2018 Penn State Nittany Lions football team

American college football season

2018 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Citrus Bowl, L 24–27 vs. Kentucky
ConferenceBig Ten Conference
DivisionEast Division
Ranking
CoachesNo. 17
APNo. 17
Record9–4 (6–3 Big Ten)
Head coach
  • James Franklin (5th season)
Offensive coordinatorRicky Rahne (1st as OC; 5th overall season)
Offensive schemeSpread
Defensive coordinatorBrent Pry (3rd as DC; 5th overall season)
Co-defensive coordinatorTim Banks (3rd season)
Base defense4–3
CaptainTrace McSorley
Blake Gillikin
Nick Scott
Home stadiumBeaver Stadium
Seasons
← 2017
2019 →
2018 Big Ten Conference football standings
  • v
  • t
  • e
 Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
East Division
No. 3 Ohio State xy$   8 – 1     13 – 1  
No. 14 Michigan x   8 – 1     10 – 3  
No. 17 Penn State   6 – 3     9 – 4  
Michigan State   5 – 4     7 – 6  
Maryland   3 – 6     5 – 7  
Indiana   2 – 7     5 – 7  
Rutgers   0 – 9     1 – 11  
West Division
No. 21 Northwestern xy   8 – 1     9 – 5  
Wisconsin   5 – 4     8 – 5  
No. 25 Iowa   5 – 4     9 – 4  
Purdue   5 – 4     6 – 7  
Minnesota   3 – 6     7 – 6  
Nebraska   3 – 6     4 – 8  
Illinois   2 – 7     4 – 8  
Championship: Ohio State 45, Northwestern 24
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2018 Penn State Nittany Lions football team represented Pennsylvania State University in the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was led by fifth-year head coach James Franklin and played its home games in Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. They were a member of the East Division of the Big Ten Conference.

Penn State, coming off an 11–2, Fiesta Bowl-winning season in 2017, began the year at 10th in the preseason AP Poll. They narrowly escaped an upset in their first game of the year by defeating Appalachian State in overtime. The Nittany Lions won their first four games and entered an anticipated home game against No. 4 Ohio State at No. 9, but lost to the Buckeyes by a score of 26–27. The following week the team was upset by Michigan State on homecoming. The team rebounded with a home win against then-No. 18 Iowa, but was blown out the following week by Michigan 42–7. The Nittany Lions finished the regular season in third in the Big Ten East with a conference record of 6–3. They were invited to the Citrus Bowl, where they lost to Kentucky to finish the year at 9–4.

Senior quarterback Trace McSorley led the team in passing, finishing with 2,530 passing yards and 18 passing touchdowns to go along with 12 rushing touchdowns. He was named second team All-Big Ten by both the media and coaches. During the season, McSorley became the all-time school record holder in several categories, including career passing yards, completions, passing touchdowns, and total touchdowns responsible for.[1] Junior running back Miles Sanders finished in second in the conference in rushing with 1,274 yards.[2] On defense, cornerback Amani Oruwariye and lineman Yetur Gross-Matos were named first-team all-conference by the media.[3]

Offseason

Staff changes

On November 29, 2017, it was announced that offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Joe Moorhead was hired to be the head coach for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.[4] Shortly after, it was reported that running backs coach and special teams coordinator Charles Huff would be joining Moorhead at Mississippi State as his assistant head coach, run game coordinator, and running backs coach.[5] On December 1, 2017, James Franklin announced that tight ends coach Ricky Rahne would replace Moorhead as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.[6] It was also announced that former Maryland offensive line coach Tyler Bowen was hired to coach tight ends and consultant Phil Galiano was hired to coordinate special teams and assist with the defensive line.[6] On January 12, 2018, former Army wide receivers coach David Corley Jr. was hired to the staff as the running backs coach.[7] Corley was hired as the 10th assistant coach because of a new rule change by the NCAA, that expanded staff sizes by one.[8] On January 24, 2018, wide receivers coach Josh Gattis announced that he would be leaving to serve as the co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach for the Alabama Crimson Tide.[9] The next day it was announced that former Florida Gators running backs coach Ja'Juan Seider would be joining Penn State in the same capacity and David Corley Jr. would be coaching the wide receivers.[10] It was also announced that defensive line coach Sean Spencer received the title of associate head coach, a title previously held by defensive coordinator Brent Pry.[11]

Recruiting

The Nittany Lions signed 23 recruits.[12][13]

US college sports recruiting information for 2018 recruits
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
Justin Shorter
WR 		Monmouth Junction, NJ South Brunswick High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 213 lb (97 kg) Aug 6, 2016 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:5/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:5/5 stars    ESPN:5/5 stars
Pat Freiermuth
TE 		North Andover, MA Brooks School 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 250 lb (110 kg) Aug 16, 2016 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Zack Kuntz
TE 		Camp Hill, PA Camp Hill High School 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 221 lb (100 kg) Nov 26, 2016 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Isaiah Humphries
S 		Sachse, TX Sachse High School 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 191 lb (87 kg) Dec 31, 2016 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Charlie Katshir
LB 		Mechanicsburg, PA Cumberland Valley High School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 210 lb (95 kg) Feb 2, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Ricky Slade
RB 		Woodbridge, VA C. D. Hylton High School 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) 185 lb (84 kg) Feb 3, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:5/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Jesse Luketa
LB 		Erie, PA Mercyhurst Preparatory School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 238 lb (108 kg) Feb 3, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Nick Tarburton
LB 		Perkasie, PA Pennridge High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 242 lb (110 kg) Feb 9, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Trent Gordon
CB 		Manvel, TX Manvel High School 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 180 lb (82 kg) Mar 29, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Nana Asiedu
OT 		Stafford, VA North Stafford High School 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 265 lb (120 kg) Apr 22, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Bryce Effner
OT 		Aurora, IL Metea Valley High School 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 285 lb (129 kg) May 6, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Jordan Miner
CB 		Wesley Chapel, FL Wiregrass Ranch High School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 183 lb (83 kg) Jul 6, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Judge Culpepper
DE 		Tampa, FL Plant High School 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 256 lb (116 kg) Jul 14, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Will Levis
QB 		Middletown, CT Xavier High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 222 lb (101 kg) Jul 15, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Jake Pinegar
K 		Ankeny, IA Centennial High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 195 lb (88 kg) Jul 16, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Daniel George
WR 		Oxon Hill, MD Oxon Hill High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 205 lb (93 kg) Jul 16, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Juice Scruggs
C 		Erie, PA Cathedral Preparatory School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 270 lb (120 kg) Aug 4, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
P. J. Mustipher
DT 		Owings Mills, MD McDonogh School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 300 lb (140 kg) Aug 7, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Aeneas Hawkins
DT 		Cincinnati, OH Moeller High School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 265 lb (120 kg) Aug 10, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Jahan Dotson
WR 		Nazareth, PA Nazareth Area High School 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 165 lb (75 kg) Dec 20, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Micah Parsons
DE 		Harrisburg, PA Harrisburg High School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 235 lb (107 kg) Dec 20, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:5/5 stars   Rivals:5/5 stars   247Sports:5/5 stars    ESPN:5/5 stars
Odafe Oweh
DE 		Blairstown, NJ Blair Academy 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 236 lb (107 kg) Jan 4, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Rasheed Walker
OT 		Waldorf, Maryland North Point High School 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 290 lb (130 kg) Feb 7, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Overall recruiting rankings:
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "Penn State Football Commitments". Rivals.com. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  • "2018 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved December 21, 2017.

2018 NFL draft

Player Position Round Pick Team
Saquon Barkley Running back 1 2 New York Giants
Mike Gesicki Tight end 2 42 Miami Dolphins
Troy Apke Safety 4 109 Washington Redskins
DaeSean Hamilton Wide receiver 4 113 Denver Broncos
Marcus Allen Safety 5 148 Pittsburgh Steelers
Christian Campbell Cornerback 6 182 Arizona Cardinals
Jason Cabinda Linebacker UFA Oakland Raiders
Saeed Blacknall Wide receiver UFA Oakland Raiders
Grant Haley Cornerback UFA New York Giants
Brendan Mahon Guard UFA Carolina Panthers
Curtis Cothran Defensive tackle UFA Minnesota Vikings
Parker Cothren Defensive lineman UFA Pittsburgh Steelers
Tyler Davis Kicker UFA Buffalo Bills

Offseason departures

Player Class Position Hometown Reason
left
DaeSean Hamilton Sr WR Stafford, Virginia Graduated
Marcus Allen Sr S Upper Marlboro, Maryland Graduated
Saeed Blacknall Sr WR Manalapan, New Jersey Graduated
Christian Campbell Sr CB Phenix City, Alabama Graduated
Mike Gesicki Sr TE Manahawkin, New Jersey Graduated
Grant Haley Sr CB Atlanta, Georgia Graduated
Troy Apke Sr S Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania Graduated
Jason Cabinda Sr LB Buena Park, California Graduated
Curtis Cothran Sr DT Newtown, Pennsylvania Graduated
Parker Cothren Sr DT Huntsville, Alabama Graduated
Tyler Davis Sr K St. Charles, Illinois Graduated
Brendan Mahon Sr G Randolph, New Jersey Graduated
Saquon Barkley Jr RB Whitehall, Pennsylvania Declared for NFL draft
Crae McCracken Fr OL Williamsport, Pennsylvania Transferred
Andre Robinson So RB Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania Transferred
Alex Barbir Fr K Cumming, Georgia Transferred
Corey Bolds Fr DT Paterson, New Jersey Transferred
Manny Bowen Jr LB Barnegat, New Jersey Dismissed from program
Irvin Charles So WR Sicklerville, New Jersey Dismissed from program
Robert Martin So OL Sparta, New Jersey Retired

Returning starters

Offense

Player Class Position
Trace McSorley Senior Quarterback
Juwan Johnson Junior Wide receiver
Ryan Bates Junior Offensive tackle
Connor McGovern Junior Center/Guard
Steven Gonzalez Junior Guard
Will Fries Sophomore Offensive tackle
DeAndre Thompkins Senior Wide receiver
Chasz Wright Senior Offensive tackle
Miles Sanders Junior Running back
Reference:[14]


Defense

Player Class Position
Kevin Givens Junior Defensive tackle
Shareef Miller Junior Defensive end
Koa Farmer Senior Linebacker
Nick Scott Senior Safety
Reference:[14]


Special teams

Player Class Position
Blake Gillikin Junior Punter
Kyle Vasey Senior Long snapper
DeAndre Thompkins Senior Punt returner
Reference:[14]

Position key

Back B Center C Cornerback CB Defensive back DB
Defensive end DE Defensive lineman DL Defensive tackle DT End E
Fullback FB Guard G Halfback HB Kicker K
Kickoff returner KR Offensive tackle OT Offensive lineman OL Linebacker LB
Long snapper LS Punter P Punt returner PR Quarterback QB
Running back RB Safety S Tight end TE Wide receiver WR

Preseason

Award watch lists

Award Player Position Year
Rimington Trophy[15] Connor McGovern C JR
Chuck Bednarik Award[16] Shareef Miller DE JR
Maxwell Award[17] Trace McSorley QB SR
Davey O'Brien Award[18] Trace McSorley QB SR
Doak Walker Award[19] Miles Sanders RB JR
John Mackey Award[20] Jonathan Holland TE JR
Butkus Award[21] Koa Farmer LB SR
Bronko Nagurski Trophy[22] Amani Oruwariye CB SR
Outland Trophy[23] Ryan Bates OL SR
Connor McGovern C JR
Ray Guy Award[24] Blake Gillikin P/K JR
Wuerffel Trophy[25] Trace McSorley QB SR
Walter Camp Award[26] Trace McSorley QB SR
Ted Hendricks Award[27] Shareef Miller DE JR
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award[28] Trace McSorley QB SR
Manning Award[29] Trace McSorley QB SR

Personnel

Roster

Seniors Trace McSorley and Nick Scott, and junior Blake Gillikin were elected by their teammates as captains.[30] Running Back C. J. Holmes is a transfer from Notre Dame.[31] On August 4, 2018, Linebacker Manny Bowen returned to the program after being dismissed near the end of the 2017 season.[32]

2018 Penn State Nittany Lions football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos. # Name Class
WR 1 K. J. Hamler  Fr
QB 2 Tommy Stevens  Jr
WR 3 DeAndre Thompkins  Sr
RB 4 Ricky Slade Fr
WR 5 Jahan Dotson Fr
WR 6 Justin Shorter Fr
QB 7 Jake Zembiec Injured  So
RB 8 Mark Allen  Sr
QB 9 Trace McSorley (C)  Sr
WR 10 Brandon Polk  Jr
WR 12 Mac Hippenhammer  Fr
QB 13 Grayson Kline Fr
QB 14 Sean Clifford  Fr
QB 15 Michael Shuster  So
QB 17 Will Levis Fr
TE 18 Jonathan Holland  Jr
RB 20 Johnathan Thomas  Sr
RB 24 Miles Sanders Jr
WR 29 Henry Fessler Fr
RB 32 Journey Brown  Fr
RB 33 C. J. Holmes So
RB 40 Nick Eury  So
TE 41 Joe Arcangelo  Jr
OL 50 Will Knutsson Fr
OL 51 Alex Gellerstedt  So
OL 52 Ryan Bates  Jr
OL 53 Rasheed Walker Fr
OL 54 Nana Asiedu Injured Fr
OL 62 Michal Menet  So
OL 63 Collin DeBoef Fr
OL 64 Zach Simpson  Jr
OL 66 Connor McGovern Jr
OL 68 Hunter Kelly  So
OL 69 C. J. Thorpe  Fr
OL 70 Juice Scruggs Fr
OL 71 Will Fries  So
OL 72 Bryce Effner Fr
OL 73 Mike Miranda  Fr
OL 74 Steven Gonzalez  Jr
OL 75 Des Holmes  Fr
OL 76 Sterling Jenkins  Jr
OL 77 Chasz Wright  Sr
OL 79 Charlie Shuman  Sr
WR 80 Justin Weller  Fr
TE 80 Danny Dalton  So
WR 81 Cam Sullivan-Brown  Fr
TE 82 Zack Kuntz Fr
WR 82 Tyler Shoop  Jr
TE 83 Nick Bowers  Jr
WR 83 Alex Hoenstine  Fr
WR 84 Juwan Johnson  Jr
WR 85 Isaac Lutz  So
WR 86 Daniel George Fr
TE 87 Pat Freiermuth Fr
WR 88 Dan Chisena  Jr
WR 89 Brandon Clark Fr
WR 89 Colton Maxwell  So
Defense
Pos. # Name Class
S 2 Isaiah Humphries Fr
CB 2 Donovan Johnson  Fr
S 4 Nick Scott (C)  Sr
CB 5 Tariq Castro-Fields So
LB 6 Cam Brown Jr
LB 7 Koa Farmer  Sr
CB 8 Jordan Miner Injured Fr
LB 9 Jarvis Miller  Jr
LB 11 Micah Parsons Fr
LB 13 Ellis Brooks  Fr
CB 14 Zech McPhearson  So
S 16 John Petrishen  Jr
S 17 Garrett Taylor  Jr
DE 18 Shaka Toney  So
DE 19 Torrence Brown Injured  Sr
CB 19 Trent Gordon Fr
CB 20 Jabari Butler  Jr
CB 21 Amani Oruwariye  Sr
S 23 Ayron Monroe  Jr
CB 24 D. J. Brown  Fr
LB 25 Brelin Faison-Walden  Fr
S 26 Jonathan Sutherland  Fr
DT 27 Aeneas Hawkins Fr
S 27 Cody Romano Fr
DE 28 Odafe Oweh Fr
CB 29 John Reid  Jr
DT 30 Kevin Givens  Jr
CB 31 Christopher Welde  Jr
LB 33 Jake Cooper Sr
DE 34 Shane Simmons  So
S 35 Justin Neff  Fr
LB 36 Jan Johnson  Jr
S 37 Drew Hartlaub  Fr
S 38 Lamont Wade So
LB 39 Frank Di Leo  Jr
LB 40 Jesse Luketa Fr
LB 41 Dae'Lun Darien  So
DT 42 Ellison Jordan  So
LB 43 Manny Bowen Sr
DE 45 Joe DuMond  So
LB 45 Charlie Katshir Fr
DE 46 Nick Tarburton Fr
LB 47 Will Blair  So
DE 48 Shareef Miller  Jr
DE 49 Daniel Joseph  So
LB 50 Max Chizmar  Fr
LB 51 Jason Vranic  Sr
DT 53 Fred Hansard  Fr
DT 54 Robert Windsor  Jr
DT 55 Antonio Shelton  So
DT 58 Evan Presta  Fr
DT 88 Judge Culpepper Fr
DT 90 Damion Barber  Fr
DT 93 P. J. Mustipher Fr
DE 95 Donnell Dix Sr
DT 96 Immanuel Iyke  Jr
DE 97 Ryan Buchholz Injured  Jr
DE 99 Yetur Gross-Matos So
Special teams
Pos. # Name Class
P 49 Cade Pollard Fr
K 90 Rafael Checa Fr
LS 91 Chris Stoll  Fr
K 92 Jake Pinegar Fr
P, K 93 Blake Gillikin (C) Jr
LS 94 Joe Calcagno  Fr
K 95 Vlad Hilling Fr
LS 96 Matt Aloni Fr
LS 96 Kyle Vasey  Sr
K, P 97 Carson Landis  Fr
LS 98 Kevin Cahill Fr
LS 98 Mike Curry  Jr
LS 98 Dan Vasey  Fr
K 99 Justin Tobin  So
Head coach
  • James Franklin
Coordinators/assistant coaches
  • Brent Pry (defensive coordinator/linebackers)
  • Ricky Rahne (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks)
  • Ja'Juan Seider (running backs)
  • Phil Galiano (special teams coordinator/assistant defensive line)
  • Tim Banks (safeties/co-defensive coordinator)
  • David Corley Jr. (wide receivers coach)
  • Matt Limegrover (offensive line/run game coordinator)
  • Tyler Bowen (tight ends/offensive recruiting coordinator)
  • Terry Smith (cornerbacks/defensive recruiting coordinator/assistant head coach)
  • Sean Spencer (defensive line/run game coordinator/associate head coach)
  • Dwight Galt (assistant athletics director for performance enhancement)
  • Sean Cascarano (graduate assistant)
  • Mark Dupuis (graduate assistant)
  • Matt Fleischacker (graduate assistant)
  • Kevin Smith (graduate assistant)
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured Injured
  • Redshirt Redshirt

Roster

Depth chart

As of August 28, 2018

Defense


FS
4 Nick Scott
23 Ayron Monroe
16 John Petrishen


WLB MLB SLB
7 Koa Farmer 36 Jan Johnson 6 Cam Brown
11 Micah Parsons 13 Ellis Brooks 9 Jarvis Miller
33 Jake Cooper 40 Jesse Luketa 41 Dae'Lun Darien
SS
17 Garrett Taylor
38 Lamont Wade
26 Jonathan Sutherland
CB
21 Amani Oruwariye
2 Donovan Johnson
14 Zech McPhearson


DE DT DT DE
99 Yetur Gross-Matos 30 Kevin Givens 54 Robert Windsor 48 Shareef Miller
18 Shaka Toney 53 Fred Hansard 55 Antonio Shelton 49 Daniel Joseph
28 Odafe Oweh 42 Ellison Jordan 93 P. J. Mustipher 46 Nick Tarburton
CB
29 John Reid
5 Tariq Castro-Fields
19 Trent Gordon
Offense
WR
84 Juwan Johnson
81 Cam Sullivan-Brown
86 Daniel George
WR
1 K. J. Hamler
12 Mac Hippenhammer
5 Jahan Dotson
LT LG C RG RT
52 Ryan Bates 74 Steven Gonzalez 62 Michal Menet 66 Connor McGovern 77 Chasz Wright OR
75 Des Holmes 73 Mike Miranda 64 Zach Simpson 69 C.J. Thorpe 71 Will Fries
53 Rasheed Walker 72 Bryce Effner 70 Juice Scruggs 79 Charlie Shuman 51 Alex Gellerstedt
TE
18 Jonathan Holland
OR 80 Danny Dalton
83 Nick Bowers
87 Pat Freiermuth
WR
3 DeAndre Thompkins
10 Brandon Polk
85 Isaac Lutz
QB
9 Trace McSorley
2 Tommy Stevens
14 Sean Clifford
Special teams
PK 92 Jake Pinegar
PK 90 Rafael Checa
P 93 Blake Gillikin
P 49 Cade Pollard
KR 1 K. J. Hamler
32 Journey Brown
PR 3 DeAndre Thompkins
1 K. J. Hamler
LS 96 Kyle Vasey
H 93 Blake Gillikin
RB
24 Miles Sanders
8 Mark Allen
4 Ricky Slade

Coaching staff

Position Name Alma mater
Head coach James Franklin[33] East Stroudsburg (1994)
Defensive coordinator/linebackers Brent Pry Buffalo (1993)
Offensive coordinator/ quarterbacks Ricky Rahne[34] Cornell (2002)
Tight ends/ Offensive Recruiting Coordinator Tyler Bowen Maryland (2010)
Safeties/co-Defensive coordinator Tim Banks Central Michigan University (1994)
Defensive line/Run Game Coordinator/Associate Head coach Sean Spencer[34] Clarion (1995)
Offensive line Matt Limegrover University of Chicago (1990)
Cornerbacks/Defensive Recruiting Coordinator Terry Smith[34] Penn State (1991)
Running backs Ja'Juan Seider West Virginia University (2000)
Wide receivers David Corley College of William & Mary (2002)
Special teams coordinator/assistant defensive line Phil Galiano Shippensburg University (1999)
Strength and conditioning Dwight Galt[34] Maryland (1981)
Graduate Assistant Sean Cascarano University of Virginia (2013)
Graduate Assistant Mark Dupuis University of Connecticut (2011)
Graduate Assistant Matt Fleischacker Penn State (2016)
Graduate Assistant Kevin Smith Urbana University (2014)

Schedule

Spring game

Date Time Spring Game Site TV Result Attendance
April 21 3:00 p.m. Blue vs. White Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA BTN[35] Blue 21–10 71,000[36]

Regular season

The team hosted two of the three non-conference games against the Appalachian State Mountaineers (first ever meeting) from the Sun Belt Conference and the Kent State Golden Flashes from the Mid-American Conference (MAC).[37] They traveled to the Pittsburgh Panthers from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).[38]

During the 2018 Nittany Lions season, Penn State faced Big Ten conference opponents Illinois, Ohio State, Michigan State, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, Rutgers and Maryland. Their annual homecoming game was played on October 13.[39] The 2018 regular season schedule consisted of 7 home games and 5 away.[40][41]

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
September 13:30 p.m.Appalachian State*No. 10BTNW 45–38 OT105,232
September 88:00 p.m.at Pittsburgh*No. 13ABCW 51–668,400
September 1512:00 p.m.Kent State*No. 11
  • Beaver Stadium
  • University Park, PA
FS1W 63–10106,528
September 219:00 p.m.at IllinoisNo. 10
FS1W 63–2434,704
September 297:30 p.m.No. 4 Ohio StateNo. 9
  • Beaver Stadium
  • University Park, PA (rivalry, College GameDay)
ABCL 26–27110,889
October 133:30 p.m.Michigan StatedaggerNo. 8
  • Beaver Stadium
  • University Park, PA (rivalry)
BTNL 17–21106,685
October 203:30 p.m.at IndianaNo. 18
ABCW 33–2841,553
October 273:30 p.m.No. 18 IowaNo. 17
  • Beaver Stadium
  • University Park, PA
ESPNW 30–24105,244
November 33:45 p.m.at No. 5 MichiganNo. 14ESPNL 7–42111,747
November 1012:00 p.m.WisconsinNo. 20
  • Beaver Stadium
  • University Park, PA
ABCW 22–10105,396
November 1712:00 p.m.at RutgersNo. 14BTNW 20–744,840
November 243:30 p.m.MarylandNo. 12
  • Beaver Stadium
  • University Park, PA (rivalry)
ABCW 38–398,422
January 1, 20191:00 p.m.vs. No. 14 Kentucky*No. 12ABCL 24–2759,167

[42]

Game summaries

Appalachian State

Appalachian State at Penn State – Game summary
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Appalachian State 10 0 028038
No. 10 Penn State 7 3 1414745

at Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania

  • Date: September 1
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 76 °F (24 °C); cloudy, humid
  • Game attendance: 105,232
  • Referee: Mark Kluczynski
  • TV announcers (BTN): Kevin Kugler, Matt Millen, Lisa Byington
  • ESPN Box Score GoPSUsports.com Box Score
Game information
First quarter
  • PSU – Trace McSorley, 12-yard TD run, Jake Pinegar kick good, 12:02 (PSU 7–0)
  • ASU – Darrynton Evans, 100-yard kickoff return, Chandler Staton kick good, 11:48 (TIE 7–7)
  • ASU – Staton, 38-yard field goal, 4:10 (ASU 10–7)
Second quarter
  • PSU – Pinegar, 32-yard field goal, 0:12 (TIE 10–10)
Third quarter
  • PSU – McSorley, 10-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 9:41 (PSU 17–10)
  • PSU – Ricky Slade, 27-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 2:41 (PSU 24–10)
Fourth quarter
  • ASU – Malik Williams, 17-yard TD pass from Zac Thomas, Staton kick good, 13:39 (PSU 24–17)
  • PSU – Miles Sanders, 2-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 11:17 (PSU 31–17)
  • ASU – Williams, 24-yard TD pass from Thomas, Staton kick good, 7:40 (PSU 31–24)
  • ASU – Thomas, 1-yard TD run, Staton kick good, 6:03 (TIE 31–31)
  • ASU – Jalin Moore, 16-yard TD run, Staton kick good, 1:47 (ASU 38–31)
  • PSU – K. J. Hamler, 15-yard TD pass from McSorley, Pinegar kick good, 0:42 (TIE 38–38)
Overtime
  • PSU – Sanders, 4-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, (PSU 45–38)
Top passers
  • ASU – Zac Thomas – 25/38, 270 yards, 2 TD, INT
  • PSU – Trace McSorley – 21/36, 230 yards, TD
Top rushers
  • ASU – Jalin Moore – 18 carries, 88 yards, TD
  • PSU – Miles Sanders – 19 carries, 91 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
  • ASU – Corey Sutton – 6 receptions, 87 yards
  • PSU – K. J. Hamler – 4 receptions, 68 yards, TD
Top defenders
  • ASU – Anthony Flory – 9 tackles
  • PSU – Jan Johnson – 11 tackles

At Pittsburgh

Penn State at Pittsburgh – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 13 Penn State 7 7 162151
Pittsburgh 6 0 006

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: September 8
  • Game time: 8:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 58 °F (14 °C); rain
  • Game attendance: 68,400
  • Referee: John O'Neill
  • TV announcers (ABC): Sean McDonough, Todd Blackledge, Holly Rowe
  • ESPN Box Score GoPSUsports.com Box Score
Game information
First quarter
  • PSU – K. J. Hamler, 32-yard TD run, Jake Pinegar kick good, 12:14 (PSU 7–0)
  • UP – Qadree Ollison, 13-yard TD run, 2-point conversion failed, 7:09 (PSU 7–6)
Second quarter
  • PSU – Hamler, 14-yard TD pass from Trace McSorley, Pinegar kick good, 0:26 (PSU 14–6)
Third quarter
  • PSU – McSorley, 4-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 8:36 (PSU 21–6)
  • PSU – safety, offensive holding penalty by Pittsburgh (Stefano Millin) in its endzone, 7:38 (PSU 23–6)
  • PSU – DeAndre Thompkins, 39-yard punt return for TD, Pinegar kick good, 0:28 (PSU 30–6)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU – Mac Hippenhammer, 11-yard pass from McSorley, 11:40 (PSU 37–6)
  • PSU – Mark Allen, 4-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 6:17 (PSU 44–6)
  • PSU – Brandon Polk, 34-yard TD pass from Sean Clifford, Pinegar kick good, 4:21 (PSU 51–6)
Top passers
  • PSU – Trace McSorley – 14/30, 145 yards, 2 TD
  • UP – Kenny Pickett – 9/18, 55 yards, INT
Top rushers
  • PSU – Miles Sanders – 16 carries, 118 yards
  • UP – Qadree Ollison – 21 carries, 119 yards, TD
Top receivers
  • PSU – Brandon Polk – 2 receptions, 45 yards, TD
  • UP – Shocky Jacques−Louis – 2 receptions, 21 yards
Top defenders
  • PSU – Kevin Givens – 7 tackles, 2 tackles-for-loss (TFL)
  • UP – Quintin Wirginis – 9 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss (TFL), 1 sack

Kent State

Kent State at Penn State – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Kent State 7 3 0010
No. 11 Penn State 21 7 211463

at Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania

  • Date: September 15
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C); cloudy, humid
  • Game attendance: 106,528
  • Referee: Ron Hudson
  • TV announcers (FS1): Tim Brando, Spencer Tillman, Holly Sonders
  • ESPN Box Score GoPSUsports.com Box Score
Game information
First quarter
  • PSU – DeAndre Thompkins, 40-yard TD pass from Trace McSorley, Jake Pinegar kick good, 12:51 (PSU 7–0)
  • KSU – Mike Carrigan, 47-yard TD pass from Woody Barrett, Matthew Trickett kick good, 9:43 (TIE 7–7)
  • PSU – McSorley, 1-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 5:07 (PSU 14–7)
  • PSU – McSorley, 2-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 1:09 (PSU 21–7)
Second quarter
  • KSU – Trickett, 24-yard field goal, 0:35, (PSU 21–10)
  • PSU – McSorley, 13-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 0:04 (PSU 28–10)
Third quarter
  • PSU – Mark Allen, 7-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 10:05 (PSU 35–10)
  • PSU – Ricky Slade, 2-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 7:42 (PSU 42–10)
  • PSU – Brandon Polk, 41-yard TD pass from McSorley, Pinegar kick good, 2:37 (PSU 49–10)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU – Daniel George, 95-yard TD pass from Sean Clifford, Pinegar kick good, 6:55 (PSU 56–10)
  • PSU – Johnathan Thomas, 15-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 1:09 (PSU 63–10)
Top passers
  • KSU – Woody Barrett – 20/38, 176 yards, TD
  • PSU – Trace McSorley – 11/22, 229 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
  • KSU – Dustin Crum – 3 carries, 23 yards
  • PSU – Miles Sanders – 14 carries, 86 yards
Top receivers
  • KSU – Antwan Dixon – 5 receptions, 59 yards
  • PSU – DeAndre Thompkins – 4 receptions, 101 yards, TD
Top defenders
  • KSU – Dalton Hicks – 12 tackles, 0.5 tackles-for-loss (TFL)
  • PSU – Cam Brown – 7 tackles, 2 tackles-for-loss (TFL)

At Illinois

Penn State at Illinois – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 10 Penn State 7 14 73563
Illinois 7 10 7024

at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois

Game information
First quarter
  • PSU – Miles Sanders, 14-yard TD run, Jake Pinegar kick good, 9:17 (PSU 7–0)
  • UI – Reggie Corbin, 2-yard TD run, Chase McLaughlin kick good, 2:16 (TIE 7–7)
Second quarter
  • PSU – Sanders, 2-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 12:52 (PSU 14–7)
  • PSU – Pat Freiermuth, 5-yard TD pass from Trace McSorley, Pinegar kick good, 8:11 (PSU 21–7)
  • UI – Ricky Smalling, 6-yard TD pass from M. J. Rivers II, McLaughlin kick good, 6:47 (PSU 21–14)
  • UI – McLaughlin, 42-yard field goal, 0:00 (PSU 21–17)
Third quarter
  • UI – Smalling, 17-yard TD pass from Trenard Davis, McLaughlin kick good, 10:36 (UI 24–21)
  • PSU – Sanders, 48-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 8:36 (PSU 28–24)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU – Juwan Johnson, 16-yard TD pass from McSorley, Pinegar kick good, 14:53 (PSU 35–24)
  • PSU – K. J. Hamler, 21-yard TD pass from McSorley, Pinegar kick good, 14:09 (PSU 42–24)
  • PSU – Ricky Slade, 61-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 9:58 (PSU 49–24)
  • PSU – Slade, 1-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 4:24 (PSU 56–24)
  • PSU – Journey Brown, 6-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 1:56 (PSU 63–24)
Top passers
  • PSU – Trace McSorley – 12/19, 160 yards, 3 TD, INT
  • UI – M. J. Rivers – 17/28, 149 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
  • PSU – Miles Sanders – 22 carries, 200 yards, 3 TD
  • UI – Reggie Corbin – 11 carries, 87 yards, TD
Top receivers
  • PSU – Jonathan Holland – 3 receptions, 53 yards
  • UI – Carmoni Green – 4 receptions, 49 yards
Top defenders
  • PSU – Jonathan Sutherland – 8 tackles, 1 tackles-for-loss (TFL)
  • UI – Bobby Roundtree – 12 tackles, 2 tackles-for-loss (TFL), 1 sack

No. 4 Ohio State

Ohio State at Penn State – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 4 Ohio State 0 7 71327
No. 9 Penn State 3 10 01326

at Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania

  • Date: September 29
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 60 °F (16 °C) clear, cool
  • Game attendance: 110,889
  • Referee: Daniel Capron
  • TV announcers (ABC): Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Maria Taylor, Tom Rinaldi
  • ESPN Box Score GoPSUsports.com Box Score
Game information
First quarter
  • PSU – Jake Pinegar, 34-yard field goal, 4:58 (PSU 3–0)
Second quarter
  • PSU – Pinegar, 39-yard field goal, 11:18 (PSU 6–0)
  • PSU – K. J. Hamler 93-yard TD pass from Trace McSorley, Pinegar kick good, 5:59 (PSU 13–0)
  • OSU – J. K. Dobbins, 26-yard TD pass from Dwayne Haskins, Sean Nuernberger kick good, 1:50 (PSU 13–7)
Third quarter
  • OSU – Dobbins, 4-yard TD run, Nuernberger kick good, 10:22 (OSU 14–13)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU – Pat Freiermuth, 2-yard TD pass from McSorley, Pinegar kick good, 12:22 (PSU 20–14)
  • PSU – Miles Sanders, 1-yard TD run, 2-point conversion run failed, 8:00 (PSU 26–14)
  • OSU – Binjimen Victor, 47-yard TD pass from Haskins, Nuernberger kick good, 6:42 (PSU 26–21)
  • OSU – K. J. Hill, 24-yard TD pass from Haskins, 2-point conversion pass failed, 2:03 (OSU 27–26)
Top passers
  • OSU – Dwayne Haskins – 22/39, 270 yards, 3 TD, INT
  • PSU – Trace McSorley – 16/32, 286 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
  • OSU – J. K. Dobbins – 17 carries, 57 yards, TD
  • PSU – Trace McSorley – 25 carries, 175 yards
Top receivers
  • OSU – J. K. Dobbins – 2 receptions, 61 yards, TD
  • PSU – K. J. Hamler – 4 receptions, 138 yards, TD
Top defenders
  • OSU – Chase Young – 6 tackles, 3 tackles-for-loss (TFL), 2 sacks
  • OSU – Tuf Borland – 6 tackles, sack
  • PSU – Koa Farmer – 8 tackles, 0.5 tackles-for-loss (TFL)
  • PSU – Garrett Taylor – 4 tackles, INT

Michigan State

Michigan State at Penn State – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Michigan State 0 7 7721
No. 8 Penn State 7 7 0317

at Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania

  • Date: October 13
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 50 °F (10 °C); cool, cloudy
  • Game attendance: 106,685
  • Referee: Michael Cannon
  • TV announcers (BTN): Kevin Kugler, James Laurinaitis, Lisa Byington
  • ESPN Box Score GoPSUsports.com Box Score
Game information
First quarter
  • PSU – K. J. Hamler, 5-yard TD pass from Trace McSorley, Jake Pinegar kick good, 5:03 (PSU 7–0)
Second quarter
  • MSU – La'Darius Jefferson, 1-yard TD run, Matt Coghlin kick good, 13:25 (TIE 7–7)
  • PSU – Miles Sanders, 48-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 4:33 (PSU 14–7)
Third quarter
  • MSU – Felton Davis III, 20-yard TD pass from Brian Lewerke, Coghlin kick good, 6:10 (TIE 14–14)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU – Pinegar, 20-yard field goal, 9:21 (PSU 17–14)
  • MSU – Davis, 25-yard TD pass from Lewerke, Coghlin kick good, 0:19 (MSU 21–17)
Top passers
  • MSU – Brian Lewerke – 24/52, 259 yards, 2 TD, INT
  • PSU – Trace McSorley – 19/32, 192 yards, TD
Top rushers
  • MSU – La'Darius Jefferson – 15 carries, 60 yards, TD
  • PSU – Miles Sanders – 17 carries, 162 yards, TD
Top receivers
  • MSU – Felton Davis III – 8 receptions, 100 yards, 2 TD
  • PSU – K. J. Hamler – 5 receptions, 66 yards, TD
Top defenders
  • MSU – Khari Willis – 9 tackles
  • PSU – Koa Farmer – 6 tackles
  • PSU – Garrett Taylor – 6 tackles, INT

At Indiana

Penn State at Indiana – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 18 Penn State 7 10 9733
Indiana 14 0 7728

at Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, Indiana

  • Date: October 20
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 60 °F (16 °C); sunny
  • Game attendance: 41,553
  • Referee: John O'Neill
  • TV announcers (ABC): Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Todd McShay
  • ESPN Box Score GoPSUsports.com Box Score
Game information
First quarter
  • PSU – Miles Sanders, 1-yard TD run, Jake Pinegar kick good, 13:00 (PSU 7–0)
  • IU – Stevie Scott III, 5-yard TD run, Logan Justus kick good, 10:18 (TIE 7–7)
  • IU – Ronnie Walker Jr., 30-yard TD run, Justus kick good, 1:06 (IU 14–7)
Second quarter
  • PSU – Pat Freiermuth, 23-yard TD pass from Tommy Stevens, Pinegar kick good, 10:08 (TIE 14–14)
  • PSU – Pinegar, 27-yard field goal, 6:27 (PSU 17–14)
Third quarter
  • PSU – Pinegar, 32-yard field goal, 7:16 (PSU 20–14)
  • IU – Scott, 3-yard TD run, Justus kick good, 4:01 (IU 21–20)
  • PSU – Trace McSorley, 5-yard TD run, Pinegar kick blocked, 3:41 (PSU 26–21)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU – McSorley, 4-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 10:25 (PSU 33–21)
  • IU – J-Shun Harris II, 21-yard TD pass from Peyton Ramsey, Justus kick good, 0:49 (PSU 33–28)
Top passers
  • PSU – Trace McSorley – 19/36, 220 yards, INT
  • IU – Peyton Ramsey – 26/36, 236 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
  • PSU – Trace McSorley – 19 carries, 107 yards, 2 TD
  • IU – Stevie Scott III – 26 carries, 138 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
  • PSU – Juwan Johnson – 2 receptions, 72 yards
  • IU – Luke Timian – 6 receptions, 58 yards
Top defenders
  • PSU – Yetur Gross-Matos – 10 tackles, 2 tackles-for-loss (TFL), 2 sacks
  • IU – Marcelino Ball – 10 tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss (TFL), 0.5 sacks

No. 18 Iowa

Iowa at Penn State – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 18 Iowa 12 5 0724
No. 17 Penn State 7 10 10330

at Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania

  • Date: October 27
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 41 °F (5 °C); cloudy, rain
  • Game attendance: 105,244
  • Referee: Larry Smith
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Todd McShay
  • ESPN Box Score GoPSUsports.com Box Score
Game information
First quarter
  • UI – Safety, Blake Gillikin punt blocked out of end zone by Dominique Dafney, 14:08 (UI 2–0)
  • UI – Miguel Recinos, 27-yard field goal, 10:09 (UI 5–0)
  • UI – Sam Brincks, 10-yard TD pass from Colten Rastetter, Recinos kick good, 5:22 (UI 12–0)
  • PSU – Pat Freiermuth, 18-yard TD pass from Trace McSorley, Jake Pinegar kick good, 0:27 (UI 12–7)
Second quarter
  • UI – Safety, snap out of end zone, 13:39 (UI 14–7)
  • PSU – Tommy Stevens, 3-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 6:45 (TIE 14–14)
  • UI – Recinos, 49-yard field goal, 4:32 (UI 17–14)
  • PSU – Pinegar, 45-yard field goal, 0:03 (TIE 17–17)
Third quarter
  • PSU – McSorley, 51-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 12:10 (PSU 24–17)
  • PSU – Pinegar, 49-yard field goal, 4:10 (PSU 27–17)
Fourth quarter
  • UI – Geno Stone, 24-yard interception return, Recinos kick good, 10:00 (PSU 27–24)
  • PSU – Pinegar, 44-yard field goal, 8:24 (PSU 30–24)
Top passers
  • UI – Nate Stanley – 18/49, 205 yards, 2 INT
  • PSU – Trace McSorley – 11/25, 167 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
  • UI – Mekhi Sargent – 16 carries, 91 yards
  • PSU – Trace McSorley – 12 carries, 63 yards, TD
Top receivers
Top defenders
  • UI – Amani Hooker – 6 tackles
  • UI – Matt Nelson – 6 tackles, 0.5 tackles-for-loss (TFL)
  • PSU – Yetur Gross-Matos – 9 tackles, 4 tackles-for-loss (TFL), 2 sacks

At No. 5 Michigan

Penn State at Michigan – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 14 Penn State 0 0 077
No. 5 Michigan 7 7 141442

at Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan

  • Date: November 3
  • Game time: 3:45 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 43 °F (6 °C); partly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 111,747
  • Referee: Jeff Servinski
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Maria Taylor
  • ESPN Box Score GoPSUsports.com Box Score
Game information
First quarter
  • UM – Shea Patterson, 1-yard TD run, Quinn Nordin kick good, 8:12 (UM 7–0)
Second quarter
  • UM – Donovan Peoples-Jones, 23-yard TD pass from Patterson, Nordin kick good, 6:52 (UM 14–0)
Third quarter
  • UM – Zach Gentry, 7-yard TD pass from Patterson, Nordin kick good, 0:56 (UM 21–0)
  • UM – Brandon Watson, 62-yard interception return for TD, Nordin kick good, 0:09 (UM 28–0)
Fourth quarter
  • UM – Karan Higdon, 4-yard TD run, Nordin kick good, 9:49 (UM 35–0)
  • UM – Chris Evans, 1-yard TD run, Nordin kick good, 7:44 (UM 42–0)
  • PSU – Tommy Stevens, 8-yard TD run, Jake Pinegar kick good, 1:59 (UM 42–7)
Top passers
  • PSU – Trace McSorley – 5/13, 83 yards, INT
  • UM – Shea Patterson – 11/17, 144 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top defenders
  • PSU – Jan Johnson – 10 tackles, 1 tackle-for-loss (TFL)
  • UM – Devin Bush Jr. – 7 tackles

Wisconsin

Wisconsin at Penn State – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Wisconsin 7 0 3010
No. 21 Penn State 10 6 3322

at Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania

  • Date: November 10
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. ET
  • Game weather: 36 °F (2 °C); partly cloudy, windy
  • Game attendance: 105,396
  • Referee: Jerry McGinn
  • TV announcers (ABC): Mark Jones, Dusty Dvoracek, Molly McGrath
  • ESPN Box Score GoPSUsports.com Box Score
Game information
First quarter
  • UW – Jonathan Taylor, 71-yard TD run, Rafael Gaglianone kick good, 11:04 (UW 7–0)
  • PSU – DeAndre Thompkins, 14-yard TD pass from Trace McSorley, Jake Pinegar kick good, 7:41 (TIE 7–7)
  • PSU – Pinegar, 49-yard field goal, 1:53 (PSU 10–7)
Second quarter
  • PSU – Miles Sanders, 1-yard TD run, Pinegar kick missed, 8:09 (PSU 16–7)
Third quarter
  • UW – Rafael Gaglianone, 28-yard field goal, 9:45 (PSU 16–10)
  • PSU – Pinegar, 42-yard field goal, 4:07 (PSU 19–10)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU – Pinegar, 23-yard field goal, 7:23 (PSU 22–10)
Top passers
  • UW – Jack Coan – 9/20, 60 yards, 2 INT
  • PSU – Trace McSorley – 19/25, 160 yards, TD
Top rushers
  • UW – Jonathan Taylor – 20 carries, 185 yards, TD
  • PSU – Miles Sanders – 23 carries, 159 yards, TD
Top receivers
  • UW – Danny Davis III – 2 receptions, 24 yards
  • PSU – Jahan Dotson – 2 receptions, 39 yards
Top defenders

At Rutgers

Penn State at Rutgers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 16 Penn State 3 10 0720
Rutgers 0 0 077

at HighPoint.com Stadium, Piscataway, New Jersey

  • Date: November 17
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. ET
  • Game weather: 52 °F (11 °C); mostly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 44,840
  • Referee: Michael Cannon
  • TV announcers (BTN): Chris Vosters, Shaun O'Hara
  • ESPN Box Score GoPSUsports.com Box Score
Game information
First quarter
  • PSU – Jake Pinegar, 22-yard field goal, 2:27 (PSU 3–0)
Second quarter
  • PSU – Pat Freiermuth, 6-yard TD pass from Trace McSorley, Pinegar kick good, 2:04 (PSU 10–0)
  • PSU – Pinegar, 19-yard field goal, 0:00 (PSU 13–0)
Third quarter

No scoring

Fourth quarter
  • PSU – Freiermuth, 18-yard TD pass from McSorley, Pinegar kick good, 13:06 (PSU 20–0)
  • RU – Raheem Blackshear, 2-yard TD run, Justin Davidovicz kick good, 9:23 (PSU 20–7)
Top passers
  • PSU – Trace McSorley – 17/37, 183 yards, 2 TD, INT
  • RU – Giovanni Rescigno – 2/8, 28 yards
Top rushers
  • PSU – Miles Sanders – 27 carries, 88 yards
  • RU – Raheem Blackshear – 22 carries, 102 yards, TD
Top receivers
  • PSU – K. J. Hamler – 5 receptions, 71 yards
  • RU – Bo Melton – 3 receptions, 29 yards
Top defenders
  • PSU – Koa Farmer – 8 tackles, 1 tackle-for-loss (TFL)
  • RU – Deonte Roberts – 10 tackles, 0.5 tackles-for-loss (TFL)

Maryland

Maryland at Penn State – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Maryland 3 0 003
No. 15 Penn State 14 3 71438

at Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania

  • Date: November 24
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. ET
  • Game weather: 33 °F (1 °C); rain, freezing drizzle
  • Game attendance: 98,422
  • Referee: Daniel Capron
  • TV announcers (ABC): Mark Jones, Dusty Dvoracek, Molly McGrath
  • ESPN Box Score GoPSUsports.com Box Score
Game information
First quarter
  • PSU – Trace McSorley, 3-yard TD run, Jake Pinegar kick good, 13:24 (PSU 7–0)
  • UM – Joseph Petrino, 26-yard field goal, 4:53 (PSU 7–3)
  • PSU – McSorley, 20-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 1:58 (PSU 14–3)
Second quarter
  • PSU – Pinegar, 25-yard field goal, 2:06 (PSU 17–3)
Third quarter
  • PSU – Ricky Slade, 8-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 9:10 (PSU 24–3)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU – Pat Freiermuth, 5-yard TD pass from McSorley, Pinegar kick good, 12:24 (PSU 31–3)
  • PSU – Slade, 1-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 6:13 (PSU 38–3)
Top passers
  • UM – Tyrrell Pigrome – 14/23, 185 yards
  • PSU – Trace McSorley – 12/22, 230 yards, TD
Top rushers
  • UM – Javon Leake – 11 carries, 34 yards
  • PSU – Miles Sanders – 14 carries, 128 yards
Top receivers
  • UM – Brian Cobbs – 2 receptions, 58 yards
  • PSU – K. J. Hamler – 3 receptions, 90 yards
Top defenders
  • UM – Isaiah Davis – 9 tackles
  • PSU – Cam Brown – 5 tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss (TFL), 1 sack

Vs. No. 16 Kentucky (Citrus Bowl)

Penn State vs. Kentucky – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 13 Penn State 0 7 01724
No. 16 Kentucky 10 0 17027

at Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida

  • Date: January 1, 2019
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. ET
  • Game weather: 79 °F (26 °C); bright sunshine, warm, humid
  • Game attendance: 59,167
  • Referee: Riley Johnson
  • TV announcers (ABC): Dave Flemming, Brock Huard, Laura Rutledge
  • ESPN Box Score GoPSUsports.com Box Score
Game information
First quarter
  • UK – Miles Butler, 28-yard field goal, 12:23 (UK 3–0)
  • UK – Lynn Bowden, 58-yard TD punt return, Butler kick good, 0:45 (UK 10–0)
Second quarter
  • PSU – Nick Bowers, 1-yard TD pass from Trace McSorley, Jake Pinegar kick good, 13:56 (UK 10–7)
Third quarter
  • UK – Benny Snell, 2-yard TD run, Butler kick good, 12:38 (UK 17–7)
  • UK – Butler, 28-yard field goal, 3:48 (UK 20–7)
  • UK – Snell, 12-yard TD run, Butler kick good, 1:35 (UK 27–7)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU – McSorley, 1-yard TD run, Pinegar kick good, 13:37 (UK 27–14)
  • PSU – Pat Freiermuth, 18-yard TD pass from McSorley, Pinegar kick good, 9:00 (UK 27–21)
  • PSU – Pinegar, 32-yard field goal, 4:12 (UK 27–24)
Top passers
  • PSU – Trace McSorley – 17/33, 246 yards, 2 TD, INT
  • UK – Terry Wilson – 9/15, 121 yards
Top rushers
  • PSU – Trace McSorley – 19 carries, 75 yards, TD
  • UK – Benny Snell – 26 carries, 144 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
  • PSU – DeAndre Thompkins – 4 receptions, 74 yards
  • UK – Lynn Bowden – 5 receptions, 84 yards
Top defenders
  • PSU – Micah Parsons – 13 tackles
  • UK – Darius West – 10 tackles

Rankings

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
т = Tied with team above or below
Week
PollPre1234567891011121314Final
AP10131110–T9118181714211615141317
Coaches9101099118161613201514121217
CFPNot released142014121212Not released

Awards and honors

All-Big Ten
Player Position Coaches Media
Amani Oruwariye DB 1 1
Yetur Gross-Matos DL 3 1
Trace McSorley QB 2 2
Miles Sanders RB 2 2
Connor McGovern OG 3 3
Ryan Bates OT 3 3
Shareef Miller DL 3 3
K. J. Hamler WR HM HM
Pat Freiermuth TE HM HM
Steven Gonzalez OG HM HM
Garrett Taylor DB HM HM
John Reid DB HM HM
Robert Windsor DL HM HM
K. J. Hamler PR/KR HM HM
Micah Parsons DL – HM
Nick Scott DB – HM
HM = Honorable mention. Reference:[3]

Players drafted into the NFL

Round Pick Player Position NFL club
2 53 Miles Sanders RB Philadelphia Eagles
4 138 Shareef Miller DE Philadelphia Eagles
5 146 Amani Oruwariye CB Detroit Lions
6 197 Trace McSorley QB Baltimore Ravens
7 243 Nick Scott S Los Angeles Rams

References

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