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Home , Jared Abbrederis, Jordan Hill (basketball), Jordan Kovacs, Melvin Gordon, Michael Mauti, Mike Hull (linebacker)

URL:http://www.alumni.psu.edu/fbl Username: psualum Password: weare Nov. 26, 2012 Vol. 75, No. 12

he Alma Mater never sounded sweeter than it Tdid Saturday, when sung by the 2012 Nittany Lion football team after defeating Wisconsin, 24-21, on Senior Day in its first game in six years. When this Team of Destiny completed its swaying songfest in front of the Blue Band in the southeast corner of Beaver Stadium, first-year head coach Bill O’Brien grabbed a microphone and led the remaining crowd in one final “We Are . . .Penn State” cheer. Then the players hugged and high-fived their way through the student fans to the Victory Bell, which rang out through Happy Valley for the next five minutes, as each took his turn pulling on the rope, before heading into the tunnel for the final time this year. The tears flowed most heavily among 31 seniors, who were filing past the Penn State gates toward their locker room for the last BEAVER STADIUM crowd expressed thanks on Senior Day for the leadership they provided throughout this time in their lives – after Sam Ficken kicked historic season, before Nittany Lions defeated Wisconsin, 24-21, in overtime. a game-winning 37-yard . This 8-4 team, which won eight of its last football team because of the players, and down in history, not for the wins, but for the 10 games, will not play in a bowl -- though especially the seniors.” character of all our guys and everything that several of the opponents it defeated probably Undeterred by the fallout from the most we’ve been through and how to overcome stuff will. The NCAA took care of that with the turbulent year of tragedy and sorrow in Penn when you get knocked down.” first-ever sanctions levied on Penn State amid State history, these Nittany Lions represented Hill was a defensive force against Wisconsin, massive media attention in July. their University most admirably and helped lead registering a career-high 12 tackles, including This team that finished 6-2 in the Big Ten, the way to recovery for the University and Penn two sacks and three tackles behind even though a number of its best returning Staters everywhere. the line of scrimmage. And eight of those players had transferred to other schools with Their performance on and off the field tackles, one of those sacks and two tackles for NCAA encouragement, will not compete earned them a special place in the hearts of loss came in the fourth quarter and overtime, in the conference championship contest -- Penn Staters. when the game was on the line. though the 4-4 Wisconsin squad that it beat “It was the greatest time of my life,” said Middle linebacker had and finished ahead of in the Leaders’ Division State’s oft-injured Academic All-American a team-high 13 tackles. And standings will. defensive end Pete Massaro, after the Lions’ candidate , wearing No. 42 in Nevertheless, the cheers and excitement in season-ending victory. honor of his fallen comrade, Mauti, increased that final post-game locker room were as loud “This goes at the top for me,” said offensive his team-leading season total to 109 tackles. and jubilant as any in Beaver Stadium history, co-captain and fullback Mike Zordich. “There’s Despite the constantly swirling winds on because these loyal, dedicated Penn Staters just so many emotions that go into this game.” the field, McGloin, the Big Ten’s leading passer, had competed for something more important “It’s not how you get somewhere,” said threw a pass in his 13th consecutive than a bowl game or conference title. offensive co-captain and quarterback Matt game and extended to 10 his school record of They had competed for the honor of their McGloin. “It’s what you do when you get there.” consecutive 200-yard passing games. team and their University. “Overall it is such a special thing to be a The conference’s leading receiver, And they had done so to the everlasting part of,” said defensive captain and linebacker sophomore Allen Robinson, raised his Penn appreciation of their fans, who spread a . Even though he suffered a knee State season record to 73 catches and became huge “Thank You Seniors” message across injury last week and could not play in his final just the second Nittany Lion to post more than the east stands just before kickoff. That came game, he said, “It’s been the most fun I’ve ever 1,000 receiving yards in a season. after the 31 had joined their families on the had, playing with the people I’ve been closest to.” Soph tailback Zach Zwinak gave Penn State field and watched the unveiling of “2012” on “I’m just so happy for this team, this a 1,000-yard rusher for the eighth straight the stadium façade next to the years of Penn university, and especially my senior class,” said season, as he posted his fourth consecutive State’s undefeated and championship teams. veteran Stephon Morris. “I could 100-yard game with a career-high 179 yards and Coach O’Brien said he had great respect for not have asked for a better ending.” outrushed last year’s finalist, the teams recognized on that ring and “to have “It was a storybook ending,” said defensive , with a 5.0 to 4.1 average per carry. our 2012 team up there is pretty neat.” co-captain Jordan Hill. “I want this team to go Sophomore kicker Sam Ficken booted 23-, “You just can’t say enough about these 32- and 37-yard field goals to run his string to 10 kids,” O’Brien said. “This is a very special PENN STATE 7 0 6 8 3 24 straight and finish the year with 14 of 21, after WISCONSIN 14 0 0 7 0 21 Photos by Steve Manuel ’84, ‘92g R E C A P 1st Quarter WI: Gordon 57-yd pass from Phillips caps 4-pl 74-yd drive in 1:49. (French kick) 13:11 PS: Zwinak 3-yd run caps 15-pl 78-yd drive in 4:59 keyed by Zwinak 1-yd run on 3rd & 1, WI pass intf. pen. on 3rd & 4, Zwinak 5-yd run on 3rd & 2 & McGloin 12-yd pass to James on 3rd & 5. (Ficken kick) 8:17 WI: Ball 17-yd run caps 4-pl 53-yd drive in 1:48 set up by Doe 47-yd KO ret. & sparked by Abbrederis 24-yd run. (French kick) 6:27. 3rd Quarter PS: Ficken 23-yd FG caps 11-pl 77-yd drive in 4:00 keyed by McGloin passes 14 yds to Kenney, 6 yds to Robinson on 3rd & 3 & 37 yds to James. 10:55 1 2 PS: Ficken 32-yd FG caps 11-pl 72-yd drive in 4:10 sparked by Zwinak 24-yd run, WI pass intf. pen., Zwinak 6-yd run on 3rd & 1 & McGloin 7-yd pass to Zordich on 3rd & 6. 2:58 4th Quarter PS: James 41-yd pass from McGloin on 4th & 6 caps 6-pl 67-yd drive in 2:43 keyed by McGloin 19-yd & 15-yd passes to Robinson . (Zwinak run) 13:32 WI: Duckworth 4-yd pass from Phillips caps 14-pl 66-yd drive in 3:33 keyed by Phillips passes 14 yds to Frederick on 3rd & 8, 14 yds to Frederick & 10 yds to 10 Doe on 3rd & 3. (French kick) 0:18 Overtime 9 1: NITTANY LION mascot Rob Ellis was among the seniors honored Saturday. 2: LAST APPEARANCE for 31 seniors PS: Ficken 37-yd FG. in Beaver Stadium. 3: VIDEO REVIEW overturned on-field Attendance: 93,505 ruling of touchdown on this third quarter catch by Brandon Moseby-Felder at the end line. 4: LINEBACKER starting the season by making only two of his crunches Badger back Montee Ball. 5 FRESHMAN tight end first eight attempts. Jesse James leaps for catch then fights for yardage to convert Coach O’Brien said there was a huge critical third down on State’s first touchdown drive. 6: LION’S difference between winning this last game to LEADING tackler Glenn Carson makes one of his many stops go 8-4, and losing to go into the off-season 7-5. of Montee Ball. 7: MATT STANKIEWITCH (54), John Urschel “When you’ve been in a losing locker room (64)9 and Mike Farrell (78) open gaping hole for Zach Zwinak. at the end of a season, it’s a horrible feeling. 8: DEFENSIVE END Pete Massaro forces Badger QB Curt When you’ve been in a winning locker room Phillips to throw ball away. 9: STEPHON MORRIS breaks at the end of a season, it’s a euphoric feeling.” up pass to Badger receiver Jared Abbredaris. 10: JACOB Emotions may have been running a little FAGNANO knocks pass loose from Montee Ball. too high at the start of Saturday’s contest, as the Lion defense allowed Wisconsin to become the only opponent all year to score a touchdown in the first quarter – in fact, two TDs. Both times the Badgers were able to get around right end and dash to the end zone on quick strike drives of just four plays in less than two minutes. The first was climaxed by a short pass into the right flat by Badger QB Curt Phillips that caught and 8 carried 57 yards to break Penn State’s season- long first quarter TD shutout. The second ended in a 17-yard scamper by Ball to his NCAA record 79th career touchdown. In between the two Wisconsin TD drives, Penn State had tallied its own touchdown on a 15-play, 78-yard march in 4:50 that ended when Zwinak sliced through the left side of the line for a 3-yard score. Wisconsin’s massive offensive line and Big Ten-leading rushing defense staked the visitors to a 14-7 halftime lead. But after intermission the Nittany Lions took control of the line of scrimmage. 7 6 Matt Stankiewitch, guards John invited to a banquet on Dec. 3 in Springdale, Urschel, Ty Howle and Miles Dieffenbach Ark., where the trophy will be presented by the and tackles Mike Farrell, Donovan Smith and Springdale Rotary Club…McGloin finished Adam Gress opened holes for Zwinak and with school season passing records in attempts protectedMcGloin. And the Lions mounted (446), completions (270), and yardage (3,266). three long scoring drives of 77, 72 and 67 yards He tied with 24 touchdown passes, in the first 17 minutes of the second half. but set the career record for TD passes (46). He Meanwhile, the defensive front of Hill, is second to Zack Mills (2001-2004) in career DaQuan Jones, Massaro, Sean Stanley, Deion attempts (894), completions (513) and yardage Barnes, Hodges, Carson and Mike Hull forced (6,390)…Jake Fagnano was another walk-on Wisconsin into four successive three-and-outs, who always dreamed of playing for Penn State. while the home team took a 21-14 lead on two He played very well on special teams, eventually Ficken field goals and a 41-yard touchdown pass earned a scholarship and wound up with from McGloin to freshman tight end Jesse James. significant playing time as a safety this year… After the first career by senior State’s 31 seniors completing their careers are safety Jake Fagnano on the PS-6 stopped the Mark Arcidiacono, Joe Baker, P.J. Byers, Cody Badgers’ first thrust of the second half, the Castor, Derek Day, Andre Dupree, Emery Etter, 2 visitors put together their only scoring drive Jacob Fagnano, Mike Farrell, Frank Figueroa, after intermission. It covered 66 yards in 14 plays Patrick Flanagan, Michael Fuhrman, Jordan Hill, and ended with a 4-yard TD toss from Phillips Gerald Hodges, Brian Irvin, Christian Kuntz, to Jeff Duckworth with just 18 seconds left and Evan Lewis, Pete Massaro, Michael Mauti, Matt forced overtime. McGloin, Shane McGregor, Stephon Morris, J. The Lions had the ball first and had to R. Refice, Matt Stankiewitch, Sean Stanley, James settle for Ficken’s third field goal – a 37-yarder. Terry, Jamie Van Fleet, Garrett Venuto, Mike On Wisconsin’s turn, the Lion defense stuffed Wallace, Michael Yancich and Michael Zordich… a run by Ball, Sean Stanley sacked Phillips, and Eight of these seniors had earned their degrees Carson broke up a third-down pass, causing before the start of the season, and nine more the Badgers to try a field goal to tie and force will graduate in December…Coach O’Brien a second overtime. But Kyle French hooked a had selected senior game captains during the 44-yard attempt wide left, and the Penn State season, and the squad voted on captains for the celebration began. season finale. They were: Offensive Captains “It would have been terrible not to win that Matt McGloin and Michael Zordich; Defensive game, after that pre-game ceremony, when Captains Michael Mauti and Jordan Hill; they put the 2012 team up there with those Special Teams Captain Michael Yancich…Penn undefeated and championship teams,” said State finished the season with a 22-13 turnover Coach O’Brien. “I don’t think there are many margin and outscored opponents, 97-20, in the bowl games that are going to be played like first quarter and, 192-66, in the first half. . .The that one.” Lions entered the game leading the Big Ten in sacks and had three more for 14 yards in losses for a season total of 34 for 209 yards…State won its third consecutive overtime game to go 3-3 in extra period contests. The last was a 28-27 3 For the Glory, win at Minnesota in 2006…Zach Zwinak was the sixth-string tailback in spring drills, didn’t see any significant playing time until the fourth game this fall, didn’t start until the ninth game of the season, but finished with six 100-yard rushing games and a total of 1,000 rushing yards, NOTES FROM THE CUFF 177 receiving yards and seven . His oach Bill O’Brien said Lion linebacker Gerald career-high 36 carries Saturday were the most CHodges talked to him last Saturday night, for any Lion since Curtis Enis carried 37 times after his fellow linebacker and Butkus Award against Purdue in 1997. Zwinak’s 179 yards were candidate, Michael Mauti, had suffered a knee the most by any back against Wisconsin, which injury that would keep him out of the final game allowed an average of only 106 yards rushing by of his illustrious career. Hodges asked if he could its first 11 opponents this fall. His total against wear Mauti’s No. 42 against Wisconsin in tribute the Badgers was 72 more than Nebraska’s Taylor 4 to his fallen comrade. Mauti appreciated the Martinez, who was the only other rusher to top idea and gave his blessing…The idea of putting 100 against Wisconsin…Coach O’Brien is one the No. 42 on the players’ helmets originated of 18 college coaches nominated for the Bear with Jordan Hill and Michael Zordich and was Bryant Coach of the Year Award this season… endorsed by their teammates…The plan to add He said he would hold interviews with every 2012 to the stadium ring of undefeated and returning player to discuss what they can do to championship teams was proposed by Athletic improve in the off-season, then he would hit the Director Dave Joyner…QB Matt McGloin is one recruiting trail until the Holiday “dead period” of 10 semifinalists for the prohibiting recruiting…O’Brien, who previously for the nation’s outstanding acknowledged that he would try to build on player who began as a walk-on. Fans can vote the solid foundation laid by the legendary Joe for McGloin daily via the ATT Fan Vote at www. Paterno in his unparalleled 46 years as head burlsworthtrophy.com until Nov. 26. (Three coach, said, “There have been some great teams other semifinalists play for Big Ten teams: in this program’s history. But no team has gone at Wisconsin; Jordan Kovacs through more than this (2012) team. That’s 5 at Michigan and Spencer Long at Nebraska). why this senior class will go down as one of the Three finalists will be announced Nov. 27 and greatest in Penn State history.” Photos by Steve Manuel ’84, ‘92g P E R I O D I C A L U. S. Postage Paid

Ohio 24 Penn State 14 Virginia 17 Penn State 16 Penn State 34 Navy 7 Penn State 24 Temple 13 Penn State 35 Illinois 7 Penn State 39 Northwestern 28 Penn State 38 Iowa 14 Ohio State 35 Penn State 23 Penn State 34 Purdue 9 Nebraska 32 Penn State 23 Penn State 45 Indiana 22 Penn State 24 Wisconsin 21 (OT)

OTHER SPORTs Saturday night the top-ranked spikers shut S T A T I S T I C S he women’s soccer team earned a trip to the out Michigan State, 25-13, 25-21, 25-15, before TCollege Cup for the first time since 2005, the a large Rec Hall crowd, immediately after the PSU WIS women’s volleyball squad completed its regular football team’s thrilling victory over Wisconsin. Total Plays – Yards 82-363 68-349 season ranked No. 1 with a 29-2 record, and Courtney posted a team-high error-free Rushes – Net Yards 45-163 43-158 nine kills on .529 hitting, followed by Scott and both the men’s and women’s teams Passing Yards 200 191 had successful weekends. Slay with eight kills. McClendon had 12 digs Passes (Att-Cmpl-Int) 37-19-0 25-12-1 Senior Christine Nairn scored her 16th and Slay registered eight blocks. As a team, the goal and Penn State’s women’s soccer squad Lions hit .304 to .029 for the Spartans, posting Avg. Gain Per Play 4.4 5.1 defeated Duke, 1-0, in the quarterfinal round a 4-0 edge in aces and 14-2 margin in blocks. First Downs 20 16 of the NCAA Tournament at Jeffrey Field on a The sixth-ranked women’s basketball team Yards Lost Rushing 26 21 cold blustery Friday night. won the Radisson Chatsworth Thanksgiving Kickoffs – Average 5-63 4-61 After Nairn was tripped in the penalty Tournament in Northridge, CA beating Detroit, Kickoff Returns – Avg. 3-16.7 3-38 box, she converted her third penalty kick of 80-72, Friday and Cal State Northridge, 85-73, Returns – Avg. 3-1 1-(-3) the season, and State’s defense made the goal on Saturday to remain unbeaten in five games. Punts – Average 7-38.1 8-39.6 stand up, as the match between the nation’s Aerial Edwards made 19 of her career-high – Lost 0-0 1-0 24 points in the first half and Maggie Lucas two highest-scoring teams turned into a tight Penalties – Yards 2-25 4-45 defensive battle. Goalie Erin McNulty made five tallied 22 of her 28 points in the second half to Sacks by – Yards 3-14 2-25 saves, and the rest of the team helped stave off lead State over Detroit. a furious Duke attack that outshot State, 11-2, Lucas was selected MVP of the Tournament, 3rd Dn Conversions 9 of 20 5 of 16 in the second half. after averaging 25.5 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists 4th Dn Conversions 1 of 1 1 of 2 With a 20-3-2 record, the 15-time Big Ten and 2.5 steals per game. Nikki Greene was Red Zone Scores–Chances 3 of 3 2 of 4 champions will be making their fourth trip to also named to the All-tournament team, after Time of Possession 31:45 28:15 soccer’s Final Four, which will be held in San scoring 21 points and grabbing 20 rebounds Attempts/Yards (Longest) Diego this weekend. Penn State advanced to in the championship game, in which the Lady Rushing: Zwinak 36/179 (24); Zordich 5/8 (4); the semifinals in 1999, 2002 and 2005, but this Lions had to from a 17-point deficit and McGloin 3/-23 (2). will be the first trip for five-year Coach Erica close with a 17-3 run for the victory. Alex Bentley Passing No. Com. Int. Yds. TD Lg Sk Walsh. The Lions will meet Florida State at 7 had eight assists, three steals and 19 points, 14 McGloin 37 19 0 200 1 41 2/25 p.m. Friday in Torero Stadium. of which helped fuel State’s second-half rally. Receiving: Robinson 4/35 (19); James 3/90 (41); Kenney The 15-time Big Ten champion women’s The Lady Lions travel to Miami for an ACC/ 3/28 (14); Zwinak 3/5 (5); Lehman 2/22 (14); Moseby-Felder volleyball team concluded its regular season Big Ten Challenge match Thursday. 1/10; Zoirdich 1/7; Gilliam 1/5; Williams 1/-2. with sweeps of Ohio State and Michigan State Coach Patrick Chambers’ men’s basketball All Purpose Yards: Zwinak 184; James 90; Robinson 35; and a bid to its 32nd NCAA tournament and squad upset unbeaten Bucknell, 60-57, in the Williams 31. the possibility of winning its fifth national Bryce Jordan Center Friday afternoon to notch its Kickoff Returns: Williams 2/33 (22); Belton 1/17. Kickoffs: Ficken 5/63 championship in the last six years. Sixty-four third win against two losses in this young season. In their first game without All-Big Ten point Punt Returns: Della Valle 1/9; Lewis 2/-6. of the 328 Division I women’s volleyball teams Punts: Butterworth 7/38.1 (47) guard Tim Frazier, who is out for the season have advanced to the tournament and Penn Fumbles Forced: Stanley 1. State is seeded No. 1. The Lions will meet with a ruptured Achilles tendon, the Lions Fumbles Recovered: 0 America East champion Binghamton at 7:30 rebounded from a 22-16 halftime deficit. After : Fagnano 1/13. p.m. Friday in Rec Hall. Rec Hall will also shooting a paltry 16% in the first 20 minutes, Passes Broken Up: Fagnano 2; Carson, Morris 1. be the site of a second-round match at 7:30 the Lions netted 65% of their shots after Sacks: Hill 2/11, Stanley 1/3. p.m. Saturday. intermission. Junior Jermaine Marshall scored Tackles for Loss: Hill 3/14; Stanley 1.5/6, Hull 0.5/1. Coach Russ Rose’s charges swept No. 14 17 and freshman Brandon Taylor 16 to pace the Tackles: Carson 13; Hill 12; Obeng-Agyapong 8; Hodges 7; Ohio State, 25-18, 25-16, 25-14, in Rec Hall attack. Sophomore D.J. Newbill had 10 points, Hull, Morris, Fagnano 5; Jones 3. Wednesday night, as the Lions outhit the seven assists and seven rebounds, while classmate Players: C: Stankiewitch. G: Urschel, Howle, Dieffenbach. Buckeyes, .396 to .120. The home team had 47 Ross Travis had nine points and eight boards. T: Farrell, Smith, Gress. TE: Gilliam, James, Lehman, kills, seven aces, 36 digs and 9.5 total blocks The Lions entertain Boston College in Irvin. WR: Robinson, Moseby-Felder, Williams, Kenney, compared to the visitors’ 26 kills, two aces, 41 their ACC/Big Ten Challenge match in the Zanellato. QB: McGloin. FB: Zordich. TB: Zwinak, Zordich. DT: DE: digs and 4 blocks. BJC Wednesday. It will be televised by ESPNU Hill, Terry, Jones, Baublitz, Zettel. Massaro, at 9:15 p.m. Stanley, Barnes, Zettel. ILB: Carson. OLB: Hodges, Junior Ariel Scott hit a .519 for a match-high CB: Saf: The men’s hockey team dropped two Hull. Morris, Amos, Lucas, Della Valle. Obeng- 15 kills and classmate Deja McClendon added Agyapong, Fagnano. P: Butterworth. K: Ficken. 11. Sophomore Nia Grant had eight kills on .727 matches to eighth-ranked Union College in KS: Howle, Fuhrman. KH: Keiser. KT: Belton, Zordich, hitting, while classmates Micha Hancock had 34 Schenectady, NY, falling 2-0 on Saturday and Morris, Lucas, Kuntz, Williams, Keiser, Day, Fagnano, assists and three aces and Dominique Gonzalez 4-1 on Sunday. Freshman Goalie Matthew Skoff Dupree, Bars, Yancich, Zerbe, Thompson, Lewis, Kline, had 11 digs. Junior Katie Slay and freshman had a career-high 40 saves on Saturday and then Della Valle, Carson, Fuhrman, Howle, Alosi, Gress, Megan Courtney had five blocks each. stopped 42 shots the next day. Mangiro, Cadogan, Shrive, Irvin, Lehman, Gilliam, Zettel.

The Football Letter (USPS 763-880) Published weekly following a football game during the University’s football season by The Pennsylvania State University, Hintz Family Alumni Center, University Park, PA 16802. Periodicals postage paid at State College, PA 16801. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Football Letter, Department B, Hintz Family Alumni Center, University Park, PA 16802-2096. U.Ed. ALU 13-16