# 2012 Penn State Nittany Lions football team

The 2012 Penn State Nittany Lions football team represented the Pennsylvania State University in the 2012 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Bill O'Brien in his first season and played its home games in Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania, US. It was a member of the Big Ten Conference and played in the Leaders Division. Penn State was ineligible to play in a bowl game for the 2012 season due to sanctions imposed in wake of the Penn State child sex abuse scandal.
O'Brien was hired as Penn State's 15th head football coach, replacing Hall of Fame coach, Joe Paterno. He was introduced as the head coach at a press conference on January 7, 2012. The team added player names to the back of their jerseys to recognize the players who stayed with the program despite adversity, and also wore a blue ribbon to support child abuse victims.
After losing their first two games, the Nittany Lions finished their season winning eight of their final 10 to finish with a record of eight wins and four losses (8–4).

## Schedule

| Date | Time | Opponent | Site | TV | Result | Attendance |
| September 1 | 12:00 p.m. | Ohio* | Beaver StadiumUniversity Park, PA | ESPN | L 14–24 | 97,186 |
| September 8 | 12:00 p.m. | at Virginia* | Scott StadiumCharlottesville, VA | ABC | L 16–17 | 56,087 |
| September 15 | 3:30 p.m. | Navy* | Beaver StadiumUniversity Park, PA | ABC/ESPN2 | W 34–7 | 98,792 |
| September 22 | 3:30 p.m. | Temple* | Beaver StadiumUniversity Park, PA | ABC/ESPN2 | W 24–13 | 93,680 |
| September 29 | 12:00 p.m. | at Illinois | Memorial StadiumChampaign, IL | ESPN | W 35–7 | 46,734 |
| October 6 | 12:00 p.m. | No. 24 Northwestern | Beaver StadiumUniversity Park, PA | ESPN | W 39–28 | 95,769 |
| October 20 | 8:00 p.m. | at Iowa | Kinnick StadiumIowa City, IA | BTN | W 38–14 | 70,585 |
| October 27 | 5:30 p.m. | No. 9 Ohio State | Beaver StadiumUniversity Park, PA (rivalry) | ESPN | L 23–35 | 107,818 |
| November 3 | 3:30 p.m. | at Purdue | Ross–Ade StadiumWest Lafayette, IN | ESPNU | W 34–9 | 40,098 |
| November 10 | 3:30 p.m. | at No. 18 Nebraska | Memorial StadiumLincoln, NE | ABC | L 23–32 | 85,527 |
| November 17 | 12:00 p.m. | Indiana | Beaver StadiumUniversity Park, PA | BTN | W 45–22 | 90,358 |
| November 24 | 3:30 p.m. | Wisconsin | Beaver StadiumUniversity Park, PA | ESPN2 | W 24–21 $^{OT}$ | 93,505 |
| *Non-conference gameHomecomingRankings from AP Poll released prior to the gameAll times are in Eastern time ||||||||

## Coaching staff

* Bill O'Brien – head coach and offensive coordinator
* Jim Bernhardt– special assistant/player development
* John Butler – defensive backs
* Craig Fitzgerald – strength and conditioning
* Charlie Fisher – quarterbacks coach
* Stan Hixon – assistant head coach and wide receivers
* Larry Johnson – defensive line
* Charles London – running backs and recruiting coordinator
* Mac McWhorter – offensive line
* Ted Roof – defensive coordinator
* John Strollo – tight ends
* Ron Vanderlinden – linebackers
* Brian Bell – Assistant Strength and Conditioning

## Roster

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

## Game summaries
### September 1 vs. Ohio

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Ohio | 0 | 3 | 14 | 7 | 24 |
| Penn State | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
at Beaver Stadium
* Date: September 1
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
* Game attendance: 97,186
* TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Pasch, Brian Griese and Jenn Brown
Game information :
First quarter
PSU- Bill Belton 6-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Ficken XP good, 0:03 (PSU 7–0)
Second quarter
Ohio- Matt Weller 22-yard field goal, 10:22 (PSU 7–3)
PSU- Matt Lehman 14-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Ficken XP good, 1:29 (PSU 14–3)
Third quarter
Ohio- Landon Smith 43-yard pass from Tyler Tettleton, Weller XP good, 10:40 (PSU 14–10)
Ohio- Tyler Tettleton 1-yard run, Weller XP good, 3:49 (Ohio 17–14)
Fourth quarter
Ohio- Donte Foster 5-yard pass from Tyler Tettleton, Weller WP good, 2:55 (Ohio 24–14)
Top passer
Matt McGloin- 27/48, 260 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rusher
Bill Belton- 13 rushes, 53 yards
Top receiver
Allen Robinson- 9 catches, 97 yards :
The Ohio University Bobcats spoiled head coach Bill O'Brien's PSU debut defeating the Nittany Lions 24–14. Penn State led 14–3 at the half due to passing touchdowns by QB Matt McGloin to Bill Belton (6 yard) and Matt Lehman (14 yard). Ohio came out of the half-time intermission with 21 unanswered points from passing scores from QB Tyler Tettleton to Landon Smith (43 yard) and Donte Foster (5 yard) and a Tettleton run (1 yard). Penn State committed several costly turnovers including a muffed punt by linebacker Gerald Hodges which set up an Ohio TD and an interception thrown with a minute left by Matt McGloin which essentially put the nail in the coffin. Beau Blankenship led the way for the Bobcats rushing for 109 yards on 31 carries and catching 7 passes for 72 yards. Allen Robinson led the Lions catching 9 passes for 92 yards. Penn State tight end Kyle Carter also caught 6 passes for 72 yards.

### September 8 at Virginia

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Penn State | 7 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 16 |
| Virginia | 0 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 17 |
at Scott Stadium
* Date: September 8
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
* Game attendance: 56,087
* TV announcers (ABC): Mike Patrick, Ed Cunningham, Jerry Punch
Game information :
First quarter
PSU- Kyle Carter 8-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Ficken XP good, 8:33 (PSU 7–0)
Second quarter
UVA- Drew Jarrett 46-yard field goal, 3:56 (PSU 7–3)
Third quarter
UVA- Jeremiah Mathis 1-yard pass from Michael Rocco, Jarrett XP good, 9:22 (UVA 10–7)
Fourth quarter
PSU- Allen Robinson 30-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Ficken XP blocked, 13:10 (PSU 13–10)
PSU- Sam Ficken 32-yard field goal, 10:55 (PSU 16–10)
UVA- Jake McGee 6-yard pass from Michael Rocco, Jarrett XP good, 1:28 (UVA 17–16)
Top passer
Matt McGloin- 19/35, 197 yards, 2 TD
Top rusher
Derek Day- 18 carries, 47 yards
Top receiver
Allen Robinson- 10 catches, 89 yards, TD :
Penn State was without starting running back Bill Belton due to injury, so senior Derek Day got the start. Penn State's opening drive of the game lasted 17 plays and 75 yards and took up about 6 minutes resulting in an 8-yard TD pass from QB Matt McGloin to Kyle Carter. Their first-half offense was thwarted, however, when they could not convert on 2 FG attempts. Drew Jarrett's 46-yard FG put Virginia on the scoreboard with 3:56 remaining in the first half. True freshman Steven Bench took over QB duties for Penn State late in the first half when McGloin left the field after being hit in the elbow on 2 consecutive series. Virginia's opening drive of the second half resulted in a 1-yard TD pass from QB Michael Rocco to Jeremiah Mathis. Penn State's FG woes continued in the third quarter when Sam Ficken missed a 20-yard FG which would have tied the game. In the fourth quarter, McGloin completed a long pass to Allen Robinson, who made the diving catch but was shaken up after the play. Ficken's PAT attempt was blocked. Penn State's final scoring drive began when Michael Mauti recovered a Virginia fumble deep in UVA territory. On the ensuing drive, Ficken attempted a 32-yard field goal and, for the first time on the day, made it. Rocco's 6-yard pass to Jake McGee and the ensuing PAT gave Virginia a 1-point lead with 1:28 remaining in the contest. Ficken missed a 43-yard field goal as time expired.

### September 15 vs. Navy

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Navy | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Penn State | 14 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 34 |
at Beaver Stadium
* Date: September 15
* Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
* Game attendance: 98,792
* TV: ESPN2/ABC
Game information :
First quarter
PSU- Jesse James 2-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Ficken XP good, 11:25 (PSU 7–0)
PSU- Allen Robinson 45-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Ficken XP good, 6:40 (PSU 14–0)
Second quarter
PSU- Allen Robinson 2-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Ficken XP missed, 8:59 (PSU 20–0)
Third quarter
PSU- Allen Robinson 25-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Ficken XP good, 2:23 (PSU 27–0)
Fourth quarter
PSU- Mike Hull 74-yard fumble return, Ficken XP good, 14:13 (PSU 34–0)
Navy- Gee Gee Greene 12-yard run, Sloan XP good, 10:03 (PSU 34–7)
Top passer
Matt McGloin- 13/21, 231 yards, 4 TD
Top rusher
Michael Zordich- 11 rushes, 50 yards
Top receiver
Allen Robinson- 5 catches, 136 yards, 3 TD
Top tackler
Michael Mauti-12 :
In the game where new head coach Bill O'Brien celebrated his first victory at Penn State, the Lions overpowered Navy 34–7. Senior quarterback Matt McGloin threw for 231 yards (13–21) and 4 touchdowns including three to sophomore wide receiver Allen Robinson who had 5 catches for 136 yards. For the second consecutive game, Penn State was without starting halfback Bill Belton. Fifth year senior Michael Zordich, who has spent his career at PSU playing fullback carried the ball 11 times for 50 yards. Teammate Curtis Dukes carried 11 times for 47 yards. Navy turned the ball over several times including a fumble which was recovered by Linebacker U Mike Hull and returned for a 74-yard touchdown. Gerald Hodges also recorded an interception.

### September 22 vs. Temple

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Temple | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 13 |
| Penn State | 7 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 24 |
at Beaver Stadium
* Date: September 22
* Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
* Game attendance: 93,680
* TV: ESPN2/ABC
Game information :
First quarter
PSU- Allen Robinson 41-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Ficken XP good, 0:06 (PSU 7–0)
Second quarter
Temple- Brandon McManus 33-yard field goal, 10:29 (PSU 7–3)
PSU- Matt McGloin 1-yard run, Ficken XP good, 0:22 (PSU 14–3)
Third quarter
PSU- Matt McGloin 2-yard run, Ficken XP good, 4:57 (PSU 21–3)
Temple- Brandon McManus 42-yard field goal, 1:37 (PSU 21–6)
Fourth quarter
PSU- Sam Ficken 21-yard field goal, 2:29 (PSU 24–6)
Temple- Matt Brown 1-yard pass From Chris Coyer, McManus XP good, 1:33 (PSU 24–13)
Top passer
Matt McGloin- 24/36, 318 yards, TD, INT
Top rusher
Zach Zwinak- 18 carries, 94 yards
Top receiver
Allen Robinson- 5 catches, 82 yards, TD
Top tackler
Michael Mauti-9 :
Led by a strong effort by senior quarterback Matt McGloin who ran for two touchdowns and threw for another, the Lions defeated Temple 24–13. With running back Bill Belton out for the third straight game, it was up to McGloin to lead the team around the goal line. He did, with a one-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a two yarder. He also threw a touchdown to sophomore wide receiver Allen Robinson, who recorded 5 catches for 82 yards and a score. Sophomore Zach Zwinak saw the first extensive action of his career at running back; he ran for 94 yards on 18 carries. Fullback Michael Zordich added 15 carries of his own for 75 yards. Kicker Sam Ficken, who had missed 4 field goals and an extra point the previous week, converted on all 3 extra points and a 21-yard field goal. Defensively, the Lions were led by another strong effort from senior linebacker Michael Mauti, who recorded 9 tackles, and defensive tackle Jordan Hill, who added 7 tackles and a sack.

### September 29 at Illinois

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Penn State | 14 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 35 |
| Illinois | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
at Memorial Stadium
* Date: September 29
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
* Game attendance: 46,734
* TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Pasch, Brian Griese
Game information :
First quarter
PSU- Zach Zwinak 1-yard run, Ficken XP good, 10:41 (PSU 7–0)
PSU- Matt McGloin 1-yard run, Ficken XP good, 6:29 (PSU 14–0)
Second quarter
PSU- Matt Lehman 21-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Ficken XP good, 3:11 (PSU 21–0)
Third quarter
ILL- Spencer Harris 22-yard pass from Josh Ferguson, Zalewski XP good, 10:22 (PSU 21–7)
PSU- Matt McGloin 1-yard run, Ficken XP good 3:15 (PSU 28–7)
Fourth quarter
PSU- Zach Zwinak 1-yard run, Ficken XP good 14:03 (PSU 35–7)
Top passer
Matt McGloin- 18/30, 211 yards, TD
Top rusher
Zach Zwinak- 19 rushes, 100 yards, 2 TD
Top receiver
Matt Lehman- 5 receptions, 70 yards, TD
Top tacklers
Gerald Hodges, Glenn Carson- 9 :
After getting a quick three and out on Penn State's first series, Illinois muffed the punt and set up Penn State with great field position. Kicker Sam Ficken attempted a field goal, which he made, but a running into the kicker penalty on Illinois, Penn State was set up inside the 5-yard line. Zach Zwinak ran the ball for a 1-yard touchdown. Later in the quarter, Matt McGloin ran for a score. Taylor Zalewski missed a short field goal late in the first quarter. Early in the second quarter, Sam Ficken missed a 47 yarder of his own. In the second quarter, Matt McGloin threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Matt Lehman, his tenth of the year. As Lehman was falling into the end zone, an Illinois defender hammered Lehman helmet to helmet and was ejected. At the end of the first half, quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase threw an interception to Michael Mauti who returned the ball 99 yards and was stopped at the one-yard line with one second left. Sam Ficken's 18 yard was blocked to end the half. On a trick play, receiver Josh Ferguson threw a 22-yard touchdown to Spencer Harris in the third quarter. Matt McGloin capped a long drive late in the third quarter with a 2-yard touchdown run, his second of the game. Michael Mauti intercepted Nathan Scheelhaase for the second time of the day near the end of the third quarter. Zach Zwinak went over the century mark with his second touchdown run of the day early in the fourth quarter to put Penn State up 35–7.

### October 6 vs. Northwestern

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| #24 Northwestern | 0 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 28 |
| Penn State | 3 | 7 | 7 | 22 | 39 |
at Beaver Stadium
* Date: October 6
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
* Game attendance: 95,769
* TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Pasch, Brian Griese and Jenn Brown
Game information :
First quarter
PSU- Sam Ficken 21-yard field goal, 3:41 (PSU 3–0)
Second quarter
PSU- Zach Zwinak 1-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 9:34 (PSU 10–0)
NW- Venric Mark 2-yard run, Jeff Budzien XP good, 6:23 (PSU 10–7)
NW- Tony Jones 10-yard pass from Trevor Siemian, Jeff Budzien XP good, 0:30 (NW 14–10)
Third quarter
PSU- Allen Robinson 8-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Sam Ficken XP good, 7:17 (PSU 17–14)
NW- Kain Colter 10-yard run, Jeff Budzien XP good, 3:12 (NW 21–17)
NW- Venric Mark 75-yard punt return, Jeff Budzien XP good. 0:50 (NW 28–17)
Fourth quarter
PSU- Allen Robinson 6-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Michael Zordich run for two-point conversion good, 9:49 (NW 28–25)
PSU- Matt McGloin 5-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 2:37 (PSU 32–28)
PSU- Michael Zordich 3-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 1:30 (PSU 39–28)
Top passer
Matt McGloin- 35/51, 282 yards, 2 TD
Top rusher
Zach Zwinak- 28 rushes, 121 yards, TD
Top receiver
Allen Robinson- 9 receptions, 85 yards, TD
Top tackler
Gerald Hodges- 11 tackles :
In the Lions' first game against a ranked opponent, they defeated Northwestern 39–28 at Beaver Stadium. Penn State won the toss and elected to receive. Their first drive showed promise, but a false start penalty pushed them back and forcing them to punt. Alex Butterworth's punt was downed at the Northwestern 1. The Wildcats were forced into a quick three-and-out. The ensuing drive for the Lions included two fourth down conversions on their way to inside the five-yard line where, rather than risking a third fourth down on the drive, the Nittany Lions settled for a 21-yard field goal try by Sam Ficken. On Penn State's fifth drive of the game, which began at the Northwestern 40, they slowly drove down the field using the no-huddle offense, converting on fourth and short at one point for their third 4th down conversion of the game. The drive was capped by a one-yard touchdown plunge by Zach Zwinak to give Penn State a 10–0 lead. Northwestern's ensuing drive managed to pick up a couple first downs, but ultimately stalled and they were forced to punt for a fifth time. Penn State, however, muffed this punt and Northwestern recovered at the Penn State 17. Three plays later, Northwestern scored its first touchdown of the game on a two-yard run by Venric Mark to make the score 10–7. After another exchange of punts, Penn State drove from its 21-yard line to the Northwestern 34 where the drive stalled and Penn State was forced to 4th and 4. Penn State elected to try to convert its fourth 4th down of the game, but they failed this time. Northwestern took advantage of this to drive down the field, aided by a controversial pass interference call, and scored another touchdown before the half on a Trevor Siemian pass. At the end of the first half, Penn State trailed 14–10.
Northwestern opened the second half on offense and after one first down was forced to punt. Penn State then moved the ball 80 yards in 12 plays and scored a touchdown on an 8-yard pass from Matt McGloin to Allen Robinson to take a 17–14 lead. Northwestern responded in kind with a touchdown scored on a 10-yard run by Kain Colter to put Penn State down again, this time by a score of 21–17. Penn State's next drive also stalled, and the ensuing Penn State punt resulted in a disaster when Northwestern's Venric Mark returned it 75 yards for a touchdown to widen the gap to 28–17. Penn State responded to this score with its own 18 play 82-yard drive that ended on a touchdown pass from McGloin to Robinson on 4th and 4 from the Northwestern 6. A successful two-point rush by Michael Zordich trimmed the deficit to 25–28 with just under 10 minutes to play. Penn State forced a Northwestern three-and-out, but a good Northwestern punt backed up Penn State to its own 15. Penn State drove, in 13 plays, down the field to the Northwestern 4, along the way converting on another 4th down to make it 5 for 6 on 4th downs. On 2nd and Goal, McGloin was stripped of the ball from behind, but managed to fall on it for a loss of one. One 3rd and Goal, McGloin escaped the pass rush and dove into the end zone to give the Lions a 32–28 lead with 2:37 to play. Northwestern had all three timeouts for what ultimately would be its last chance, but ran four plays and turned the ball over on downs. Penn State ran three consecutive handoffs to Michael Zordich, who took the second one all the way to the three and the third into the end zone to make the score 39–28, the final score.

### October 20 at Iowa

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Penn State | 14 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 38 |
| Iowa | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 14 |
at Kinnick Stadium
* Date: October 20
* Game time: 8:00 p.m. EDT
* Game attendance: 70,585
* TV announcers (Big Ten Network): Eric Collins, Derek Rackley
Game information :
First quarter
PSU- Jesse James, 31-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Sam Ficken XP good, 7:24 (PSU 7–0)
PSU- Allen Robinson, 8-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Sam Ficken XP good, 2:43 (PSU 14–0)
Second quarter
PSU- Sam Ficken, 34-yard field goal, 7:19 (PSU 17–0)
PSU- Bill Belton, 11-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 5:53 (PSU 24–0)
Third quarter
PSU- Bill Belton, 3-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 14:33 (PSU 31–0)
Fourth quarter
PSU- Bill Belton, 5-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 14:25 (PSU 38–0)
IOWA- Jordon Cotton, 92-yard kickoff return, Mike Meyer XP good, 14:14 (PSU 38–7)
IOWA- Keenan Davis, 18-yard pass from James Vandenberg, Mike Meyer XP good, 4:11 (PSU 38–14)
Top passer
Matt McGloin- 26–38, 289 yards, 2 TD
Top rusher
Bill Belton- 16 rushes, 103 yards, 3 TD
Top receivers
Kyle Carter- 6 receptions 85 yards; Allen Robinson- 6 receptions, 39 yards, TD
Top tackler
Jordan Hill- 9 tackles, sack :

### October 27 vs. Ohio State

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| #9 Ohio State | 0 | 7 | 21 | 7 | 35 |
| Penn State | 0 | 7 | 3 | 13 | 23 |
at Beaver Stadium
* Date: October 27
* Game time: 5:30 p.m. EDT
* TV announcers (ESPN): Sean McDonough, Chris Spielman
* ESPN Recap
Game information :
First quarter
No scoring
Second quarter
PSU- Mike Yancich, blocked punt recovered in end zone, Sam Ficken XP good, 6:15 (PSU 7–0)
OSU- Carlos Hyde, 1-yard run, Drew Basil XP good, 0:34 (TIE 7–7)
Third quarter
OSU- Ryan Shazier, 17-yard interception return, Drew Basil XP good, 13:41 (OSU 14–7)
PSU- Sam Ficken, 27-yard field goal, 9:50 (OSU 14–10)
OSU- Braxton Miller, 1-yard run, Drew Basil XP good, 3:30 (OSU 21–10)
OSU- Braxton Miller, 1-yard run, Drew Basil XP good, 0:40 (OSU 28–10)
Fourth quarter
PSU- Matt Lehman, 2-yard pass from Matt McGloin, two-point conversion attempt failed, 9:49 (OSU 28–16)
OSU- Jake Stoneburner, 72-yard pass from Braxton Miller, Drew Basil XP good, 6:11 (OSU 35–16)
PSU- Kyle Carter, 20-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Sam Ficken XP good, 1:41 (OSU 35–23)
Top passer
Matt McGloin- 27/45, 327 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rusher
Zach Zwinak- 12 rushes, 42 yards
Top receiver
Kyle Carter- 6 receptions, 77 yards, TD
Top tackler
Gerald Hodges- 14 :

### November 3 at Purdue

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Penn State | 10 | 10 | 14 | 0 | 34 |
| Purdue | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 9 |
at Ross–Ade Stadium
* Date: November 3
* Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
* Game attendance: 40,098
* TV announcers (ESPNU): Tom Hart, John Congemi
* ESPN Recap
Game information :
First quarter
PUR- Sam McCartney, 21-yard field goal, 12:59 (PUR 3–0)
PSU- Sam Ficken, 27-yard field goal, 6:03 (TIE 3–3)
PSU- Michael Zordich, 6-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 3:53 (PSU 10–3)
Second quarter
PSU- Sam Ficken, 25-yard field goal, 3:47 (PSU 13–3)
PSU- Michael Zordich, 5-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 1:16 (PSU 20–3)
Third quarter
PSU- Jesse James, 12-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Sam Ficken XP good, 12:19 (PSU 27–3)
PSU- Brandon Moseby-Felder, 41-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Sam Ficken XP good, 8:28 (PSU 34–3)
Fourth quarter
PUR- Antavian Edison, 2-yard pass from Caleb TerBush, 0:00 (PSU 34–9)
Top passer
Matt McGloin- 22/36, 321 yards, 2 TD
Top rusher
Zach Zwinak- 21 rushes, 134 yards
Top receiver
Brandon Moseby-Felder- 6 receptions, 129 yards, TD
Top tackler
Gerald Hodges, Stephon Morris- 6 :

### November 10 at Nebraska

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Penn State | 7 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 23 |
| #18 Nebraska | 3 | 3 | 14 | 12 | 32 |
at Memorial Stadium
* Date: November 10
* Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
* Game attendance: 85,527
* TV announcers (ESPN2/ABC): Sean McDonough, Chris Spielman, Quint Kessenich
* ESPN Recap
Game information :
First quarter
PSU- Zach Zwinak, 50-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 13:14 (PSU 7–0)
NEB- Brett Maher, 32-yard field goal, 6:17 (PSU 7–3)
Second quarter
NEB- Brett Maher, 27-yard field goal, 12:29 (PSU 7–6)
PSU- Sam Ficken, 27-yard field goal, 6:58 (PSU 10–6)
PSU- Jesse James, 10-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Sam Ficken XP good, 2:42 (PSU 17–6)
PSU- Sam Ficken, 38-yard field goal, 1:08 (PSU 20–6)
Third quarter
NEB- Imani Cross, 1-yard run, Brett Maher XP good, 11:48 (PSU 20–13)
NEB- Imani Cross, 2-yard run, Brett Maher XP good, 9:37 (TIE 20–20)
PSU- Sam Ficken, 38-yard field goal, 6:01 (PSU 23–20)
Fourth quarter
NEB- Jamal Turner, 5-yard pass from Taylor Martinez, Brett Maher XP good, 10:57 (NEB 27–23)
NEB- Penalty on Penn State in the end zone, 5:02 (NEB 29–23)
NEB- Brett Maher, 33-yard field goal, 0:23 (NEB 32–23)
Top passer
Matt McGloin- 18/37, 240 yards, TD, INT
Top rusher
Zach Zwinak- 21 rushes, 141 yards, TD
Top receiver
Allen Robinson- 6 receptions, 97 yards
Top tackler
Gerald Hodges, Glenn Carson- 14 :

### November 17 vs. Indiana

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Indiana | 0 | 13 | 9 | 0 | 22 |
| Penn State | 7 | 21 | 14 | 3 | 45 |
at Beaver Stadium
* Date: November 17
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
* TV announcers (Big Ten Network): Kevin Kugler, Chris Martin, J. Lehman
* ESPN Recap
Game information :
First quarter
PSU- Allen Robinson, 26-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Sam Ficken XP good, 4:26 (PSU 7–0)
Second quarter
IND- Mitch Ewald, 26-yard field goal, 14:44 (PSU 7–3)
IND- Ted Bolser, 2-yard pass from Cameron Coffman, Mitch Ewald XP good, 13:20 (IND 10–7)
PSU- Allen Robinson, 53-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Sam Ficken XP good, 8:56 (PSU 14–10)
IND- Mitch Ewald, 44-yard field goal, 7:06 (PSU 14–13)
PSU- Allen Robinson, 10-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Sam Ficken XP good, 2:25 (PSU 21–13)
PSU- Zach Zwinak, 16-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Sam Ficken XP good, 0:31 (PSU 28–13)
Third quarter
IND- Stephen Houston, 79-yard pass from Cameron Coffman, XP failed, 13:04 (PSU 28–19)
IND- Mitch Ewald, 46-yard field goal, 8:36 (PSU 28–22)
PSU- Zach Zwinak, 1-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 5:33 (PSU 35–22)
PSU- Michael Zordich, 4-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 0:17 (PSU 42–22)
Fourth quarter
PSU- Sam Ficken, 28-yard field goal, 3:40 (PSU 45–22)
Top passer
Matt McGloin- 22/32, 397 yards, 4 TD, INT
Top rusher
Zach Zwinak- 29 rushes, 133 yards, TD
Top receiver
Allen Robinson- 10 receptions, 197 yards, TD
Top defender
Gerald Hodges- 12 tackles, interception :
Receiver Allen Robinson caught three touchdown passes in the first half. Senior linebackers Michael Mauti and Gerald Hodges each left in the first half due to injury. Hodges subsequently returned and made an interception late in the second quarter where he tipped the ball to himself and made a diving catch. Mauti was expected to miss significant time with a left knee injury. Quarterback Matt McGloin set both a single-season record for most passing yards in school history and broke Zack Mills' record for most career touchdown passes.

### November 24 vs. Wisconsin

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Wisconsin | 14 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 21 |
| Penn State | 7 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 24 |
at Beaver Stadium
* Date: November 24
* Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
* Game attendance: 93,505
* TV: ESPN2
* ESPN Recap
Game information :
First quarter
WIS- Melvin Gordon, 57-yard pass from Curt Phillips, Kyle French XP good, 13:11 (WIS 7–0)
PSU- Zach Zwinak, 3-yard run, Sam Ficken XP good, 8:17 (TIE 7–7)
WIS- Montee Ball, 17-yard run, Kyle French XP good, 6:27 (WIS 14–7)
Second quarter
no scoring
Third quarter
PSU- Sam Ficken, 23-yard field goal, 10:55 (WIS 14–10)
PSU- Sam Ficken, 32-yard field goal, 2:58 (WIS 14–13)
Fourth quarter
PSU- Jesse James, 41-yard pass from Matt McGloin, Zach Zwinak run for two-point conversion, 13:32 (PSU 21–14)
WIS- Jeff Duckworth, 4-yard pass from Curt Phillips, Kyle French XP good, 0:18 (TIE 21–21)
Overtime
PSU- Sam Ficken, 36-yard field goal (PSU 24–21)
Top passer
Matt McGloin- 19/37, 200 yards, TD
Top rusher
Zach Zwinak- 36 rushes, 179 yards, TD
Top receiver
Jesse James- 3 receptions, 90 yards, TD
Top defender
Glenn Carson- 13 tackles, Jordan Hill- 12 tackles, 2 sacks :

## Awards

Despite the Lions' ineligibility to play in bowl games, several players were named to the All-Conference Team or received other individual awards.
* Bill O'Brien – Big Ten Coach of the Year, National Coach of the Year (ESPN, Maxwell Football Club, Bear Bryant Award)
* Matt McGloin – Burlsworth Trophy (top player in college football who began his career as a walk-on); Honorable Mention All Big Ten
* Zach Zwinak – Honorable Mention All Big Ten
* Allen Robinson – First Team All Big Ten, Richter-Howard Receiver of the Year
* Kyle Carter – First Team All Big Ten
* Matt Stankiewitch – First Team All Big Ten
* John Urschel – First Team All Big Ten
* Mike Farrell – Honorable Mention All Big Ten
* Sean Stanley – Honorable Mention All Big Ten
* Deion Barnes – Honorable Mention All Big Ten, Thompson–Randle El Freshman of the Year
* Jordan Hill – First Team All Big Ten, Big Ten Sportsmanship Honoree
* Michael Mauti – First Team All Big Ten, Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year, First Team All-American (ESPN)
* Gerald Hodges – Second Team All Big Ten
* Adrian Amos – Honorable Mention All Big Ten
* Stephon Morris – Honorable Mention All Big Ten

## Post-season

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

### All-star games

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