Penn State has fired its football offensive coordinator and tight end coach, John Donovan, effective immediately. Donovan was hired in 2014 and has been under fire in recent days for the offensive line’s lack of development over the last two years. “I have tremendous respect for John and the work he has put in over the last five years. I wish him and his family nothing but the best,” said head coach James Franklin in a press statement that was released on Sunday. Franklin and Donovan have ... Read More
Penn State travels to Michigan State to close out regular season
The Penn State Nittany Lions (7-4, 4-3) will travel to East Lansing to take on the Michigan State Spartans (10-1, 6-1) in a 3:30 kickoff; this will be the final regular season game of 2015 for the Lions. ESPN will broadcast the matchup. Fast Facts: This is the second week in a row and the third time this season that Penn State will compete against a Top 12 team. The previous two games were both losses – falling 38-10 to Ohio State and 28-16 to Michigan. The last time the Nittany Lions ... Read More
Penn State falls to No. 12 Michigan, 28-16, on Senior Day
Penn State’s 19-man graduating class did not get the Senior Day send-off they wanted as the Nittany Lions (7-4, 4-3) fell to the Michigan Wolverines (9-2, 6-1). The final score was 28-16 in front of a Beaver Stadium crowd of 107,418. Fast Facts: Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg was sacked four times and threw 137 yards; Michigan quarterback Jake Rudock passed for 256 yards and two touchdowns. This was Penn State’s first and only loss in Beaver Stadium in 2015. Carl Nassib was ... Read More
Nittany Lions host last home game of the year against Wolverines
The Penn State Nittany Lions (7-3, 4-2) will host their last home game of the year against the Michigan Wolverines (8-2, 5-1) in a 12 p.m. kick-off on ABC. Fast Facts: The Nittany Lions are 6-0 at Beaver Stadium this year and have won seven of their last nine games. Saturday is a White Out game, an eleven-year tradition in Happy Valley; the game is also Senior Day, and the 19-man graduating class will be honored with special festivities. From the Coach: "We're undefeated at home. We feed ... Read More
Late field goal from Northwestern tops Penn State
A late field goal from the Wildcats (7-2, 3-2) ruined the Nittany Lions’ (7-3, 4-2) 21-point rally on Saturday afternoon in Evanston. Key Plays: Jack Mitchell’s 35-yard field goal with nine seconds remaining gave Northwestern a 23-21 win. Penn State wide receiver Geno Lewis recovered a mishandled snap and nailed a 32-yard pass to DaeSean Hamilton for a touchdown. Recap: Both teams suffered a scoreless first quarter, and Penn State could only pick up 22 yards. Northwestern starting ... Read More
Penn State travels to Northwestern for 12 p.m. game
The Penn State Nittany Lions (7-2, 4-1) will travel to Ryan Field to take on the Northwestern Wildcats (6-2, 2-2) in a 12 p.m. matchup on Saturday. From the Coach: Head coach James Franklin recognized the challenges of traveling across state lines. "Going on the road in the Big Ten is never easy," he said. "And obviously, you are talking about a team that started the season really well with a win over Stanford and Duke out of conference and a team that has played good football in our ... Read More
Penn State shuts out Illinois 39-0, Hackenberg with three TDs
The Penn State Nittany Lions (7-2, 4-1) capitalized on a weak Illinois (4-4, 1-3) offense in a 39-0 win on Saturday afternoon at Beaver Stadium. Big Plays: The Penn State defense reigned supreme in the shutout. Geno Lewis scored his receiving first touchdown at Beaver Stadium in his career. Lewis previously tallied receiving touchdowns at an NFL stadium, Yankee Stadium and Ireland before notching a TD in Happy Valley. Quarterback Christian Hackenberg was responsible for three touchdowns (two ... Read More
Penn State returns home, takes on Illinois
The Penn State Nittany Lions (6-2, 3-1) will battle the Illinois Fighting Illini (4-3, 1-2) on Saturday at 12 p.m. at Beaver Stadium. The Lions are returning home after a two-game road series, and will be welcomed by a throng of students from across the Commonwealth, as this game is the annual “All-U Day.” "We love every opportunity to play in Beaver Stadium," said head coach James Franklin. "We've had a lot of success in Beaver Stadium this season, and the fans have been a big part of that. ... Read More
Lions edge Terrapins 31-30
The Penn State Nittany Lions (6-2, 3-1 Big Ten) outlasted the University of Maryland Terrapins (2-5, 0-3 Big Ten) on Saturday night at M&T Bank Stadium. The final score was 31-30. Big Plays: Despite the nail-biter, Penn State had a good outing. Not only did the team earn bowl eligibility with its sixth win of the season, but quarterback Christian Hackenberg also knocked former QB Zach Mills out of the Penn State record books. The junior signal-caller took over the career records for ... Read More
Lions and Terrapins will clash at M&T
The Penn State Nittany Lions (5-2, 2-1) will round out a two-game road series when they face off against the Maryland Terrapins (2-4, 0-2) at 3:30 p.m. at M&T Bank Stadium. ESPN will carry the game. This is the second game in an NFL stadium this season for the Lions, and head coach James Franklin is excited for the opportunity. "We have so many fans and alumni in that region. Playing at the Ravens' stadium should be a great venue." Last Week: The Lions fell to Buckeyes 38-10 last ... Read More