois

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

at Memorial Stadium

Game information

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

October 6 vs. Northwestern

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

at Beaver Stadium

Game information

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

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

October 20 at Iowa

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

at Kinnick Stadium

Game information

October 27 vs. Ohio State

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

at Beaver Stadium

Game information

November 3 at Purdue

edit
Penn State at Purdue -Game Summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Penn State 10 10 14034
Purdue 3 0 069

at Ross–Ade Stadium

Game information

November 10 at Nebraska

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

at Memorial Stadium

Game information

November 17 vs. Indiana

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

at Beaver Stadium

Game information

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

November 24 vs. Wisconsin

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

at Beaver Stadium

Game information

Awards

edit

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

  • Bill O'Brien – Big Ten Coach of the Year, National Coach of the Year (ESPN, Maxwell Football Club, Bear Bryant Award)[23][24][25][26]
  • Matt McGloinBurlsworth Trophy (top player in college football who began his career as a walk-on); Honorable Mention All Big Ten
  • Zach Zwinak – Honorable Mention All Big Ten
  • Allen Robinson – First Team All Big Ten, Richter-Howard Receiver of the Year
  • Kyle Carter – First Team All Big Ten
  • Matt Stankiewitch – First Team All Big Ten
  • John Urschel – First Team All Big Ten
  • Mike Farrell – Honorable Mention All Big Ten
  • Sean Stanley – Honorable Mention All Big Ten
  • Deion Barnes – Honorable Mention All Big Ten, Thompson–Randle El Freshman of the Year[27]
  • Jordan Hill – First Team All Big Ten, Big Ten Sportsmanship Honoree
  • Michael Mauti – First Team All Big Ten, Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year, First Team All-American (ESPN)[23][24]
  • Gerald Hodges – Second Team All Big Ten
  • Adrian Amos – Honorable Mention All Big Ten
  • Stephon Morris – Honorable Mention All Big Ten

[28][29][30]

Post-season

edit

Four players were invited to the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine, held February 20 to 26 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana: Jordan Hill, Gerald Hodges, Michael Mauti, and Matt Stankiewitch.[31][32]

All-star games

edit
Game Date Site Players
2013 Casino del Sol College All-Star Game January 11, 2013 Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium
Tucson, Arizona
Mike Farrell[33]
2013 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl January 19, 2013 The Home Depot Center
Carson, California
Michael Zordich[34]
Sean Stanley[33]
Pete Massaro[35]
2013 East–West Shrine Game January 19, 2013 Tropicana Field
St. Petersburg, Florida
Gerald Hodges[36]
Matt Stankiewitch[36]
2013 Senior Bowl January 26, 2013 Ladd–Peebles Stadium,
Mobile, Alabama
Jordan Hill[34]
2013 Texas vs The Nation February 2, 2013 Allen, Texas Matt McGloin[34]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Penn State hires Bill O'Brien as coach". ESPN.com. January 6, 2011. Retrieved January 6, 2011.
  2. ^ "Penn State Selects Bill O'Brien To Lead Football Program". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. January 7, 2012. Archived from the original on November 21, 2016. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  3. ^ Juliano, Joe (August 7, 2012). "Penn State to Add Names to Back of Football Jerseys". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
  4. ^ "Northwestern Wildcats vs. Penn State Nttany Lions – Box Score". ESPN.com. October 6, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  5. ^ a b Giger, Corey (January 13, 2012). "O'Brien Completes Coaching Staff". Altoona Mirror. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  6. ^ a b Flounders, Bob (January 30, 2012). "Penn State Coach Bill O'Brien Adds Craig Fitzgerald, Jim Bernhardt to Nittany Lions' Coaching Staff". The Patriot-News. Retrieved January 30, 2012.
  7. ^ Flounders, Bob (January 11, 2012). "Reports: Penn State Head Coach Bill O'Brien Adds Assistant John Butler, A Coach With A Special Teams Background, to Nittany Lions' Staff". The Patriot-News. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  8. ^ Snyder, Audrey (February 18, 2012). "New Era Dawns at PSU". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Retrieved February 18, 2012.
  9. ^ a b c d Musselman, Ron (January 9, 2012). "Penn State's O'Brien Adds 4 More Assistants". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  10. ^ a b Mussleman, Ron (January 8, 2012). "PSU Hires Running Backs Coach". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  11. ^ "Q&A: Coach O'Brien". Fight On State. January 19, 2012. Archived from the original on January 19, 2012. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  12. ^ "Vanderlinden to Remain Assistant at PSU". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. January 8, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  13. ^ Moyer, Josh. "Penn State Nittany Lions' Shawney Kersey leaves team". ESPN. Retrieved September 17, 2012.
  14. ^ Moyer, Josh (September 26, 2012). "Penn State Nittany Lions' Paul Jones becomes latest to bolt from football team". NittanyNation – ESPN. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  15. ^ "Ohio Bobcats vs. Penn State Nittany Lions". Retrieved September 1, 2012.
  16. ^ "Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Virginia Cavaliers". USA Today. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
  17. ^ Penn State Alumni Association (September 17, 2012). "Penn State". Football Letter. 75 (3): 4. Retrieved September 20, 2012.
  18. ^ "United States Naval Academy Midshipment vs. Penn State Nittany Lions". USA Today. Retrieved September 15, 2012.
  19. ^ Armas, Genero (September 15, 2012). "Penn State Beats Navy 34–7 for Bill O'Brien's 1st Win". Huffington Post. Retrieved September 17, 2012.
  20. ^ "Temple Owls vs. Penn State Nittany Lions – Recap – September 22, 2012". ESPN. Retrieved September 23, 2012.
  21. ^ "CBSSports.com GameTracker". Football. Retrieved September 29, 2012.
  22. ^ "Penn State vs Nebraska (Nov 10, 2012)". Retrieved December 9, 2012.
  23. ^ a b Penn State Sports Information (December 8, 2012). "Mauti, O'Brien win national honors". BlueWhiteIllustrated,.com. Stats, LLC. Archived from the original on December 30, 2013. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
  24. ^ a b ESPN.com staff (December 8, 2012). "AT&T ESPN All-America Team". College Football Nation Blog – ESPN. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
  25. ^ Snyder, Audrey (December 19, 2012). "Bill O'Brien takes home the Maxwell Football Club's top collegiate coaching honor". The Patriot-News. Harrisburg. Retrieved December 20, 2012.
  26. ^ "Penn State's O'Brien wins 'Bear' Bryant award for coaching". NCAA Football – CBSSports.com News, Scores, Stats, Schedule and BCS Rankings. CBS Interactive. Retrieved January 18, 2013.
  27. ^ "Penn State's Deion Barnes wins Big Ten Freshman of the Year award". Centre Daily Times. State College, PA. November 27, 2012. Archived from the original on December 1, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
  28. ^ "Big Ten Award Winners" (PDF). Big Ten Football. Big Ten Conference. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 3, 2016. Retrieved November 27, 2012.
  29. ^ Gross, Mike (November 27, 2012). "Penn State's Mauti and Robinson win all-Big Ten honors". Lancaster New Era. Archived from the original on January 27, 2013. Retrieved November 27, 2012.
  30. ^ "2012 All-Big Ten Conference Football Teams". Big Ten Network. Big Ten Network. Retrieved November 27, 2012.
  31. ^ "Four Nittany Lions Invited to NFL Scouting Combine". Penn State Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. February 7, 2013. Archived from the original on February 11, 2013. Retrieved February 8, 2013.
  32. ^ Snyder, Audrey (February 7, 2013). "Invitation only: Four Penn State players receive invitations to NFL Scouting Combine". The Patriot-News. Harrisburg. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  33. ^ a b "Farrell and Stanley Earn All-Star Game Invites". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. January 4, 2013. Archived from the original on January 7, 2013. Retrieved January 5, 2013.
  34. ^ a b c Pickel, Greg (January 21, 2013). "Penn State Football: McGloin, Zordich, accept All-Star game bids". Bleacher Report.
  35. ^ "Massaro Third Nittany Lion Invited to NFLPA All-Star Game". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. January 13, 2013. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved January 14, 2013.
  36. ^ a b "Hodges and Stankiewitch Set to Play in 88th East-West Shrine Game". Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. January 10, 2013. Archived from the original on January 20, 2013. Retrieved January 11, 2013.