2022 Penn State Nittany Lions football team

The 2022 Penn State Nittany Lions football team represented Pennsylvania State University in the 2022 NCAA Division I FBS football season as a member of the Big Ten Conference. The team was led by ninth-year head coach James Franklin.[1] The Nittany Lions entered the season unranked for the first time since 2016.[2] Prior to the season, the team recruited the former number one quarterback Drew Allar, and the number one running back Nicholas Singleton.[3]

2022 Penn State Nittany Lions football
Rose Bowl champion
Rose Bowl, W 35–21 vs. Utah
ConferenceBig Ten Conference
DivisionEast Division
Ranking
CoachesNo. 7
APNo. 7
Record11–2 (7–2 Big Ten)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorMike Yurcich (2nd season)
Offensive schemeSpread
Defensive coordinatorManny Diaz (1st season)
Co-defensive coordinatorAnthony Poindexter (2nd season)
Base defense4–3
Home stadiumBeaver Stadium
Uniform
Seasons
← 2021
2023 →
2022 Big Ten Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
East Division
No. 3 Michigan xy$^   9 0     13 1  
No. 4 Ohio State ^   8 1     11 2  
No. 7 Penn State   7 2     11 2  
Maryland   4 5     8 5  
Michigan State   3 6     5 7  
Indiana   2 7     4 8  
Rutgers   1 8     4 8  
West Division
Purdue xy   6 3     8 6  
Illinois   5 4     8 5  
Iowa   5 4     8 5  
Minnesota   5 4     9 4  
Wisconsin   4 5     7 6  
Nebraska   3 6     4 8  
Northwestern   1 8     1 11  
Championship: Michigan 43, Purdue 22
  • ^ – College Football Playoff participant
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll

The Nittany Lions sought to improve from their previous disappointing season, where after starting 5–0, went on to lose six out of their last eight games, culminating in a loss to Arkansas in the Outback Bowl. Despite losing impact players such as Jahan Dotson, Arnold Ebiketie, and Jaquan Brisker to the NFL Draft, the Nittany Lions rebounded going 10–2, only losing to top 4 ranked Michigan and Ohio State, securing them a place in the Rose Bowl, where they would beat Utah to win their first Rose Bowl since 1995,[4] ending the season 11–2.[5] This marked Coach James Franklin's third New Years Six win with the Nittany Lions, and his first Rose Bowl win.[6]

Offseason

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Players drafted into the NFL

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Round Pick Player Position NFL club
1 16 Jahan Dotson WR Washington Commanders
2 38 Arnold Ebiketie OLB Atlanta Falcons
2 48 Jaquan Brisker S Chicago Bears
4 120 Brandon Smith LB Carolina Panthers
4 130 Jordan Stout P Baltimore Ravens
6 221 Tariq Castro-Fields CB San Francisco 49ers
7 249 Rasheed Walker OT Green Bay Packers
7 256 Jesse Luketa LB Arizona Cardinals

Transfers

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Outgoing

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Player Position Destination
Tyler Rudolph S UMass
Enzo Jennings S Unknown
Des Holmes OL Arizona State
Ta'Quan Roberson QB UConn
Norval Black WR Saint Francis
Joseph Appiah Darkwa DL Temple
Justin Weller WR Long Island
Noah Cain RB LSU
A.J. Lytton CB Unknown

Incoming

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Player Position Transferred From
Hunter Nourzad OL Cornell
Chop Robinson DL Maryland
Mitchell Tinsley WR Western Kentucky

Transfer References:[7]

Recruiting

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Going into the 2022 season, the Nittany Lions have the #6 overall recruiting class in the country, and the #2 overall in the Big Ten.[8]

US college sports recruiting information for 2022 recruits
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
Nicholas Singleton
RB
Reading, PA Governor Mifflin High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 210 lb (95 kg) Jul 6, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
Dani Dennis-Sutton
DL
Owings Mills, MD McDonogh School 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 250 lb (110 kg) Jul 22, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
Drew Allar
QB
Medina, OH Medina High School 6 ft 4.5 in (1.94 m) 220 lb (100 kg) Mar 8, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
Kaden Saunders
WR
Westerville, OH Westerville South High School 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 172 lb (78 kg) Jul 22, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
Drew Shelton
OT
Downingtown, PA Downingtown West High School 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 260 lb (120 kg) Sep 4, 2020 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
Kaytron Allen
RB
Bradenton, FL IMG Academy 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 220 lb (100 kg) Jul 16, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
Mekhi Flowers
ATH
Harrisburg, PA Central Dauphin East High School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 190 lb (86 kg) Jan 1, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
Anthony Ivey
WR
Lancaster, PA Manheim Township High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 190 lb (86 kg) Oct 29, 2020 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
Cristian Driver
S
Argyle, TX Liberty Christian School 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 185 lb (84 kg) Jul 29, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
Jerry Cross
TE
Milwaukee, WI Rufus King High School 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 257 lb (117 kg) Jul 28, 2020 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
Camron Miller
CB
Jacksonville, FL Trinity Christian Academy 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 180 lb (82 kg) Jul 26, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
Abdul Carter
LB
Philadelphia, PA La Salle College High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 235 lb (107 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
JB Nelson
OT
Scranton, PA Lackawanna College 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 310 lb (140 kg) Jul 2, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
Zane Durant
DL
Orlando, FL Lake Nona High School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 255 lb (116 kg) Jul 4, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
KJ Winston
S
Hyattsville, MD DeMatha Catholic High School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 190 lb (86 kg) Jul 31, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
Keon Wylie
LB
Philadelphia, PA Imhotep Institute Charter High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 210 lb (95 kg) Jul 3, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
Beau Pribula
QB
York, PA Central York High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 215 lb (98 kg) Aug 3, 2020 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
Omari Evans
WR
Killeen, TX Shoemaker High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 170 lb (77 kg) Oct 2, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
Vega Ioane
IOL
Graham, WA Graham-Kapowsin High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 320 lb (150 kg) Feb 2, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
Kaleb Artis
DL
Fresh Meadows, NY St. Francis Preparatory School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 290 lb (130 kg) Jul 4, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
Tyrece Mills
S
Scranton, PA Lackawanna College 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 205 lb (93 kg) May 5, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
Tyler Johnson
WR
Ridgeway, VA Magna Vista High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 175 lb (79 kg) Jun 21, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
Maleek McNeil
OT
Cortlandt Manor, NY Walter Panas High School 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 340 lb (150 kg) May 1, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
Alex Bacchetta
P/K
Atlanta, GA The Westminster Schools 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 200 lb (91 kg) May 25, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN: 
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 7   247Sports: 8
  • 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:

  • "2022 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved July 28, 2022.

Recruiting Reference [8]

Preseason

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Preseason Big Ten poll

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Cleveland.com has polled sports journalists representing all member schools as a de facto preseason media poll since 2011. For the 2022 poll, Penn State was projected to finish third in the East Division.[9]

Media poll (East Division)
Predicted finish Team Votes (1st place)
1 Ohio State 252 (36)
2 Michigan 203
3 Penn State 169
4 Michigan State 162
5 Maryland 104
6 Rutgers 60
7 Indiana 58

Personnel

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Coaching staff

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Penn State football current coaching staff[10]
Name Position Alma Mater Years at Penn State
James Franklin Head Coach East Stroudsburg University (1995) 9th
Manny Diaz Defensive coordinator/linebackers Florida State (1995) 1st
Mike Yurcich Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach California University of Pennsylvania (1999) 2nd
Stacy Collins Special teams coordinator/outside linebackers/Nickels Western Oregon University (1998) 1st
Terry Smith Assistant head coach/defensive recruiting coordinator/cornerbacks Penn State University (1991) 9th
Ty Howle Tight ends coach Penn State University (2013) 3rd
Anthony Poindexter Co-defensive coordinator/safeties University of Virginia (1999) 2nd
John Scott Run game coordinator/defensive line Western Carolina University (2000) 3rd
Ja'Juan Seider Co-offensive coordinator/running backs West Virginia University (2000) 5th
Taylor Stubblefield Offensive recruiting coordinator/wide receivers Purdue University (2004) 3rd
Phil Trautwein Offensive line University of Florida (2007) 3rd
David Parker Graduate Assistant University of Arkansas (2015) 1st
Deion Barnes Graduate Assistant Penn State University (2014) 2nd

Schedule

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DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
September 18:00 p.m.at PurdueFOXW 35–3157,307
September 1012:00 p.m.Ohio*ABCW 46–10107,306
September 173:30 p.m.at Auburn*No. 22CBSW 41–1287,451
September 2412:00 p.m.Central Michigan*No. 14
  • Beaver Stadium
  • University Park, PA
BTNW 33–14106,624
October 13:30 p.m.NorthwesternNo. 11
  • Beaver Stadium
  • University Park, PA
ESPNW 17–7105,524
October 1512:00 p.m.at No. 5 MichiganNo. 10FOXL 17–41110,812
October 227:30 p.m.Minnesota No. 16
  • Beaver Stadium
  • University Park, PA (White Out, Governor's Victory Bell)
ABCW 45–17109,813
October 2912:00 p.m.No. 2 Ohio StateNo. 13
  • Beaver Stadium
  • University Park, PA (rivalry, Big Noon Kickoff)
FOXL 31–44108,433
November 53:30 p.m.at IndianaNo. 15ABCW 45–1445,142
November 123:30 p.m.MarylandNo. 14
  • Beaver Stadium
  • University Park, PA (rivalry)
FOXW 30–0108,796
November 193:30 p.m.at RutgersNo. 11BTNW 55–1055,676
November 264:00 p.m.Michigan StateNo. 11
  • Beaver Stadium
  • University Park, PA (rivalry)
FS1W 35–16105,154
January 2, 20235:00 p.m.vs. No. 8 Utah*No. 11ESPNW 35–2194,873

[11]

Game summaries

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At Purdue

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Penn State at Purdue – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Penn State 0 21 01435
Purdue 3 7 14731

at Ross–Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, Indiana

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • PSU – Mitchell Tinsley, 12-yard TD pass from Sean Clifford, Jake Pinegar kick, 13:09 (7–3, PSU)
  • PU – King Doerue, 3-yard TD run, Fineran kick, 9:43 (10–7, PU)
  • PSU – Clifford, 2-yard TD run, Pinegar kick, 1:44, (14–10, PSU)
  • PSU – Brenton Strange, 67-yard TD pass from Clifford, Pinegar kick, 0:02 (21–10, PSU)
Third quarter
  • PU – Doerue, 2-yard TD run, Fineran kick, 11:16 (21–17, PSU)
  • PU – Charlie Jones, 7-yard TD pass from Aidan O'Connell, Fineran kick, 1:11 (24–21, PU)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU – KeAndre Lambert-Smith, 29-yard TD pass from Clifford, Pinegar kick, 10:44 (28–24, PSU)
  • PU – Chris Jefferson, 72-yard pass interception return for TD, Fineran kick, 8:29 (31–28, PU)
  • PSU – Keyvone Lee, 10-yard TD pass from Clifford, Pinegar kick, 0:57 (35–31, PSU)
Statistics PSU PU
First downs 24 26
Plays–yards 73–406 81–426
Rushes–yards 32–98 23–70
Passing yards 308 365
Passing: compattint 22–41–1 29–58–0
Time of possession 30:44 29:16
Team Category Player Statistics
Penn State Passing Sean Clifford 20/37, 282 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Kaytron Allen 8 carries, 31 yards
Receiving Mitchell Tinsley 7 receptions, 84 yards, TD
Purdue Passing Aidan O'Connell 29/58, 356 yards, TD
Rushing King Doerue 15 carries, 57 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Charlie Jones 12 receptions, 153 yards, TD

To open the season, the Nittany Lions went on the road to West Layfette to play the Purdue Boilermakers. In recent years, Purdue has been known as "The Spoilermakers," defeating high ranked opponents including #2 Ohio State, #2 Iowa, and #3 Michigan State, costing all of them potential spots in the College Football Playoff.[12] This game was also Purdue's "Blackout" game, similar to Penn State's "Whiteout" game, further increasing the hostility of the already tough environment.[13] Due to these factors sport analysts thought the game would be close, with most saying Penn State would win narrowly, while some thought Purdue would upset them narrowly.[14][15]

 
Sean Clifford won Big Ten co-offensive player of the week after his performance against Purdue

The Nittany Lions started the game slow, allowing only a field goal in the first quarter. Penn State was able to get on the board after quarterback Sean Clifford threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Mitchell Tinsley early in the second. Purdue answered with a touchdown of their own, making the score 10–7. In the last minutes of the quarter, the Nittany Lions scored another touchdown via a 2-yard rush by Clifford, then recovered a fumble by Purdue allowing Clifford to throw a 67-yard touchdown pass to Brenton Strange before halftime, making the score 21–10 at the end of the first half.

Purdue received the ball at the beginning of the third quarter, scoring another touchdown via a 2-yard run from running back King Doerue. Upon receiving the ball, backup quarterback Drew Allar, the former number 1 rated quarterback of his high school class, made his debut for the Nittany Lions after Clifford experienced leg cramps as a result of a tackle made in the last minutes of the second quarter. Clifford was able to return to the game on the following drive.[16] Purdue was able to throw a 7-yard pass to Charlie Jones for a touchdown, giving Purdue a 24–21 lead at the end of the third quarter. The Nittany Lions quickly responded with a 29-yard touchdown pass to KeAndre Lambert-Smith, giving them a 28–24 lead. The Boilermakers were forced to punt, then Clifford threw an interception to Chris Jefferson, who returned it for a 72-yard defensive touchdown, giving Purdue a 31–28 lead. The Nittany Lions were given one final chance to win the game, having 2:22 left in the fourth, and 2 timeouts, Sean Clifford was able to march them down the field and throw a 10-yard touchdown to Keyvone Lee, ending the game at 35–31.[17][18]

Despite throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown, Sean Clifford was named Big Ten co-offensive player of the week, after he completed 20-of-37 passes for 282 yards and a career-high-tying four touchdowns.[19]

Ohio

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Ohio at Penn State – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Ohio 0 7 0310
Penn State 14 12 14646

at Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • PSU – Safety, Ohio fumble recovered in the endzone, 13:10 (16–0, PSU)
  • PSU – Pinegar, 25-yard field goal, 5:14 (19–0, PSU)
  • OU – Sieh Bangura, 1-yard TD run, Nathanial Vakos kick, 1:34 (19–7, PSU)
  • PSU – Mitchell Tinsley, 7-yard TD pass from Clifford, Pinegar kick, 0:15 (26–7, PSU)
Third quarter
  • PSU – Omari Evans, 32-yard TD pass from Drew Allar, Pinegar kick, 9:25 (33–7, PSU)
  • PSU – Singleton, 44-yard TD run, Pinegar kick, 4:33 (40–7, PSU)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU – Kahlil Dinkins, 28-yard TD pass from Allar, Pinegar kick no good, 13:44 (46–7, PSU)
  • OU – Vakos, 21-yard field goal, 6:50 (46–10, PSU)
Statistics OU PSU
First downs 16 27
Plays–yards 66–263 76–572
Rushes–yards 26–99 34–234
Passing yards 164 338
Passing: compattint 17–40–0 31–42–0
Time of possession 28:02 31:58
Team Category Player Statistics
Ohio Passing Kurtis Rourke 14/30, 119 yards
Rushing Kurtis Rourke 5 carries, 29 yards
Receiving Sieh Bangura 2 receptions, 35 yards
Penn State Passing Sean Clifford 19/27, 213 yards, TD
Rushing Nicholas Singleton 10 carries, 179 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Parker Washington 4 receptions, 60 yards

At Auburn

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No. 22 Penn State at Auburn – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 22 Penn State 7 7 171041
Auburn 3 3 0612

at Jordan–Hare Stadium, Auburn, Alabama

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • AU – Carlson, 22-yard field goal, 6:59 (7–6, PSU)
  • PSU – Kaytron Allen, 3-yard TD run, Pinegar kick, 1:46 (14–6, PSU)
Third quarter
  • PSU – Nicholas Singleton, 1-yard TD run, Pinegar kick, 12:16 (21–6, PSU)
  • PSU – Pinegar, 48-yard field goal, 9:27 (24–6, PSU)
  • PSU – Allen, 6-yard TD run, Pinegar kick, 1:07 (31–6, PSU)
Fourth quarter
  • AU – Jarquez Hunter, 22-yard TD pass from Robby Ashford, 2-point run conversion failed, 14:27 (31–12, PSU)
  • PSU – Singleton, 54-yard TD run, Pinegar kick, 12:03 (38–12, PSU)
  • PSU – Pinegar, 22-yard field goal, 5:21 (41–12, PSU)
Statistics PSU AU
First downs 19 23
Plays–yards 62–477 74–415
Rushes–yards 39–245 36–119
Passing yards 232 296
Passing: compattint 17–23–0 21–38–2
Time of possession 30:22 29:38
Team Category Player Statistics
Penn State Passing Sean Clifford 14/19, 178 yards
Rushing Nicholas Singleton 10 carries, 124 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Brenton Strange 6 receptions, 80 yards
Auburn Passing T. J. Finley 11/19, 152 yards, INT
Rushing Tank Bigsby 9 carries, 39 yards
Receiving Shedrick Jackson 4 receptions, 76 yards

Central Michigan

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Central Michigan at No. 14 Penn State – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Central Michigan 0 14 0014
No. 14 Penn State 14 7 6633

at Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania

Game information
First quarter
  • PSU – Mitchell Tinsley, 5-yard TD pass from Sean Clifford, Jake Pinegar kick, 8:42 (7–0, PSU)
  • PSU – Brenton Strange, 4-yard TD pass from Clifford, Pinegar kick, 6:38 (14–0, PSU)
Second quarter
  • CMU – Finn Hogan, 2-yard TD pass from Daniel Richardson, Josh Rolston kick, 12:39 (14–7, PSU)
  • CMU – Joel Wilson, 14-yard TD pass from Richardson, Rolston kick, 6:25 (14–14, TIE)
  • PSU – Kaytron Allen, 14-yard TD run, Pinegar kick, 1:58 (21–14, PSU)
Third quarter
  • PSU – Strange, 3-yard TD pass from Clifford, Pinegar kick blocked, 11:55 (27–14, PSU)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU – Clifford, 1-yard TD run, 2-point conversion pass incomplete, 14:43 (33–14, PSU)
Statistics CMU PSU
First downs 20 21
Plays–yards 75–363 71–403
Rushes–yards 23–88 32–166
Passing yards 275 237
Passing: compattint 29–52–2 24–39–0
Time of possession 29:33 30:27
Team Category Player Statistics
Central Michigan Passing Daniel Richardson 26/45, 235 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Lew Nichols III 13 carries, 67 yards
Receiving Carlos Carriere 11 receptions, 111 yards
Penn State Passing Sean Clifford 22/34, 217 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Kaytron Allen 13 carries, 111 yards, TD
Receiving Parker Washington 6 receptions, 64 yards

Northwestern

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Northwestern at No. 11 Penn State – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Northwestern 0 0 707
No. 11 Penn State 7 7 0317

at Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • NU – Jacob Gill, 47-yard TD pass from Ryan Hilinski, Adam Stage kick, 2:10 (14–7, PSU)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU – Pinegar, 38-yard field goal, 14:29 (17–7, PSU)
Statistics NU PSU
First downs 12 21
Plays–yards 65–241 78–360
Rushes–yards 28–31 58–220
Passing yards 210 140
Passing: compattint 15–37–1 10–20–1
Time of possession 22:32 37:28
Team Category Player Statistics
Northwestern Passing Ryan Hilinski 15/37, 210 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Evan Hull 11 carries, 45 yards
Receiving Donny Navarro III 4 receptions, 55 yards
Penn State Passing Sean Clifford 10/20, 140 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Nicholas Singleton 21 carries, 87 yards, TD
Receiving Parker Washington 4 receptions, 73 yards

At No. 5 Michigan

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No. 10 Penn State at No. 5 Michigan – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 10 Penn State 0 14 3017
No. 5 Michigan 6 10 151041

at Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Game information
First quarter
  • UM – Jake Moody, 29-yard field goal, 9:43 (3–0, UM)
  • UM – Moody, 24-yard field goal, 1:25 (6–0, UM)
Second quarter
  • UM – Blake Corum, 1-yard TD run, Moody kick, 8:29 (13–0, UM)
  • PSU – Kaytron Allen, 1-yard TD run, Jake Pinegar kick, 6:11 (13–7, UM)
  • PSU – Curtis Jacobs, 47-yard interception return for TD, Pinegar kick, 4:27 (14–13, PSU)
  • UM – Moody, 23-yard field goal, 0:02, (16–14, UM)
Third quarter
  • PSU – Pinegar, 27-yard field goal, 13:15 (17–16, PSU)
  • UM – Donovan Edwards, 67-yard TD run, Ronnie Bell 2-point conversion pass from J. J. McCarthy, 11:12 (24–17, UM)
  • UM – Corum, 61-yard TD run, Moody kick, 7:20 (31–17, UM)
Fourth quarter
  • UM – Moody, 37-yard field goal, 11:00 (34–17, UM)
  • UM – Edwards, 3-yard TD run, Moody kick, 5:03 (41–17, UM)
Statistics PSU UM
First downs 10 28
Plays–yards 51–268 79–563
Rushes–yards 22–111 55–418
Passing yards 157 145
Passing: compattint 12–29–0 17–24–1
Time of possession 18:04 41:56
Team Category Player Statistics
Penn State Passing Sean Clifford 7/19, 120 yards
Rushing Sean Clifford 6 carries, 74 yards
Receiving Mitchell Tinsley 5 receptions, 57 yards
Michigan Passing J. J. McCarthy 17/24, 145 yards, INT
Rushing Donovan Edwards 16 carries, 173 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Cornelius Johnson 3 receptions, 43 yards

Minnesota

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Minnesota at No. 16 Penn State – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Minnesota 3 7 0717
No. 16 Penn State 0 17 21745

at Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania

Game information
First quarter
  • UM – Matthew Trickett, 35-yard field goal, 1:57 (3–0, UM)
Second quarter
  • PSU – Jake Pinegar, 42-yard field goal, 13:55 (3–3, TIE)
  • PSU – Tyler Warren, 38-yard TD pass from Sean Clifford, Pinegar kick, 9:05 (10–3, PSU)
  • PSU – Theo Johnson, 18-yard TD pass from Clifford, Pinegar kick, 4:01 (17–3, PSU)
  • UM – Mohamed Ibrahim, 3-yard TD run, Trickett kick, 0:32 (17–10, PSU)
Third quarter
  • PSU – Parker Washington, 35-yard TD pass from Clifford, Pinegar kick, 11:59 (24–10, PSU)
  • PSU – Nicholas Singleton, 16-yard TD run, Pinegar kick, 6:33 (31–10, PSU)
  • PSU – Mitchell Tinsley, 20-yard TD pass from Clifford, Pinegar kick, 0:27 (38–10, PSU)
Fourth quarter
Statistics UM PSU
First downs 16 24
Plays–yards 68–340 67–479
Rushes–yards 46–165 34–175
Passing yards 175 304
Passing: compattint 9–22–1 24–33–1
Time of possession 31:30 28:30
Team Category Player Statistics
Minnesota Passing Athan Kaliakmanis 9/22, 175 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Mohamed Ibrahim 30 carries, 102 yards, TD
Receiving Brevyn Spann-Ford 5 receptions, 68 yards, TD
Penn State Passing Sean Clifford 23/31, 295 yards, 4 TD, INT
Rushing Nicholas Singleton 13 carries, 79 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Theo Johnson 5 receptions, 75 yards, TD

No. 2 Ohio State

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No. 2 Ohio State at No. 13 Penn State – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 2 Ohio State 10 3 32844
No. 13 Penn State 0 14 01731

at Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania

Game information
First quarter
  • OSU – Noah Ruggles, 38-yard field goal, 9:47 (3–0, OSU)
  • OSU – Miyan Williams, 4-yard TD run, Ruggles kick, 2:48 (10–0, OSU)
Second quarter
  • PSU – Parker Washington, 58-yard TD pass from Sean Clifford, Jake Pinegar kick, 11:13 (10–7, OSU)
  • PSU – KeAndre Lambert-Smith, 23-yard TD pass from Clifford, Pinegar kick, 6:50 (14–10, PSU)
  • OSU – Ruggles, 37-yard field goal, 3:14 (14–13, PSU)
Third quarter
  • OSU – Ruggles, 40-yard field goal, 0:10 (16–14, OSU)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU – Kaytron Allen, 1-yard TD run, Pinegar kick, 9:26 (21–16, PSU)
  • OSU – TreVeyon Henderson, 41-yard TD run, Ruggles kick, 8:51 (23–21, OSU)
  • OSU – Cade Stover, 24-yard TD pass from C. J. Stroud, Ruggles kick, 8:17 (30–21, OSU)
  • PSU – Pinegar, 44-yard field goal, 5:49 (30–24, OSU)
  • OSU – Henderson, 7-yard TD run, Ruggles kick, 2:52 (37–24, OSU)
  • OSU – JT Tuimoloau, 14-yard interception return for TD, Ruggles kick, 2:42 (44–24, OSU)
  • PSU – Allen, 5-yard TD pass from Clifford, Pinegar kick, 1:12 (44–31, OSU)
Statistics OSU PSU
First downs 21 24
Plays–yards 60–452 80–482
Rushes–yards 26–98 33–111
Passing yards 354 371
Passing: compattint 26–34–0 32–47–3
Time of possession 29:34 30:26
Team Category Player Statistics
Ohio State Passing C. J. Stroud 26/33, 354 yards, TD
Rushing TreVeyon Henderson 16 carries, 78 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Marvin Harrison Jr. 10 receptions, 185 yards
Penn State Passing Sean Clifford 32/47, 371 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT
Rushing Kaytron Allen 12 carries, 76 yards, TD
Receiving Parker Washington 11 receptions, 179 yards, TD

At Indiana

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No. 15 Penn State at Indiana – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 15 Penn State 7 17 71445
Indiana 7 0 0714

at Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, Indiana

Game information
First quarter
  • PSU – Nicholas Singleton, 1-yard TD run, Jake Pinegar kick, 6:50 (7–0, PSU)
  • IU – A. J. Barner, 11-yard TD pass from Jack Tuttle, Charles Campbell kick, 4:09 (7–7, TIE)
Second quarter
  • PSU – Kaytron Allen, 11-yard TD run, Pinegar kick, 9:25 (14–7, PSU)
  • PSU – Allen, 6-yard TD run, Pinegar kick, 5:04 (21–7, PSU)
  • PSU – Pinegar, 50-yard field goal, 0:50 (24–7, PSU)
Third quarter
  • PSU – Allen, 6-yard TD run, Pinegar kick, 8:21 (31–7, PSU)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU – Harrison Wallace III, 1-yard TD pass from Drew Allar, Pinegar kick, 14:09 (38–7, PSU)
  • PSU – Theo Johnson, 4-yard TD pass from Allar, Pinegar kick, 13:51 (45–7, PSU)
  • IU – Jaylin Lucas, 1-yard TD run, Campbell kick, 6:16 (45–14, PSU)
Statistics PSU IU
First downs 27 11
Plays–yards 84–483 63–196
Rushes–yards 49–179 34–65
Passing yards 304 131
Passing: compattint 24–35–1 16–29–3
Time of possession 35:53 24:07
Team Category Player Statistics
Penn State Passing Sean Clifford 15/23, 229 yards, INT
Rushing Kaytron Allen 18 carries, 86 yards, 3 TD
Receiving Kaytron Allen 2 receptions, 72 yards
Indiana Passing Jack Tuttle 9/12, 82 yards, TD
Rushing Josh Henderson 7 carries, 44 yards
Receiving Andison Coby 1 receptions, 35 yards

Maryland

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Maryland at No. 14 Penn State – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Maryland 0 0 000
No. 14 Penn State 14 13 3030

at Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • PSU – Singleton, 27-yard TD run, Pinegar kick, 7:46 (21–0, PSU)
  • PSU – Pinegar, 50-yard field goal, 1:34 (24–0, PSU)
  • PSU – Pinegar, 46-yard field goal, 0:00 (27–0, PSU)
Third quarter
  • PSU – Pinegar, 21-yard field goal, 8:15 (30–0, PSU)
Fourth quarter

No scoring

Statistics UM PSU
First downs 11 21
Plays–yards 60–134 73–413
Rushes–yards 37–60 43–249
Passing yards 74 164
Passing: compattint 11–23–0 16–30–0
Time of possession 25:14 34:46
Team Category Player Statistics
Maryland Passing Taulia Tagovailoa 11/22, 74 yards
Rushing Roman Hemby 13 carries, 68 yards
Receiving Rakim Jarrett 3 receptions, 30 yards
Penn State Passing Sean Clifford 12/23, 139 yards, TD
Rushing Nicholas Singleton 11 carries, 122 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Theo Johnson 3 receptions, 44 yards

At Rutgers

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No. 11 Penn State at Rutgers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 11 Penn State 14 14 20755
Rutgers 10 0 0010

at SHI Stadium, Piscataway, New Jersey

Game information
First quarter
  • RU – Jude McAtamney, 42-yard field goal, 8:06 (3–0, RU)
  • PSU – Nicholas Singleton, 100-yard kickoff return, Jake Pinegar kick, 7:54 (7–3, PSU)
  • RU – Shameen Jones, 4-yard TD pass from Gavin Wimsatt, McAtamney kick, 5:56 (10–7, RU)
  • PSU – Kobe King, fumble recovery returned 14-yards for TD, Pinegar kick, 0:50 (14–10, PSU)
Second quarter
  • PSU – Tyler Warren, 10-yard TD pass from Sean Clifford, Pinegar kick, 6:11 (21–10, PSU)
  • PSU – Clifford, 14-yard TD run, Pinegar kick, 1:03 (28–10, PSU)
Third quarter
  • PSU – Ji'Ayir Brown, fumble recovery returned 70-yards for TD, Pinegar kick, 14:06 (35–10, PSU)
  • PSU – Pinegar, 22-yard field goal, 8:10 (38–10, PSU)
  • PSU – Kaytron Allen, 8-yard TD run, Pinegar kick, 6:15 (45–10, PSU)
  • PSU – Sander Sahaydak, 20-yard field goal, 1:32 (48–10, PSU)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU – Drew Allar, 1-yard TD run, Sahaydak kick, 5:44 (55–10, PSU)
Statistics PSU RU
First downs 21 9
Plays–yards 73–436 69–167
Rushes–yards 37–237 35–32
Passing yards 199 135
Passing: compattint 22–36–0 15–34–1
Time of possession 30:23 29:37
Team Category Player Statistics
Penn State Passing Sean Clifford 17/26, 157 yards, TD
Rushing Kaytron Allen 11 carries, 117 yards, TD
Receiving Mitchell Tinsley 5 receptions, 63 yards
Rutgers Passing Gavin Wimsatt 10/29, 122 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Rashad Rochelle 8 carries, 25 yards
Receiving Sean Ryan 2 receptions, 76 yards

Michigan State

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Michigan State at No. 11 Penn State – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Michigan State 0 3 7616
No. 11 Penn State 7 7 71435

at Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • PSU – Johnson, 48-yard TD pass from KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Pinegar kick, 11:22 (14–0, PSU)
  • MSU – Jack Stone, 51-yard field goal, 0:00 (14–3, PSU)
Third quarter
  • PSU – Tyler Warren, 14-yard TD pass from Clifford, Pinegar kick, 5:42 (21–3, PSU)
  • MSU – Maliq Carr, 9-yard TD pass from Payton Thorne, Stephen Rusnak kick, 1:37 (21–10, PSU)
Fourth quarter
  • MSU – Thorne, 2-yard TD run, 2-point conversion pass incomplete, 10:52 (21–16, PSU)
  • PSU – Nicholas Singleton, 12-yard TD pass from Clifford, Pinegar kick, 4:31 (28–16, PSU)
  • PSU – Lambert-Smith, 35-yard TD pass from Clifford, Pinegar kick, 3:56 (35–16, PSU)
Statistics MSU PSU
First downs 19 24
Plays–yards 69–254 70–410
Rushes–yards 25–25 45–160
Passing yards 229 250
Passing: compattint 24–44–1 20–25–0
Time of possession 25:58 34:02
Team Category Player Statistics
Michigan State Passing Payton Thorne 24/43, 229 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Elijah Collins 10 carries, 33 yards
Receiving Keon Coleman 8 receptions, 91 yards
Penn State Passing Sean Clifford 19/24, 202 yards, 4 TD
Rushing Kaytron Allen 21 carries, 82 yards
Receiving KeAndre Lambert-Smith 5 receptions, 83 yards, TD

Vs. No. 8 Utah (Rose Bowl)

edit
No. 11 Penn State vs. No. 8 Utah – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 11 Penn State 7 7 71435
No. 8 Utah 0 14 0721

at Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • UU – Thomas Yassmin, 1-yard TD pass from Cameron Rising, Jordan Noyes kick, 7:55 (TIE, 7–7)
  • PSU – Mitchell Tinsley, 10-yard TD pass from Sean Clifford, Pinegar kick, 4:47 (PSU, 14–7)
  • UU – Ja'Quinden Jackson, 19-yard TD run, Noyes kick, 2:38 (TIE, 14–14)
Third quarter
  • PSU – Singleton, 87-yard TD run, Pinegar kick, 9:25 (PSU, 21–14)
Fourth quarter
  • PSU – KeAndre Lambert-Smith, 88-yard TD pass from Clifford, Pinegar kick, 14:49 (PSU, 28–14)
  • PSU – Kaytron Allen, 1-yard TD run, Pinegar kick, 10:36 (PSU, 35–14)
  • UU – Jaylen Dixon, 5-yard TD pass from Bryson Barnes, Noyes kick, 0:25 (PSU, 35–21)
Statistics PSU UU
First downs 15 23
Plays–yards 53–448 83–391
Rushes–yards 31–169 43–184
Passing yards 279 207
Passing: compattint 16–22–0 18–40–2
Time of possession 24:47 35:13
Team Category Player Statistics
Penn State Passing Sean Clifford 16/21, 279 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Nicholas Singleton 7 carries, 120 yards, 2 TD
Receiving KeAndre Lambert-Smith 3 receptions, 124 yards, TD
Utah Passing Bryson Barnes 10/19, 112 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Ja'Quinden Jackson 13 carries, 81 yards, TD
Receiving Devaughn Vele 5 receptions, 100 yards

Roster

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2022 Penn State Nittany Lions football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos. # Name Class
QB 14 Sean Clifford (C)   Sr
QB 15 Drew Allar Fr
QB 11 Christian Veilleux   Fr
QB 9 Beau Pribula Fr
RB 10 Nicholas Singleton Fr
RB 13 Kaytron Allen Fr
RB 24 Keyvone Lee So
RB 30 Amiel Davis Fr
RB 34 Tyler Holzworth   Fr
RB 38 Tank Smith   Jr
WR 1 KeAndre Lambert-Smith So
WR 3 Parker Washington   So
WR 5 Mitchell Tinsley   Sr
WR 6 Harrison Wallace III   Fr
WR 7 Kaden Saunders Fr
WR 8 Tyler Johnson Fr
WR 12 Anthony Ivey Fr
WR 17 Mason Stahl   So
WR 18 Omari Evans Fr
WR 19 Jaden Dottin   So
WR 40 Patrick Williams Fr
WR 80 Malick Meiga So
WR 81 Robert Rossi Fr
WR 82 Liam Clifford   Fr
WR 83 Jake Spencer So
WR 84 Jan Mahlert   Fr
WR 86 Jason Estrella   Fr
TE 16 Khalil Dinkins   Fr
TE 44 Tyler Warren So
TE 84 Theo Johnson So
TE 86 Brenton Strange   Jr
TE 87 Kolt Pearce Fr
TE 88 Jerry Cross Fr
TE 89 Grayson Kline   Sr
OL 51 Jimmy Christ   So
OL 53 Nick Dawkins So
OL 57 Ibrahim Traore   So
OL 58 Landon Tengwall     Fr
OL 64 Hunter Nourzad   Sr
OL 66 Drew Shelton Fr
OL 69 Ben Hartman Fr
OL 70 Juice Scruggs (C)   Sr
OL 71 Vega Ioane Fr
OL 72 Bryce Effner   Sr
OL 74 Olu Fashanu   So
OL 75 Matt Detisch Fr
OL 77 Sal Wormley   Jr
OL 78 Golden Israel-Achumba   So
OL 79 Caedan Wallace   Jr
Defense
Pos. # Name Class
CB 3 Johnny Dixon Jr
CB 4 Kalen King So
CB 5 Cam Miller Fr
CB 8 Marquis Wilson Jr
CB 9 Joey Porter Jr.   Jr
CB 13 Cristian Driver Fr
CB 19 Xavier Copening Fr
CB 24 Jeffrey Davis Jr.   Fr
CB 25 Daequan Hardy   Jr
CB 31 Kolin Dinkins Fr
CB 35 Jace Tutty   Fr
CB 36 Stephen Ripka   Fr
DE 18 Davon Townley Jr.   Fr
DE 20 Adisa Isaac   Jr
DE 33 Dani Dennis-Sutton Fr
DE 36 Zuriah Fisher So
DE 44 Chop Robinson So
DE 46 Nick Tarburton   Sr
DE 56 Amin Vanover So
DE 90 Rodney McGraw   Fr
DE 92 Smith Vilbert   Jr
DE 94 Jake Wilson   So
DE 98 Andrew Sharga   So
DT 28 Zane Durant Fr
DT 47 Alex Furmanek   Jr
DT 51 Hakeem Beamon   Jr
DT 52 Jordan van den Berg   Fr
DT 55 Fatorma Mulbah So
DT 58 Kaleb Artis Fr
DT 91 Dvon Ellies   Jr
DT 97 P. J. Mustipher (C)   Sr
DT 99 Coziah Izzard   So
LB 0 Jonathan Sutherland (C)   Sr
LB 11 Abdul Carter Fr
LB 14 Tyrece Mills So
LB 23 Curtis Jacobs So
LB 27 Bobby Walchak   Fr
LB 32 Keon Wylie Fr
LB 34 Dominic DeLuca   Fr
LB 39 Robbie Dwyer   Jr
LB 41 Kobe King   Fr
LB 42 Jamari Buddin   Fr
LB 42 Jackson Pryts Fr
LB 43 Tyler Elsdon So
LB 45 Charlie Katshir   Sr
LB 48 Cody Romano   Sr
LB 49 Ben Chizmar   Fr
S 2 Keaton Ellis Jr
S 6 Zakee Wheatley   Fr
S 7 Jaylen Reed So
S 10 Mekhi Flowers Fr
S 16 Ji'Ayir Brown (C) Sr
S 21 Kevin Winston Jr. Fr
S 26 Jaden Seider   Jr
S 29 Sebastian Costantini   Jr
S 37 Trace Brown Fr
S 39 Jashaun Green Fr
Special teams
Pos. # Name Class
K 92 Jake Pinegar   Sr
K 93 Sander Sahaydak   Fr
K 96 Mitchell Groh   Fr
P 96 Barney Amor   Sr
P 97 Alex Bacchetta Fr
P 99 Gabriel Nwosu   Fr
LS 35 Blaise Sokach-Minnick Fr
LS 48 Tyler Duzansky   Fr
LS 49 Michael Wright   So
LS 91 Chris Stoll (C)   Sr
LS/DE 47 Will Patton Fr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
  • Mike Yurcich (offensive coordinator / quarterbacks)
  • Manny Diaz (defensive coordinator / linebackers)
  • Stacy Collins (Special teams coordinator / Outside linebackers / Nickel)
  • Terry Smith (Associate head coach / defensive recruiting coordinator / cornerbacks)
  • Ty Howle (Tight ends)
  • Anthony Poindexter (Co-defensive coordinator / safeties)
  • Ja'Juan Seider (Co-offensive coordinator / running backs)
  • Taylor Stubblefield (offensive recruiting coordinator / Wide receivers)
  • Phil Trautwein (offensive line)
  • Kevin Threlkel (Assistant AD / Chief of Staff)
  • Andy Frank (Director of Player Personnel)
  • Ben Kerr (Director of Football Administration)
  • Chuck Losey III (Assistant AD / Performance Enhancement)
  • Will Flaherty (Director of Player Development & Community Relations)

Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  •   Injured
  •   Redshirt

Roster
Last update: November 28, 2022

Rankings

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Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
RV = Received votes
Week
PollPre1234567891011121314Final
APRVRV2214111010161316141111897
CoachesRVRV2315121010161316151210777
CFPNot released15141111811Not released

Players drafted into the NFL

edit
Round Pick Player Position NFL club
2 32 Joey Porter Jr. CB Pittsburgh Steelers
2 61 Brenton Strange TE Jacksonville Jaguars
2 62 Juice Scruggs C Houston Texans
3 87 Ji'Ayir Brown S San Francisco 49ers
5 149 Sean Clifford QB Green Bay Packers
6 185 Parker Washington WR Jacksonville Jaguars

References

edit
  1. ^ "Football Schedule". FBSchedules.
  2. ^ "Penn State is unranked in AP Preseason Poll for first time since 2016". ABC27.com. August 15, 2022.
  3. ^ "AP Top 25 reactions: Clemson overrated, Penn State underrated in preseason college football rankings". cbssports.com. August 15, 2022.
  4. ^ "Rose Bowl Rewind: Penn State vs. Oregon - 1995". gopsusports.com. December 21, 2016.
  5. ^ "2022 Football Schedule". gopsusports.com. January 2, 2023.
  6. ^ "James Franklin Overview". sports reference.com. January 2, 2023.
  7. ^ "2022 College Football Transfer Portal". 247Sports. Retrieved March 5, 2022.
  8. ^ a b "Penn State 2022 Football Commits". 247Sports. Retrieved March 6, 2022.
  9. ^ "Ohio State football unanimously picked as Big Ten champion in 12th annual cleveland.com preseason poll". Cleveland.com. July 25, 2022.
  10. ^ "Football Coaching Staff". GoPSUsports.com. Penn State Nittany Lions. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  11. ^ "2022 Football Schedule".
  12. ^ Sutelan, Edward (November 10, 2021). "Spoilermakers? Purdue takes down Michigan State for another historic top-five win". SportingNews. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
  13. ^ Kreiser, Nick (July 13, 2022). "Purdue has planned a "Blackout" for their game against Penn State Football". VictoryBellRings. Fansided.
  14. ^ McGuire, Kevin (August 27, 2022). "Penn State fans won't like ESPN's pick for biggest upset in Big Ten this season". NittanyLionsWire. USA Today.
  15. ^ Parks, James. "Penn State vs. Purdue football prediction, preview". FanNation. Sports Illustrated.
  16. ^ Andrews, Kyle. "Penn State freshman QB Drew Allar makes his first appearance as a Nittany Lion". Centre Daily News.
  17. ^ "Sean Clifford's masterful drive propels Penn State past Purdue". New York Post. September 2, 2022.
  18. ^ "ESPN Play-by-Play". ESPN.
  19. ^ "Iowa, Maryland, Michigan State, Nebraska and Penn State Earn Weekly Football Honors". BigTen. Archived from the original on September 5, 2022. Retrieved September 7, 2022.