Penn State football has had a whirlwind season, dragging fans through a roller coaster of emotions, through defeats and victories, and through another great season of Nittany Lion football. Here are some of the best moments of 2014.
10. James Franklin is Hired
Somewhere in the head coach hiring process, someone suggested James Franklin, latching onto one of the most charismatic and exciting coaches on the scene right now. Franklin was hired on January 11, less than two weeks after it was announced that Bill O’Brien was leaving, and in the year since he was hired, he has already impacted and molded the Nittany Lions into a new program while remaining loyal to the image of Penn State football that fans have come to know and love.
9. The NCAA Removes Most of the Sanctions Against the University
This is an obvious “Best Of” moment. With the removal of the sanctions, Penn State regained the opportunity to go to a bowl and saw the restoration of scholarships. This was a big step in returning the team to its former glory; one of the biggest problems this season was the lack of depth caused by the reduced number of scholarships. Now that the team’s full numbers are back, Penn State will have the room to work with and develop both new and returning members.
8. Top Ten Recruiting Class
Franklin’s recruiting started the day that he signed his contract. He managed to keep most of former head coach Bill O’Brien’s recruits, bring some of his recruits from Vanderbilt, and add a few more of his own to the roster. Additionally, Franklin has landed seven of Pennsylvania’s top 10 recruits and is on track to finalize a top-ten class for 2015.
7. Penn State Gains Bowl Eligibility Against Temple
After the NCAA announced that Penn State’s sanctions were to be lifted, Franklin was quick to point out that his team was not actually bowl eligible yet, they simply had the chance to earn a postseason appearance. As the season progressed and the Nittany Lions dropped four straight games, fans started to sweat; eligibility was slipping through the Lions’ paws. However, Penn State pulled through, topping Indiana and then rallying against Temple to collect the coveted six wins for postseason eligibility.
6. Falling to Ohio State in a Double Overtime
Losing doesn’t seem like it belongs on a “Best Of” list, but this game is an exception. Penn State was supposed to lose to Ohio State by more than 40 points, and despite a 17-point deficit after the first half, the Nittany Lions battled back and forced two overtimes, eventually losing after the Buckeyes’ walk-off sack of quarterback Christian Hackenberg.
Regardless of the loss, Penn State managed to hold Ohio State’s toes over the fire, and with all due respect to Urban Meyer, it’s not just any team that can do that.
5. Handing Rutgers Its First Big Ten Conference Loss
Penn State traveled to Piscataway, New Jersey, for its first conference game of the season. This game was hyped for weeks before the match-up, and a particularly hostile climate didn’t bode well for the Nittany Lions. Rutgers led 10-0 at the half, but in true Penn State fashion, the Lions fought their way out, scoring 13 unanswered points in the second half to take their first true road game of the year.
4. Nittany Lions Go 4-0 for the First Time Since 2008
Penn State won its first four games of the year, a feat not seen since Joe Paterno’s eighth-ranked 2008 team. A first-year coach’s ability to come in amidst confusion and chaos and win four straight games is impressive.
3. Sam Ficken Kicks the Game-Winning Field Goal in Dublin
Sam Ficken’s career at Penn State has been filled with just as many moments of defeat as it has with triumph. This season was arguably his best, and it started with a walk-off win against UCF at the Croke Park Classic in Dublin. Ficken’s 36-yard field goal sailed through the pipes as the clock ran down, giving the Nittany Lions their first win of the season and giving Ficken the first bookend of his season.
2. Three Top-10 Defensive Rankings
Despite the woes of the offensive line, Penn State’s defense was one of the strongest it has ever had. A top-ranked rushing defense, seventh-ranked scoring defense, and second-ranked total defense kept the Nittany Lions competitive during times of adjustment and growth. Led by award-winning linebacker Mike Hull, the defense dominated the field.
1. Penn State Wins The New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Topping the list is, of course, Penn State’s walk-off overtime win against Boston College in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Hackenberg was on top of his game for the first time in a long time, the offensive line was solid, and Sam Ficken ended his career as a Nittany Lion with one of his best performances in a blue and white uniform. In a game that shouldn’t have even happened for two more years, Penn State clawed its way from behind (just like so many other games this season) and fought its way to victory.
These are some of Pittsburgh Sporting News’ favorite moments from the 2014 Penn State football season. Leave some of yours in the comments.
Photo Credit: GoPSUSports.com
