Penn State Nittany Lions football under Joe Paterno (as an Independent)

Joe Paterno is a former head coach of Penn State Nittany Lions football. Paterno served as head coach from the retirement of Rip Engle after the 1965 season until he was fired on November 9, 2011, in the wake of the Penn State sex abuse scandal.[1] His teams play their home games at Beaver Stadium in University Park, PA.

Penn State played as an independent until the 1992 season. In 1993, the Nittany Lions started playing a Big Ten Conference football schedule.

Contents

1966 season

1966 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Conference Independent
1966 record 5–5
Head coach Joe Paterno
Captain Mike Irwin
Captain John Runnells
Seasons
« 1965 1967 »
Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 17, 1966 Maryland Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 15–7   40,911
September 24, 1966 at #1 Michigan State Spartan Stadium • East Lansing, MI L 8–42   64,860
October 1, 1966 at Army Michie Stadium • West Point, NY L 0–11   31,112
October 8, 1966 Boston College Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 30–21   30,924
October 15, 1966 at #4 UCLA Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum • Los Angeles, CA L 11–49   37,271
October 22, 1966 at West Virginia Mountaineer Field • Morgantown, WV W 38–6   15,835
October 29, 1966 Cal Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 33–15   33,332
November 5, 1966 Syracuse Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC Regional L 10–12   45,126
November 12, 1966 at #5 Georgia Tech Bobby Dodd Stadium • Atlanta, GA L 0–21   50,172
November 19, 1966 at Pittsburgh Pitt Stadium • Pittsburgh, PA W 48–24   30,467
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL/AFL Common Draft

Three Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1967 NFL/AFL Common Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
2nd 27 53 Dave Rowe Defensive tackle New Orleans Saints
10th 20 257 John Runnells – Boston Patriots
16th 22 415 Mike Irwin – Buffalo Bills


1967 season

1967 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy
Gator Bowl, tied Florida State, 17–17
Conference Independent
Ranking
AP #10
1967 record 8–2–1
Head coach Joe Paterno
Captain Jim Litterelle
Seasons
« 1966 1968 »
Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 23, 1967 at Navy Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium • Annapolis, MD ABC Regional L 22–23   20,101
September 29, 1967 at Miami Miami Orange Bowl • Miami, FL W 17–8   39,516
October 7, 1967 #4 UCLA Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA L 15–17   46,007
October 14, 1967 at Boston College Alumni Stadium • Chestnut Hill, MA W 50–28   15,500
October 21, 1967 West Virginia Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 21–14   44,460
October 28, 1967 at Syracuse Archbold Stadium • Syracuse, NY W 29–20   41,750
November 4, 1967 at Maryland Byrd Stadium • College Park, MD W 38–3   34,700
November 11, 1967 #3 North Carolina State Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 13–8   46,497
November 18, 1967 Ohio Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 35–14   29,556
November 25, 1967 Pittsburgh Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 42–6   36,008
December 30, 1967 vs. Florida State Gator Bowl Stadium • Jacksonville, FL (Gator Bowl) ABC National T 17–17   68,019
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL/AFL Common Draft

Three Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1968 NFL/AFL Common Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
2nd 14 41 Rich Buzin Offensive tackle New York Giants
2nd 16 43 Bill Lenkaitis Center San Diego Chargers
5th 8 119 Mike McBath Defensive end Buffalo Bills


1968 season

1968 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy
Orange Bowl, defeated Kansas, 15–14
Conference Independent
Ranking
Coaches #3
AP #2
1968 record 11–0
Head coach Joe Paterno
Captain John Kulka
Captain Mike Reid
Captain Steve Smear
Seasons
« 1967 1969 »

The 1968 team was Paterno's first perfect season. Despite going 11–0, the Nittany Lions finished behind 9–0 Ohio State and 9–0–1 USC in both polls.

Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 21, 1968 Navy #10 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 31–6   49,273
September 28, 1968 Kansas State #4 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 25–9   45,024
October 5, 1968 at West Virginia #3 Mountaineer Field • Morgantown, WV W 31–20   34,500
October 12, 1968 at UCLA #3 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum • Los Angeles, CA ABC Regional W 21–6   35,772
October 26, 1968 at Boston College #4 Alumni Stadium • Chestnut Hill, MA W 29–0   25,272
November 2, 1968 Army #4 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 28–24   49,653
November 9, 1968 Miami #4 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 22–7   50,132
November 16, 1968 at Maryland #3 Byrd Stadium • College Park, MD W 57–13   30,000
November 23, 1968 at Pittsburgh #3 Pitt Stadium • Pittsburgh, PA W 65–9   31,224
December 7, 1968 Syracuse #3 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC National W 30–12   41,393
January 1, 1969 vs. #6 Kansas #3 Miami Orange Bowl • Miami, FL (Orange Bowl) NBC W 15–14   77,719
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL/AFL Common Draft

Five Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1969 NFL/AFL Common Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
1st 7 7 Ted Kwalick Tight end San Francisco 49ers
2nd 12 38 Dave Bradley Offensive guard Green Bay Packers
4th 4 82 Bob Campbell Wide receiver Pittsburgh Steelers
7th 18 174 John Kulka – Miami Dolphins
15th 3 367 Leon Angevine – Philadelphia Eagles


1969 season

1969 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy
Orange Bowl, defeated Missouri, 10–3
Conference Independent
Ranking
Coaches #2
AP #2
1969 record 11–0
Head coach Joe Paterno
Captain Tom Jackson
Captain Mike Reid
Captain Steve Smear
Seasons
« 1968 1970 »

Despite posting its second consecutive undefeated, untied season, the Nittany Lions did not have a shot at the national championship. President Richard Nixon said that he would consider the winner of the December 6 matchup between the Texas Longhorns and the Arkansas Razorbacks, then ranked at the top of the polls, and the real voters do not seem to have differed. At the time, national champions were selected before bowl games were played. Paterno, at the 1973 commencement, was quoted saying, "I'd like to know how could the president know so little about Watergate in 1973 and so much about college football in 1969?"[2]

Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 20, 1969 at Navy #3 Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium • Annapolis, MD W 45–22   28,796
September 27, 1969 Colorado #2 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 27–3   51,402
October 4, 1969 at Kansas State #2 KSU Stadium • Manhattan, KS W 17–14   37,000
October 11, 1969 #17 West Virginia #5 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 20–0   52,713
October 18, 1969 at Syracuse #5 Archbold Stadium • Syracuse, NY W 15–14   42,291
October 25, 1969 Ohio #8 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 42–3   49,069
November 1, 1969 Boston College #5 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA CBS W 38–16   46,652
November 15, 1969 Maryland #5 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 48–0   46,106
November 22, 1969 at Pittsburgh #4 Pitt Stadium • Pittsburgh, PA W 27–7   39,517
November 29, 1969 at North Carolina State #3 Carter Stadium • Raleigh, North Carolina ABC National W 33–8   24,150
January 1, 1970 vs. #6 Missouri #2 Miami Orange Bowl • Miami, FL (Orange Bowl) NBC W 10–3   77,282
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Eight Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1970 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
1st 7 7 Mike Reid Defensive tackle Cincinnati Bengals
3rd 6 58 Charlie Pittman Running back St. Louis Cardinals
3rd 20 72 Dennis Onkotz Linebacker New York Jets
4th 17 95 Steve Smear – Baltimore Colts
4th 20 98 John Ebersole Linebacker New York Jets
7th 23 179 Don Abbey – Dallas Cowboys
8th 17 199 Paul Johnson – Washington Redskins
12th 17 303 James Kates – Washington Redskins

Awards

Maxwell Award
Outland Trophy


1970 season

1970 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Conference Independent
Ranking
Coaches #19
AP #18
1970 record 7–3
Head coach Joe Paterno
Captain Jack Ham
Captain Warren Koegel
Seasons
« 1969 1971 »
Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 19, 1970 Navy #7 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 55–7   48,566
September 26, 1970 at #18 Colorado #4 Folsom Field • Boulder, CO ABC National L 13–41   42,850
October 3, 1970 at Wisconsin #16 Camp Randall Stadium • Madison, WI L 16–29   55,204
October 10, 1970 at Boston College Alumni Stadium • Chestnut Hill, MA W 28–3   25,252
October 17, 1970 Syracuse Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA L 7–24   50,540
October 24, 1970 at Army Michie Stadium • West Point, NY ABC Regional W 38–14   41,062
October 31, 1970 West Virginia Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 42–8   49,932
November 7, 1970 at Maryland Byrd Stadium • College Park, MD W 34–0   23,400
November 14, 1970 Ohio Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 32–22   43,000
November 21, 1970 Pittsburgh #20 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 35–15   50,017
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Four Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1971 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
2nd 8 34 Jack Ham Linebacker Pittsburgh Steelers
3rd 21 73 Warren Koegel Center Oakland Raiders
11th 22 282 Vic Surma – Miami Dolphins
16th 24 414 Greg Edmonds – Minnesota Vikings


1971 season

1971 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy
Cotton Bowl Classic, defeated Texas, 30–6
Conference Independent
Ranking
Coaches #11
AP #5
1971 record 11–1
Head coach Joe Paterno
Captain Dave Joyner
Captain Charlie Zapiec
Seasons
« 1970 1972 »
Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 18, 1971 at Navy #14 Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium • Annapolis, MD W 56–3   26,855
September 25, 1971 at Iowa #12 Kinnick Stadium • Iowa City, IA ABC Regional W 44–14   44,303
October 2, 1971 Air Force #9 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 16–14   50,459
October 9, 1971 Army #9 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 42–0   49,887
October 16, 1971 at Syracuse #9 Archbold Stadium • Syracuse, NY W 31–0   41,382
October 23, 1971 TCU #7 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 66–14   51,896
October 30, 1971 at West Virginia #6 Mountaineer Field • Morgantown, WV W 35–7   37,000
November 6, 1971 Maryland #6 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 63–27   50,144
November 13, 1971 North Carolina State #5 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 35–3   50,477
November 20, 1971 at Pittsburgh #6 Pitt Stadium • Pittsburgh, PA W 55–18   39,539
December 4, 1971 at #12 Tennessee #5 Neyland Stadium • Knoxville, TN ABC National L 11–31   59,542
January 1, 1972 vs. #12 Texas #10 Cotton Bowl • Dallas, TX (Cotton Bowl Classic) CBS W 30–6   72,000
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Four Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1972 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
1st 13 13 Franco Harris Running back Pittsburgh Steelers
2nd 22 48 Lydell Mitchell Running back Baltimore Colts
4th 15 93 Charles Zapiec – Dallas Cowboys
5th 13 117 Bob Parsons Punter Chicago Bears


1972 season

1972 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy
Sugar Bowl, lost to Oklahoma
Conference Independent
Ranking
Coaches #8
AP #10
1972 record 10–2
Head coach Joe Paterno
Captain Gregg Ducatte
Captain Jim Heller
Captain John Hufnagel
Captain Carl Schaukowitch
Seasons
« 1971 1973 »

As a result of using ineligible players, the Oklahoma Sooners were ordered to forfeit seven wins from their 1972 season, including their on-field win over the Nittany Lions. However, Paterno and Penn State refused to accept the forfeit, and the bowl game is officially recorded as a loss.[3]

Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 16, 1972 at #7 Tennessee #6 Neyland Stadium • Knoxville, TN L 21–28   71,647
September 23, 1972 Navy #11 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 21–10   50,547
September 30, 1972 Iowa #13 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 14–10   58,065
October 7, 1972 at Illinois #16 Memorial Stadium • Champaign, IL W 35–17   60,349
October 14, 1972 at Army #15 Michie Stadium • West Point, NY W 45–0   42,352
October 21, 1972 Syracuse #12 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 17–0   60,465
October 28, 1972 at West Virginia #11 Mountaineer Field • Morgantown, WV ABC Regional W 28–19   37,000
November 4, 1972 Maryland #10 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 46–16   58,171
November 11, 1972 North Carolina State #10 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 37–22   54,274
November 18, 1972 at Boston College #6 Alumni Stadium • Chestnut Hill, MA W 45–26   23,119
November 25, 1972 Pittsburgh #6 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 49–27   38,600
December 31, 1972 vs. #2 Oklahoma #5 Tulane Stadium • New Orleans, LA (Sugar Bowl) ABC National L 0–14   80,123
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Five Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1973 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
3rd 19 71 Jim Laslavic Linebacker Detroit Lions
5th 12 116 Bruce Bannon Linebacker New York Jets
6th 6 136 John Skorupan Linebacker Buffalo Bills
14th 10 348 John Hufnagel Quarterback Denver Broncos
15th 17 381 Carl Schaukowitch Offensive guard New York Giants

Awards

Walter Camp Coach of the Year


1973 season

1973 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy
Orange Bowl, W 13–9 vs. LSU
Conference Independent
Ranking
Coaches #5
AP #5
1973 record 12–0
Head coach Joe Paterno
Captain John Cappelletti
Captain Randy Crowder
Captain Mark Markovich
Captain Ed O'Neil
Seasons
« 1972 1974 »

Penn State's third undefeated season under Joe Paterno was led by John Cappelletti who would become the first Penn State player to win the Heisman Trophy.

Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 15 at Stanford #7 Stanford Stadium • Stanford, CA ABC National W 20–6   57,000
September 22 at Navy #7 Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium • Annapolis, MD W 39–0   28,383
September 29 Iowa #6 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 27–8   59,980
October 6 at Air Force #7 Falcon Stadium • Colorado Springs, CO ABC Regional W 19–9   37,077
October 13 Army #7 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 54–3   58,194
October 20 at Syracuse #5 Archbold Stadium • Syracuse, NY W 49–6   27,595
October 27 West Virginia #5 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 62–14   59,138
November 3 at Maryland #6 Byrd Stadium • College Park, MD W 42–22   44,135
November 10 North Carolina State #6 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 35–29   59,424
November 17 Ohio #6 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 49–10   51,804
November 24 #20 Pittsburgh #6 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 35–13   56,600
January 1 vs. #13 LSU #6 Miami Orange Bowl • Miami, FL (Orange Bowl) NBC W 16–9   60,477
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

Statistics

Passing

Player Comp Att Yards TD INT
Shuman 83 161 1,375 13 5
Barvinchak 8 15 163 1 2
Cappelletti 1 2 17 0 0
Clark 1 4 −3 0 0
Petchel 0 1 0 0 0

[4]

NFL Draft

Ten Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1974 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
1st 8 8 Ed O'Neil Linebacker Detroit Lions
1st 11 11 John Cappelletti Running back Los Angeles Rams
2nd 1 27 Doug Allen Linebacker Buffalo Bills
2nd 15 41 Charlie Getty Offensive tackle Kansas City Chiefs
2nd 17 43 Mark Markovich Center San Diego Chargers
5th 2 106 Gary Hayman Running back Buffalo Bills
6th 6 136 Randy Crowder Defensive tackle Miami Dolphins
9th 9 217 Phil LaPorta Offensive tackle New Orleans Saints
10th 22 256 Chuck Herd – Cincinnati Bengals
12th 8 294 Tom Hull Linebacker San Francisco 49ers

Awards

Heisman Trophy
Maxwell Award
Walter Camp Award


1974 season

1974 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy
Cotton Bowl Classic, defeated Baylor 41–20
Conference Independent
Ranking
Coaches #7
AP #7
1974 record 10–2
Head coach Joe Paterno
Captain Jack Baiorunos
Captain Jim Bradley
Seasons
« 1973 1975 »
Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 14, 1974 #20 Stanford #8 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC National W 24–20   58,200
September 21, 1974 Navy #8 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA L 6–7   42,000
September 28, 1974 at Iowa #19 Kinnick Stadium • Iowa City, IA W 27–0   46,500
October 5, 1974 at Army #15 Michie Stadium • West Point, NY W 21–14   41,221
October 12, 1974 Wake Forest #15 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 55–0   56,500
October 19, 1974 Syracuse #11 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 30–14   59,100
October 26, 1974 at West Virginia #10 Mountaineer Field • Morgantown, WV W 21–12   34,500
November 2, 1974 #15 Maryland #10 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC Regional W 24–17   60,125
November 9, 1974 at North Carolina State #7 Carter-Finley Stadium • Raleigh, North Carolina L 7–12   47,700
November 16, 1974 Ohio #11 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 35–16   58,700
November 28, 1974 at #18 Pittsburgh #10 Three Rivers Stadium • Pittsburgh, PA ABC National W 31–10   48,895
January 1, 1975 vs. #12 Baylor #7 Cotton Bowl • Dallas, TX (Cotton Bowl Classic) CBS W 41–20   67,500
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Ten Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1975 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
2nd 5 31 Mike Hartenstine Defensive end Chicago Bears
4th 3 81 John Nessel – Atlanta Falcons
4th 24 102 Tom Donchez Running back Buffalo Bills
6th 12 142 Tom Shuman – Cincinnati Bengals
7th 14 170 Chris Devlin Linebacker Cincinnati Bengals
8th 16 198 Jeff Bleamer Offensive tackle Philadelphia Eagles
9th 15 223 Dan Natale – San Francisco 49ers
10th 22 256 Joe Jackson – Miami Dolphins
12th 16 312 Greg Murphy – Pittsburgh Steelers
17th 5 421 Dave Graf Linebacker Cleveland Browns


1975 season

1975 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy
Sugar Bowl, lost to Alabama 13–6
Conference Independent
Ranking
Coaches #10
AP #10
1975 record 9–3
Head coach Joe Paterno
Captain Greg Buttle
Captain John Quinn
Captain Tom Rafferty
Seasons
« 1974 1976 »
Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 6, 1975 at Temple #6 Franklin Field • Philadelphia, PA W 26–25   57,112
September 13, 1975 Stanford #10 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 34–14   61,325
September 20, 1975 at #3 Ohio State #7 Ohio Stadium • Columbus, OH L 9–17   88,093
September 27, 1975 at Iowa #12 Kinnick Stadium • Iowa City, IA W 30–10   52,780
October 4, 1975 Kentucky #10 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 10–3   60,225
October 11, 1975 #10 West Virginia #9 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 39–0   59,658
October 18, 1975 at Syracuse #9 Archbold Stadium • Syracuse, NY W 19–7   28,153
October 25, 1975 Army #9 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 31–0   59,381
November 1, 1975 at #14 Maryland #9 Byrd Stadium • College Park, MD W 15–13   59,973
November 8, 1975 North Carolina State #8 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA L 14–15   59,536
November 22, 1975 at #17 Pittsburgh #10 Three Rivers Stadium • Pittsburgh, PA ABC National W 7–6   46,846
December 31, 1975 vs. #4 Alabama #8 Louisiana Superdome • New Orleans, LA (Sugar Bowl) ABC National L 6–13   75,212
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Four Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1976 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
2nd 23 51 Chris Bahr Kicker Cincinnati Bengals
3rd 7 67 Greg Buttle Linebacker New York Jets
3rd 10 70 Ron Coder Defensive tackle Pittsburgh Steelers
4th 27 119 Tom Rafferty Center Dallas Cowboys


1976 season

1976 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Gator Bowl, lost to Notre Dame 20–9
Conference Independent
1976 record 7–5
Head coach Joe Paterno
Seasons
« 1975 1977 »
Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 11, 1976 Stanford #10 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 15–12   61,645
September 18, 1976 #2 Ohio State #7 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC Regional L 7–12   62,503
September 25, 1976 Iowa #11 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA L 6–7   61,268
October 2, 1976 at Kentucky #20 Commonwealth Stadium • Lexington, KY L 6–22   57,723
October 9, 1976 Army Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 38–16   60,436
October 16, 1976 Syracuse Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 27–3   61,474
October 23, 1976 at West Virginia Mountaineer Field • Morgantown, WV W 33–0   37,762
October 30, 1976 at Temple Veterans Stadium • Philadelphia, PA W 31–30   42,005
November 6, 1976 North Carolina State Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 41–20   60,426
November 13, 1976 at Miami Miami Orange Bowl • Miami, FL W 21–7   19,627
November 26, 1976 at #1 Pittsburgh #16 Three Rivers Stadium • Pittsburgh, PA ABC National L 7–24   50,360
December 27, 1976 vs. #15 Notre Dame #20 Gator Bowl Stadium • Jacksonville, FL (Gator Bowl) ABC National L 9–20   67,827
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Four Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1977 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
2nd 10 38 George Reihner Offensive guard Houston Oilers
3rd 22 78 Kurt Allerman Linebacker St. Louis Cardinals
5th 2 114 Ron Crosby Linebacker Detroit Lions
8th 24 219 Brad Benson Offensive tackle New England Patriots


1977 season

1977 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy
Fiesta Bowl, beat Arizona State 42–30
Conference Independent
Ranking
Coaches #4
AP #5
1977 record 11–1
Head coach Joe Paterno
Defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky
Captain John Dunn
Captain Steve Geise
Captain Ron Hostetler
Captain Randy Sidler
Seasons
« 1976 1978 »
Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 2, 1977 at Rutgers #13 Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, NJ W 45–7   64,790
September 17, 1977 Houston #10 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 31–14   62,554
September 24, 1977 Maryland #5 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC Regional W 27–9   62,079
October 1, 1977 Kentucky #4 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA L 20–24   62,196
October 8, 1977 Utah State #10 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 16–7   62,015
October 15, 1977 at Syracuse #10 Archbold Stadium • Syracuse, NY W 31–24   27,029
October 22, 1977 West Virginia #10 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 49–28   62,108
October 29, 1977 Miami #9 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 49–7   61,853
November 5, 1977 at North Carolina State #9 Carter-Finley Stadium • Raleigh, North Carolina W 21–17   44,800
November 12, 1977 Temple #9 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 44–7   61,327
November 26, 1977 at #10 Pittsburgh #9 Pitt Stadium • Pittsburgh, PA ABC National W 15–13   56,500
December 25, 1977 vs. #15 Arizona State #9 Sun Devil Stadium • Tempe, AZ (Fiesta Bowl) CBS W 42–30   57,766
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Seven Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1978 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
3rd 5 61 Mickey Shuler Tight end New York Jets
3rd 25 81 Jimmy Cefalo Wide receiver Miami Dolphins
5th 4 113 Randy Sidler – New York Jets
6th 17 155 Steve Geise – Cincinnati Bengals
9th 5 227 Neil Hutton – New York Jets
10th 17 267 Tom DePaso Linebacker Cincinnati Bengals
11th 25 303 Ron Hostetler – Los Angeles Rams


1978 season

1978 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy
Sugar Bowl, lost to Alabama 14–7
Conference Independent
Ranking
Coaches #4
AP #4
1978 record 11–1
Head coach Joe Paterno
Defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky
Captain Chuck Fusina
Captain Paul Suhey
Seasons
« 1977 1979 »
See also: 1979 Sugar Bowl
Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 1, 1978 at Temple #3 Veterans Stadium • Philadelphia, PA W 10–7   53,103
September 9, 1978 Rutgers #3 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 26–10   77,154
September 16, 1978 at #6 Ohio State #5 Ohio Stadium • Columbus, OH ABC Regional W 19–0   88,202
September 23, 1978 SMU #3 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 26–21   77,704
September 30, 1978 TCU #5 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 58–0   76,832
October 7, 1978 at Kentucky #5 Commonwealth Stadium • Lexington, KY W 30–0   58,068
October 21, 1978 Syracuse #2 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 45–15   77,827
October 28, 1978 at West Virginia #2 Mountaineer Field • Morgantown, WV W 49–21   34,010
November 4, 1978 #5 Maryland #2 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC Regional W 27–3   78,019
November 11, 1978 North Carolina State #2 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 19–10   77,043
November 24, 1978 #15 Pittsburgh #1 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC National W 17–10   77,465
January 1, 1979 vs. #2 Alabama #1 Louisiana Superdome • New Orleans, LA (Sugar Bowl) ABC National L 7–14   76,824
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Nine Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1979 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
1st 10 10 Keith Dorney Offensive tackle Detroit Lions
4th 14 96 Eric Cunningham Offensive guard New York Jets
5th 16 126 Scott Fitzkee Wide receiver Philadelphia Eagles
5th 23 133 Chuck Fusina Quarterback Tampa Bay Buccaneers
6th 8 145 Bob Torrey Runningback New York Giants
6th 28 165 Matt Bahr Kicker Pittsburgh Steelers
7th 17 182 Rich Milot Linebacker Washington Redskins
8th 4 196 Chuck Correal Center Philadelphia Eagles
10th 6 265 Tony Petruccio – San Diego Chargers

Awards

Lombardi Award
Maxwell Award
Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year


1979 season

1979 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Liberty Bowl, defeated Tulane
Conference Independent
Ranking
Coaches #18
AP #20
1979 record 8–4
Head coach Joe Paterno
Defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky
Seasons
« 1978 1980 »
Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 15, 1979 Rutgers #7 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 45–10   77,309
September 22, 1979 Texas A&M #6 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA L 14–27   77,575
September 29, 1979 at #6 Nebraska #18 Memorial Stadium • Lincoln, NE ABC Regional L 17–42   76,151
October 6, 1979 at Maryland Byrd Stadium • College Park, MD W 27–7   52,348
October 13, 1979 Army Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 24–3   77,157
October 20, 1979 vs. Syracuse Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, NJ W 35–7   53,789
October 27, 1979 West Virginia Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 31–6   77,923
November 3, 1979 Miami (FL) #19 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA L 10–26   75,332
November 10, 1979 at North Carolina State Carter-Finley Stadium • Raleigh, NC W 9–7   51,200
November 17, 1979 Temple #18 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 22–7   76,000
December 1, 1979 #11 Pittsburgh #19 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC National L 14–29   76,958
December 22, 1979 vs. #15 Tulane Memphis Memorial Stadium • Memphis, TN (Liberty Bowl) ABC National W 9–6   50,021
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Seven Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1980 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
1st 4 4 Bruce Clark Defensive tackle Green Bay Packers
2nd 15 43 Matt Millen Linebacker Oakland Raiders
2nd 18 46 Matt Suhey Running back Chicago Bears
2nd 22 50 Irvin Pankey Offensive tackle Los Angeles Rams
3rd 13 69 Lance Mehl Linebacker New York Jets
6th 16 154 Mike Guman Running back Los Angeles Rams
9th 9 230 Tom Donovan Wide receiver Kansas City Chiefs


1980 season

1980 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Fiesta Bowl, defeated Ohio State
Conference Independent
Ranking
Coaches #8
AP #8
1980 record 10–2
Head coach Joe Paterno
Defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky
Seasons
« 1979 1981 »
Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 6, 1980 Colgate #18 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 54–10   78,926
September 20, 1980 at Texas A&M #12 Kyle Field • College Station, TX ESPN (tape delay) W 25–9   66,234
September 27, 1980 #3 Nebraska #11 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC National L 7–21   84,585
October 4, 1980 at #9 Missouri #17 Faurot Field • Columbia, MO ESPN (tape delay) W 29–21   75,298
October 11, 1980 at Maryland #14 Byrd Stadium • College Park, MD W 24–10   48,123
October 18, 1980 Syracuse #12 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 24–7   84,000
October 25, 1980 at West Virginia #13 Mountaineer Field • Morgantown, WV W 20–15   49,000
November 1, 1980 Miami #13 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 27–12   83,661
November 8, 1980 North Carolina State #10 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 21–13   83,847
November 15, 1980 at Temple #9 Veterans Stadium • Philadelphia, PA W 50–7   49,313
November 28, 1980 #4 Pittsburgh #5 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC National L 9–14   82,459
December 26, 1980 vs. #11 Ohio State #10 Sun Devil Stadium • Tempe, AZ (Fiesta Bowl) NBC W 31–19   66,738
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Seven Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1981 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
1st 28 28 Booker Moore Running back Buffalo Bills
3rd 2 58 Bill Dugan Offensive guard Seattle Seahawks
6th 9 147 Pete Kugler Nose tackle San Francisco 49ers
6th 10 148 Larry Kubin Linebacker Washington Redskins
7th 20 186 Brad Scovill – Seattle Seahawks
8th 21 214 Gene Gladys – New Orleans Saints
11th 13 289 Frank Case Defensive end Kansas City Chiefs


1981 season

1981 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy
Fiesta Bowl, defeated USC
Conference Independent
Ranking
Coaches #3
AP #3
1981 record 10–2
Head coach Joe Paterno
Offensive coordinator Dick Anderson
Defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky
Seasons
« 1980 1982 »
Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 12, 1981 Cincinnati #9 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ESPN (tape delay) W 52–0   84,342
September 26, 1981 at #15 Nebraska #3 Memorial Stadium • Lincoln, NE ESPN (tape delay) W 30–24   76,308
October 3, 1981 at Temple #2 Veterans Stadium • Philadelphia, PA W 30–0   84,562
October 10, 1981 Boston College #2 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ESPN (tape delay) W 38–7   84,473
October 17, 1981 at Syracuse #2 Carrier Dome • Syracuse, NY W 41–16   50,037
October 24, 1981 West Virginia #1 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ESPN (tape delay) W 30–7   85,012
October 31, 1981 at Miami #1 Miami Orange Bowl • Miami, FL ABC National L 14–17   32,117
November 7, 1981 at North Carolina State #6 Carter-Finley Stadium • Raleigh, NC W 22–15   48,800
November 14, 1981 #6 Alabama #5 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC Regional L 16–31   85,133
November 21, 1981 Notre Dame #13 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ESPN (tape delay) W 24–21   84,175
November 28, 1981 at #1 Pittsburgh #11 Pitt Stadium • Pittsburgh, PA ABC National W 48–14   60,260
January 1, 1982 vs. #8 USC #7 Sun Devil Stadium • Tempe, AZ (Fiesta Bowl) NBC W 26–10   71,053
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Ten Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1982 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
1st 8 8 Mike Munchak Offensive guard Houston Oilers
1st 17 17 Sean Farrell Offensive guard Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2nd 1 28 Leo Wisniewski Nose tackle Baltimore Colts
2nd 10 37 Jim Romano Center Los Angeles Raiders
3rd 23 78 Vyto Kab Tight end Philadelphia Eagles
3rd 25 80 Paul Lankford Defensive back Miami Dolphins
5th 15 126 Mike Meade Running back Green Bay Packers
6th 13 152 Chet Parlavecchio Linebacker Green Bay Packers
9th 11 234 Matt Bradley – Houston Oilers
10th 12 263 Rich D'Amico – Los Angeles Raiders

Awards

Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award


1982 season

1982 Penn State Nittany Lions football
National Champions
Sugar Bowl, defeated Georgia
Conference Independent
Ranking
Coaches #1
AP #1
1982 record 11–1
Head coach Joe Paterno
Offensive coordinator Dick Anderson
Defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky
Seasons
« 1981 1983 »
See also: 1983 Sugar Bowl

Penn State defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 27–23 in the 1983 Sugar Bowl to win Paterno's first consensus national championship.

Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 4, 1982 Temple #8 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ESPN (tape delay) W 31–14   80,000
September 11, 1982 Maryland #7 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 39–31   84,597
September 18, 1982 Rutgers #8 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 49–14   83,268
September 25, 1982 #2 Nebraska #8 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA CBS W 27–24   85,304
October 9, 1982 at #4 Alabama #3 Legion Field • Birmingham, AL CBS L 21–42   76,821
October 16, 1982 Syracuse #8 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 28–7   84,762
October 23, 1982 at #13 West Virginia #9 Mountaineer Field • Morgantown, WV W 24–0   60,958
October 30, 1982 at Boston College #8 Alumni Stadium • Chestnut Hill, MA W 52–17   33,205
November 6, 1982 North Carolina State #7 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 54–0   84,837
November 13, 1982 at #13 Notre Dame #5 Notre Dame Stadium • Notre Dame, IN ABC Regional W 24–14   59,075
November 26, 1982 #5 Pittsburgh #2 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC National W 19–10   85,522
January 1, 1983 vs. #1 Georgia #2 Louisiana Superdome • New Orleans, LA (Sugar Bowl) ABC National W 27–23   78,124
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Nine Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1983 NFL Draft.

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Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
1st 3 3 Curt Warner Running back Seattle Seahawks
1st 7 7 Todd Blackledge Quarterback Kansas City Chiefs
3rd 17 73 Walker Lee Ashley Linebacker Minnesota Vikings
4th 4 88 Mike McCloskey Tight end Houston Oilers
5th 10 122 Bill Contz Offensive tackle Cleveland Browns
5th 28 140 Gregg Garrity Wide receiver Pittsburgh Steelers
10th 8 261 Dave Laube – Detroit Lions
10th 10 263 Pete Speros – Seattle Seahawks

Awards

Davey O'Brien Award
Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year
Nittany Lion of the Year


1983 season

1983 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Aloha Bowl, defeated Washington
Conference Independent
Ranking
Coaches #17
1983 record 8–4–1
Head coach Joe Paterno
Offensive coordinator Dick Anderson
Defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky
Seasons
« 1982 1984 »
Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
August 29, 1983 vs. #1 Nebraska #4 Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, NJ (Kickoff Classic) KATZ L 6–44   71,123
September 10, 1983 Cincinnati #20 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA L 3–14   83,683
September 17, 1983 #13 Iowa Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA L 34–42   84,628
September 24, 1983 at Temple Veterans Stadium • Philadelphia, PA W 23–18   35,760
October 1, 1983 at Rutgers Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, NJ W 36–25   32,804
October 8, 1983 #3 Alabama Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA CBS W 34–28   85,614
October 15, 1983 at Syracuse Carrier Dome • Syracuse, NY W 17–6   50,010
October 22, 1983 #4 West Virginia Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 41–23   86,309
October 29, 1983 at #19 Boston College Sullivan Stadium • Foxborough, MA ABC Regional L 17–27   56,188
November 5, 1983 Brown Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 38–21   84,670
November 12, 1983 Notre Dame Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ESPN (tape delay) W 34–30   85,899
November 19, 1983 at #17 Pittsburgh Pitt Stadium • Pittsburgh, PA T 24–24   60,283
December 26, 1983 vs. Washington Aloha Stadium • Honolulu, HI (Aloha Bowl) ESPN W 13–10   37,212
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Eight Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1984 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
1st 4 4 Kenny Jackson Wide receiver Philadelphia Eagles
2nd 6 34 Scott Radecic Linebacker Kansas City Chiefs
3rd 14 70 Jon Williams Running back New England Patriots
4th 6 90 Mark Robinson Defensive back Kansas City Chiefs
4th 28 112 Ron Heller Offensive tackle Tampa Bay Buccaneers
7th 8 176 Harry Hamilton Defensive back New York Jets
8th 1 197 Kevin Baugh – Houston Oilers
9th 18 242 George Reynolds – Los Angeles Rams


1984 season

1984 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Conference Independent
1984 record 6–5
Head coach Joe Paterno
Offensive coordinator Fran Ganter
Defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky
Seasons
« 1983 1985 »
Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 8, 1984 Rutgers #11 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 15–12   84,409
September 15, 1984 at #5 Iowa #12 Kinnick Stadium • Iowa City, IA W 20–17   66,145
September 22, 1984 William & Mary #7 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 56–18   84,704
September 29, 1984 vs. #2 Texas #4 Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, NJ ESPN L 3–28   76,883
October 6, 1984 Maryland #11 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ESPN W 25–24   85,486
October 13, 1984 at Alabama #11 Bryant-Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL L 0–6   60,210
October 20, 1984 Syracuse #19 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 21–3   85,850
October 27, 1984 at #18 West Virginia #19 Mountaineer Field • Morgantown, WV ESPN L 14–17   64,879
November 3, 1984 #9 Boston College Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC National W 37–30   85,690
November 17, 1984 at Notre Dame Notre Dame Stadium • Notre Dame, IN ESPN L 7–44   59,075
November 24, 1984 Pittsburgh Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA L 11–31   85,499
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Four Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1985 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
6th 6 146 Stan Short – Detroit Lions
7th 24 192 Nick Haden Offensive guard Los Angeles Raiders
9th 22 246 Chris Sydnor – Los Angeles Raiders
12th 20 328 Tony Mumford Running back New England Patriots


1985 season

1985 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Orange Bowl, lost to Oklahoma
Conference Independent
Ranking
Coaches #3
AP #3
1985 record 11–1
Head coach Joe Paterno
Offensive coordinator Fran Ganter
Defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky
Seasons
« 1984 1986 »
Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 7, 1985 at #7 Maryland #19 Byrd Stadium • College Park, MD W 20–18   50,750
September 14, 1985 Temple #11 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 27–25   84,651
September 21, 1985 East Carolina #10 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 17–10   84,266
September 28, 1985 at Rutgers #9 Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, NJ W 17–10   54,560
October 12, 1985 #10 Alabama #8 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC National W 19–17   85,444
October 19, 1985 at Syracuse #6 Carrier Dome • Syracuse, NY W 24–20   50,021
October 26, 1985 West Virginia #3 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC Regional W 27–0   85,534
November 2, 1985 Boston College #3 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 16–12   82,000
November 9, 1985 at Cincinnati #2 Riverfront Stadium • Cincinnati, OH W 31–10   33,528
November 16, 1985 Notre Dame #1 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC Regional W 36–6   84,000
November 23, 1985 at Pittsburgh #1 Pitt Stadium • Pittsburgh, PA ESPN W 31–0   60,134
January 1, 1986 vs. #3 Oklahoma #1 Miami Orange Bowl • Miami, FL (Orange Bowl) NBC L 10–25   74,148
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Three Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1986 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
4th 23 105 Rogers Alexander Linebacker New York Jets
7th 2 168 Bob Williams – Buffalo Bills
9th 14 235 Mike Zordich Defensive back San Diego Chargers


1986 season

1986 Penn State Nittany Lions football
National Champions
Fiesta Bowl, defeated Miami
Conference Independent
Ranking
Coaches #1
AP #1
1986 record 12–0
Head coach Joe Paterno
Offensive coordinator Fran Ganter
Defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky
Seasons
« 1985 1987 »
See also: 1987 Fiesta Bowl

Penn State defeated the Miami Hurricanes 14–10 in the 1987 Fiesta Bowl to win Paterno's second consensus national championship.

Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 6, 1986 Temple #6 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 45–15   85,732
September 20, 1986 at Boston College #5 Sullivan Stadium • Foxborough, MA ESPN W 26–14   42,329
September 27, 1986 East Carolina #7 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 42–17   84,774
October 4, 1986 Rutgers #5 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 31–6   84,000
October 11, 1986 Cincinnati #5 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 23–17   84,812
October 18, 1986 Syracuse #6 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 42–3   85,512
October 25, 1986 at #2 Alabama #6 Bryant-Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL ABC National W 23–3   60,210
November 1, 1986 at West Virginia #2 Mountaineer Field • Morgantown, WV ESPN W 19–0   59,184
November 8, 1986 Maryland #2 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 17–15   85,561
November 15, 1986 at Notre Dame #3 Notre Dame Stadium • Notre Dame, IN ABC National W 24–19   59,075
November 22, 1986 Pittsburgh #2 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 34–14   85,722
January 2, 1987 vs. #1 Miami #2 Sun Devil Stadium • Tempe, AZ (Fiesta Bowl) NBC W 14–10   73,098
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Thirteen Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1987 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
1st 8 8 Shane Conlan Linebacker Buffalo Bills
1st 14 14 D.J. Dozier Running back Minnesota Vikings
3rd 24 80 Tim Manoa Running back Cleveland Browns
3rd 25 81 Steve Smith Running back Los Angeles Raiders
4th 1 84 Don Graham Linebacker Tampa Bay Buccaneers
5th 14 126 John Bruno Punter St. Louis Cardinals
5th 20 132 Chris Conlin Offensive guard Miami Dolphins
6th 1 141 Tim Johnson Defensive end Pittsburgh Steelers
6th 22 162 Bob White – San Francisco 49ers
8th 27 222 Dan Morgan Offensive guard Denver Broncos
9th 24 247 Bob Ontko Linebacker Indianapolis Colts
10th 17 268 Sid Lewis Defensive back New York Jets
11th 7 286 Brian Siverling – Detroit Lions

Awards

Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year
Paul "Bear" Bryant Award


1987 season

1987 Penn State Nittany Lions football
1988 Florida Citrus Bowl, lost to Clemson
Conference Independent
1987 record 8–4
Head coach Joe Paterno
Offensive coordinator Fran Ganter
Defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky
Seasons
« 1986 1988 »
Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 5, 1987 Bowling Green #11 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 45–19   84,574
September 12, 1987 #19 Alabama #11 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA CBS L 13–24   85,619
September 19, 1987 Cincinnati #20 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 41–0   82,000
September 26, 1987 at Boston College #15 Sullivan Stadium • Foxborough, MA ESPN W 27–17   50,267
October 3, 1987 Temple #14 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 27–13   84,000
October 10, 1987 Rutgers #14 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 35–21   85,376
October 17, 1987 at #13 Syracuse #10 Carrier Dome • Syracuse, NY CBS L 21–48   50,011
October 31, 1987 West Virginia #18 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 25–21   85,108
November 7, 1987 at Maryland #16 Memorial Stadium • Baltimore, MD W 21–16   62,500
November 14, 1987 at Pittsburgh #15 Pitt Stadium • Pittsburgh, PA ESPN L 0–10   56,500
November 21, 1987 #7 Notre Dame Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA CBS W 21–20   84,000
January 1, 1988 vs. #14 Clemson #20 Citrus Bowl • Orlando, FL (Florida Citrus Bowl) ABC National L 10–35   53,152
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Four Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1988 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
3rd 3 58 Ray Roundtree Wide receiver Detroit Lions
8th 6 199 Mike Alexander Wide receiver Los Angeles Raiders
10th 1 250 Stan Clayton Offensive tackle Atlanta Falcons
11th 11 289 Pete Curkendall – Buffalo Bills


1988 season

1988 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Conference Independent
1988 record 5–6
Head coach Joe Paterno
Offensive coordinator Fran Ganter
Defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky
Seasons
« 1987 1989 »
Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 10, 1988 at Virginia #18 Scott Stadium • Charlottesville, VA W 42–14   45,000
September 17, 1988 Boston College #16 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 23–20   84,000
September 24, 1988 Rutgers #15 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA L 16–21   85,531
October 1, 1988 at Temple Veterans Stadium • Philadelphia, PA W 45–9   66,592
October 8, 1988 Cincinnati Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 35–9   85,693
October 15, 1988 Syracuse Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ESPN L 10–24   85,916
October 22, 1988 at Alabama Legion Field • Birmingham, AL CBS L 3–8   75,808
October 29, 1988 at #7 West Virginia Mountaineer Field • Morgantown, WV CBS L 30–51   66,811
November 5, 1988 Maryland Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 17–10   78,000
November 12, 1988 Pittsburgh Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ESPN L 7–14   85,701
November 19, 1988 at #1 Notre Dame Notre Dame Stadium • Notre Dame, IN CBS L 3–21   59,075
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Six Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1989 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
2nd 1 29 Steve Wisniewski Offensive guard Dallas Cowboys
4th 16 100 Michael Timpson Wide receiver New England Patriots
6th 16 155 Quintus McDonald Linebacker Indianapolis Colts
6th 21 160 Gary Wilkerson – Cleveland Browns
9th 21 244 Bob Mrosko Tight end Houston Oilers
11th 3 282 Keith Karpinski Linebacker Detroit Lions


1989 season

1989 Penn State Nittany Lions football
1989 Holiday Bowl, defeated BYU
Conference Independent
Ranking
Coaches #14
AP #15
1989 record 8–3–1
Head coach Joe Paterno
Offensive coordinator Fran Ganter
Defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky
Seasons
« 1988 1990 »
Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 9, 1989 Virginia #12 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA L 6–14   85,956
September 16, 1989 Temple Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 42–3   84,790
September 23, 1989 Boston College Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 7–3   85,651
September 30, 1989 at Texas Memorial Stadium • Austin, TX W 16–12   75,232
October 7, 1989 at Rutgers Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, NJ W 17–0   57,688
October 14, 1989 at Syracuse #23 Carrier Dome • Syracuse, NY ESPN W 34–12   49,876
October 28, 1989 #6 Alabama #14 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA CBS L 16–17   85,975
November 4, 1989 #13 West Virginia #16 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ESPN W 19–9   85,911
November 11, 1989 at Maryland #13 Memorial Stadium • Baltimore, MD T 13–13   61,215
November 18, 1989 #1 Notre Dame #17 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA CBS L 23–34   86,016
November 25, 1989 at #19 Pittsburgh #22 Pitt Stadium • Pittsburgh, PA CBS W 16–13   57,158
December 29, 1989 vs. #19 BYU #18 Jack Murphy Stadium • San Diego, CA (1989 Holiday Bowl) ESPN W 50–39   61,113
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Four Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1990 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
1st 2 2 Blair Thomas Running back New York Jets
2nd 21 46 Andre Collins Linebacker Washington Redskins
7th 15 180 David Szott Offensive guard Kansas City Chiefs
8th 3 196 Roger Duffy Offensive guard New York Jets


1990 season

1990 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Blockbuster Bowl, lost to Florida State
Conference Independent
Ranking
Coaches #10
AP #11
1990 record 9–3
Head coach Joe Paterno
Offensive coordinator Fran Ganter
Defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky
Seasons
« 1989 1991 »
Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 8, 1990 Texas #21 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA Raycom L 13–17   85,973
September 15, 1990 at #6 USC Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum • Los Angeles, CA ABC National L 14–19   70,594
September 22, 1990 Rutgers Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 28–0   85,194
October 6, 1990 Temple Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 48–10   85,874
October 13, 1990 Syracuse Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA CBS W 27–21   86,002
October 20, 1990 at Boston College Alumni Stadium • Chestnut Hill, MA CBS W 40–21   32,000
October 27, 1990 at Alabama Bryant-Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL ESPN W 9–0   70,123
November 3, 1990 at West Virginia #24 Mountaineer Field • Morgantown, WV W 31–19   66,461
November 10, 1990 Maryland #21 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 24–10   83,000
November 17, 1990 at #1 Notre Dame #18 Notre Dame Stadium • Notre Dame, IN ESPN W 24–21   59,075
November 24, 1990 Pittsburgh #11 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA CBS W 22–17   85,180
December 28, 1990 vs. #11 Florida State #7 Joe Robbie Stadium • Miami Gardens, FL (Blockbuster Bowl) Raycom L 17–24   75,129
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Six Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1991 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
3rd 19 74 David Daniels Wide receiver Seattle Seahawks
6th 19 158 Leroy Thompson Running back Pittsburgh Steelers
8th 19 214 Gary Brown Running back Houston Oilers
10th 13 263 Frank Giannetti Defensive end Indianapolis Colts
10th 14 264 Sean Love Offensive guard Dallas Cowboys
12th 13 319 Rob Luedeke – Indianapolis Colts


1991 season

1991 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Fiesta Bowl, defeated Tennessee
Conference Independent
Ranking
Coaches #3
AP #3
1991 record 11–2
Head coach Joe Paterno
Offensive coordinator Fran Ganter
Defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky
Seasons
« 1990 1992 »
Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
August 28, 1991 vs. #8 Georgia Tech #7 Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, NJ (Kickoff Classic) Raycom W 34–22   77,409
September 7, 1991 Cincinnati #5 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA Prime W 81–0   94,000
September 14, 1991 at USC #5 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum • Los Angeles, CA ABC National L 10–21   64,758
September 21, 1991 BYU #12 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC Regional W 33–7   96,304
September 28, 1991 Boston College #10 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 28–21   95,927
October 5, 1991 at Temple #12 Veterans Stadium • Philadelphia, PA W 24–7   43,808
October 12, 1991 at #2 Miami #9 Miami Orange Bowl • Miami, FL ABC National L 20–26   75,723
October 19, 1991 Rutgers #10 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 37–17   95,729
October 26, 1991 West Virginia #8 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ESPN W 51–6   96,445
November 9, 1991 at Maryland #9 Memorial Stadium • Baltimore, MD W 47–7   57,416
November 16, 1991 #12 Notre Dame #8 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC Regional W 35–13   96,672
November 28, 1991 at Pittsburgh #6 Pitt Stadium • Pittsburgh, PA ABC National W 32–20   52,219
January 1, 1992 vs. #10 Tennessee #6 Sun Devil Stadium • Tempe, AZ (Fiesta Bowl) NBC W 42–17   71,133
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Nine Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1992 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
2nd 6 34 Mark D'Onofrio Linebacker Green Bay Packers
2nd 18 46 Tony Sacca Quarterback Phoenix Cardinals
3rd 18 74 Paul Siever Offensive guard Washington Redskins
3rd 27 83 Keith Goganious Linebacker Buffalo Bills
8th 7 203 Darren Perry Free safety Pittsburgh Steelers
8th 9 205 Sam Gash Running back New England Patriots
8th 13 209 Andre Powell Linebacker Miami Dolphins
8th 27 223 Leonard Humphries Cornerback Buffalo Bills
11th 28 308 Terry Smith – Washington Redskins


1992 season

1992 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Blockbuster Bowl, lost to Stanford
Conference Independent
Ranking
Coaches #24
1992 record 7–5
Head coach Joe Paterno
Offensive coordinator Fran Ganter
Defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky
Seasons
« 1991 1993 »
Date Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 5, 1992 at Cincinnati #8 Nippert Stadium • Cincinnati, OH W 24–20   29,099
September 12, 1992 Temple #10 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 49–8   94,892
September 19, 1992 Eastern Michigan #10 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 52–7   94,578
September 26, 1992 Maryland #9 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 49–13   95,891
October 3, 1992 at Rutgers #8 Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, NJ W 38–24   72,203
October 10, 1992 #2 Miami #7 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC National L 14–17   96,704
October 17, 1992 #20 Boston College #9 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ABC Regional L 32–35   96,130
October 24, 1992 at West Virginia #14 Mountaineer Field • Morgantown, WV ABC Regional W 40–26   66,663
October 31, 1992 at BYU #14 Cougar Stadium • Provo, UT L 17–30   66,016
November 14, 1992 at #8 Notre Dame #22 Notre Dame Stadium • Notre Dame, IN NBC L 16–17   59,075
November 21, 1992 Pittsburgh #23 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ESPN W 57–13   91,000
January 1, 1993 vs. #13 Stanford #21 Citrus Bowl • Orlando, FL (Blockbuster Bowl) CBS L 3–24   45,554
*Non-conference game. Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

NFL Draft

Eight Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1993 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Overall Name Position Team
1st 25 25 O.J. McDuffie Wide receiver Miami Dolphins
2nd 10 39 Troy Drayton Tight end Los Angeles Rams
2nd 22 51 Todd Rucci Offensive tackle New England Patriots
3rd 1 57 John Gerak Offensive guard Minnesota Vikings
5th 16 128 Greg Huntington Center Washington Redskins
6th 4 144 Richie Anderson Running back New York Jets
6th 13 153 Rich McKenzie Linebacker Cleveland Browns
8th 17 213 Reggie Givens Linebacker Dallas Cowboys


References

  1. ^ "Paterno fired over Penn St. child abuse scandal". CBS News. November 9, 2011. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-400_162-57321984/paterno-fired-over-penn-st-child-abuse-scandal/. 
  2. ^ Anderson, Shelly (2006-11-17). "Research shows Nixon hurt '69 Lions". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06321/739083-198.stm. Retrieved 2007-01-31. 
  3. ^ Brant, Tim (2008-01-11). "After Further Review... The NCAA Weighs-In". ABC 7 News. http://www.wjla.com/blogs/sports/after_further_review..._the_ncaa_weighs-in_on_bowden_and_paterno.html. Retrieved 2008-11-04. 
  4. ^ Nittany Anthology [1]
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