Joe Paterno was a head coach of Penn State Nittany Lions football, serving 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 played their home games at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Penn State played as an independent through the 1992 season. In 1993, the Nittany Lions started playing a Big Ten Conference football schedule.
1966 season [edit]
| 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 |
California |
|
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 |
|
Grant Field • 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 [edit]
Three Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1967 NFL/AFL Common Draft.
1967 season [edit]
| 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 (FL) |
|
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 NC 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 [edit]
Three Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1968 NFL/AFL Common Draft.
1968 season [edit]
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 (FL) |
#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 [edit]
Five Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1969 NFL/AFL Common Draft.
1969 season [edit]
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] Penn State declined an invitation to play the Texas/Arkansas winner in the Cotton Bowl.
| 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 NC State |
#3 |
Carter Stadium • Raleigh, NC |
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. |
Game notes [edit]
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
| • Penn State |
7 |
0 |
7 |
13 |
27 |
| Pittsburgh |
0 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
|
|
| Scoring summary |
|
| 1 |
|
PSU |
Harris 24 yard run (Reitz kick) |
PSU 7-0 |
|
| 2 |
|
PITT |
Esposito 6 yard run (Cramer kick) |
Tied 7-7 |
|
| 3 |
|
PSU |
Pittman 4 yard run (Reitz kick) |
PSU 14-7 |
|
| 4 |
|
PSU |
Pittman 17 yard run (Reitz kick) |
PSU 21-7 |
|
| 4 |
|
PSU |
Abbey 18 yard run (kick failed) |
PSU 27-7 |
|
[3]
NFL Draft [edit]
Eight Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1970 NFL Draft.
Awards [edit]
-
- Maxwell Award
- Outland Trophy
1970 season [edit]
| 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 [edit]
Four Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1971 NFL Draft.
1971 season [edit]
| 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 |
NC 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 [edit]
Four Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1972 NFL Draft.
1972 season [edit]
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.[4]
| 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 |
NC 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 [edit]
Five Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1973 NFL Draft.
Awards [edit]
-
- Walter Camp Coach of the Year
1973 season [edit]
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 |
NC 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. |
Game notes [edit]
Navy Midshipmen [edit]
| Game information |
- First Quarter
- PSU - Heyman 17 yard pass from Shuman (Bahr kick)
- Second Quarter
- PSU - Cappelletti 10 yard run (Bahr kick)
- PSU - Herd 23 yard pass from Shuman (kick failed)
- PSU - Shuman 1 yard run (Bahr kick)
- Third Quarter
- PSU - Bahr 22 yard field goal
- PSU - Clark 1 yard run (Bahr kick)
- Fourth Quarter
- PSU - Safety, Navy center snapped ball out of end zone
|
|
Penn State capitalized on a fumble and two short punts to score three second-quarter touchdowns and break the game wide open against Navy. The Nittany Lions opened scoring with just one second left in the first as QB Tom Shuman hit SE Gary Heyman for a touchdown to cap an 88-yard drive. On the first play after the ensuing kickoff, E Greg Murphy recovered a fumble by RB Bob Jackson at the Navy 41, and the Lions took two-and-a-half minutes and five plays to score again. Penn State scored on two more quick drives of 60 and 51 yards following short punts into a stiff wind by John Stufflebeem. The Lions added a field goal by Chris Bahr midway through the third and backup QB John Clark capped a 56-yard drive with a keeper to put Penn State ahead 37-0. The final points of the contest came when a snap from Navy's center sailed over Stufflebeem's head and out of the end zone for a safety. [5]
Statistics [edit]
Passing [edit]
| 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 |
[6]
NFL Draft [edit]
Ten Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1974 NFL Draft.
Awards [edit]
-
- Heisman Trophy
- Maxwell Award
- Walter Camp Award
1974 season [edit]
| 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 NC State |
#7 |
Carter Stadium • Raleigh, NC |
|
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 [edit]
Ten Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1975 NFL Draft.
1975 season [edit]
| 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 |
NC 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 [edit]
Four Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1976 NFL Draft.
1976 season [edit]
| 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 |
NC State |
|
Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA |
|
W 41–20 |
60,426 |
| November 13, 1976 |
at Miami (FL) |
|
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 [edit]
Four Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1977 NFL Draft.
1977 season [edit]
| 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 (FL) |
#9 |
Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA |
|
W 49–7 |
61,853 |
| November 5, 1977 |
at NC State |
#9 |
Carter-Finley Stadium • Raleigh, NC |
|
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. |
Game summaries [edit]
Miami (FL) [edit]
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
| Miami (FL) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
7 |
| • Penn St |
7 |
28 |
14 |
0 |
49 |
- Date: October 29
- Location: Beaver Stadium • University Park, Pennsylvania
- Game attendance: 61,853
|
|
| Scoring summary |
|
| 1 |
|
PSU |
Guthrie 56 yard pass from Fusina (Bahr kick) |
Penn St 7-0 |
|
| 2 |
|
PSU |
Suhey 1 yard run (Bahr kick) |
Penn St 14-0 |
|
| 2 |
|
PSU |
Torrey 3 yard run (Bahr kick) |
Penn St 21-0 |
|
| 2 |
|
PSU |
Suhey 3 yard run (Bahr kick) |
Penn St 28-0 |
|
| 2 |
|
PSU |
Suhey 1 yard run (Bahr kick) |
Penn St 35-0 |
|
| 3 |
|
PSU |
Fitzkee 72 yard pass from Fusina (Bahr kick) |
Penn St 42-0 |
|
| 3 |
|
PSU |
LaPointe 17 yard pass from Capozzolli (Bahr kick) |
Penn St 49-0 |
|
| 4 |
|
MIA |
Hobbs 3 yard pass from McMillian (Dennis kick) |
Penn St 49-7 |
|
[7]
Fiesta Bowl [edit]
Fiesta Bowl
#15 Arizona State vs. #8 Penn State
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
| Arizona St |
0 |
14 |
0 |
16 |
30 |
| • Penn St |
14 |
3 |
7 |
18 |
42 |
|
|
| Scoring summary |
|
| 1 |
|
PSU |
Lally 21 yard blocked punt return (Bahr kick) |
Penn St 7-0 |
|
| 1 |
|
PSU |
Torrey 3 yard pass from Fusina (Bahr kick) |
Penn St 14-0 |
|
| 2 |
|
ASU |
Lane 11 yard pass from Sproul (Hicks kick) |
Penn St 14-7 |
|
| 2 |
|
PSU |
Bahr 23 yard field goal |
Penn St 17-7 |
|
| 2 |
|
ASU |
Washington 13 yard pass from Sproul (Hicks kick) |
Penn St 17-14 |
|
| 3 |
|
PSU |
Geise 18 yard run (Bahr kick) |
Penn St 24-14 |
|
| 4 |
|
PSU |
Suhey 3 yard run (Bahr kick) |
Penn St 31-14 |
|
| 4 |
|
ASU |
Washington 30 yard pass from Sproul (Hicks kick) |
Penn St 31-21 |
|
| 4 |
|
PSU |
Bahr 32 yard field goal |
Penn St 34-21 |
|
| 4 |
|
ASU |
Perry 1 yard run (Hicks kick) |
Penn St 34-28 |
|
| 4 |
|
PSU |
Suhey 2 yard run (Geise run) |
Penn St 42-28 |
|
| 4 |
|
ASU |
Safety, Fitzkee runs out of end zone |
Penn St 42-30 |
|
[8]
NFL Draft [edit]
Seven Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1978 NFL Draft.
1978 season [edit]
| 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 |
NC 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. |
Game notes [edit]
Ohio State [edit]
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
| • Penn State |
3 |
0 |
7 |
9 |
19 |
| Ohio State |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
| Scoring summary |
|
| 1 |
|
PSU |
Matt Bahr 30 yard field goal |
PSU 3-0 |
|
| 3 |
10:08
|
PSU |
Matt Suhey 3 yard run (Matt Bahr kick) |
PSU 10-0 |
|
| 4 |
|
PSU |
Matt Bahr 41 yard field goal |
PSU 13-0 |
|
| 4 |
|
PSU |
Matt Bahr 25 yard field goal |
PSU 16-0 |
|
| 4 |
|
PSU |
Matt Bahr 30 yard field goal |
PSU 19-0 |
|
[9]
Maryland [edit]
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
| Maryland |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
| • Penn State |
3 |
10 |
7 |
7 |
27 |
|
|
| Scoring summary |
|
| 1 |
|
PSU |
Bahr 33 yard field goal |
PSU 3-0 |
|
| 2 |
|
PSU |
Fusina 1 yard run (Bahr kick) |
PSU 10-0 |
|
| 2 |
|
MD |
Loncar 39 yard field goal |
PSU 10-3 |
|
| 2 |
|
PSU |
Bahr 44 yard field goal |
PSU 13-3 |
|
| 3 |
|
PSU |
Donovan 63 yard pass from Fusina (Bahr kick) |
PSU 20-3 |
|
| 4 |
|
PSU |
Moore 4 yard run (Bahr kick) |
PSU 27-3 |
|
[10]
NFL Draft [edit]
Nine Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1979 NFL Draft.
Awards [edit]
-
- Lombardi Award
-
- Maxwell Award
-
- Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year
1979 season [edit]
| 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 NC 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 |
|
Liberty Bowl 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 [edit]
Seven Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1980 NFL Draft.
1980 season [edit]
| 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 (FL) |
#13 |
Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA |
|
W 27–12 |
83,661 |
| November 8, 1980 |
NC 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 [edit]
Seven Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1981 NFL Draft.
1981 season [edit]
| 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 |
Temple |
#2 |
Beaver Stadium • University Park, 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 NC 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. |
Game notes [edit]
Notre Dame [edit]
Notre Dame at #13 Penn St
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
| Notre Dame |
7 |
7 |
7 |
0 |
21 |
| • Penn St |
14 |
3 |
0 |
7 |
24 |
|
|
| Scoring summary |
|
| 1 |
|
PSU |
Williams 4 yard run (Franco kick) |
PSU 7-0 |
|
| 1 |
|
ND |
Carter 1 yard run (Oliver kick) |
Tied 7-7 |
|
| 1 |
|
PSU |
Blackledge 1 yard run (Franco kick) |
PSU 14-7 |
|
| 2 |
|
PSU |
Franco 27 yard field goal |
PSU 17-7 |
|
| 2 |
|
ND |
Hunter 17 yard pass from Kiel (Oliver kick) |
PSU 17-14 |
|
| 3 |
|
ND |
Sweeney 4 yard pass from Kiel (Oliver kick) |
ND 21-17 |
|
| 4 |
3:48
|
PSU |
Blackledge 1 yard run (Franco kick) |
PSU 24-21 |
|
Following the game, Penn State accepted an invitation to the Fiesta Bowl.
NFL Draft [edit]
Ten Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1982 NFL Draft.
Awards [edit]
-
- Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award
1982 season [edit]
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 National |
W 27–24 |
85,304 |
| October 9, 1982 |
at #4 Alabama |
#3 |
Legion Field • Birmingham, AL |
CBS Regional |
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 |
NC 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 [edit]
Nine Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1983 NFL Draft.
Awards [edit]
-
- Davey O'Brien Award
-
- Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year
-
- Nittany Lion of the Year
1983 season [edit]
| 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 [edit]
Eight Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1984 NFL Draft.
1984 season [edit]
| 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 [edit]
Four Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1985 NFL Draft.
1985 season [edit]
| 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 [edit]
Three Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1986 NFL Draft.
1986 season [edit]
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 [edit]
Thirteen Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1987 NFL Draft.
Awards [edit]
-
- Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year
- Paul "Bear" Bryant Award
1987 season [edit]
| 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 [edit]
Four Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1988 NFL Draft.
1988 season [edit]
| 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 [edit]
Six Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1989 NFL Draft.
1989 season [edit]
| 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 |
|
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 [edit]
Four Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1990 NFL Draft.
1990 season [edit]
| 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 [edit]
Six Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1991 NFL Draft.
1991 season [edit]
| 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 [edit]
Nine Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1992 NFL Draft.
1992 season [edit]
| 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 |
Joe Robbie Stadium • Miami Gardens, 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 [edit]
Eight Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1993 NFL Draft.
References [edit]
|
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| Venues |
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| Bowls & rivalries |
|
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| Culture & lore |
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| People |
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| Seasons |
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National championship seasons in bold
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