[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/wiki.edu.vn\/en\/wiki40\/2007-penn-state-nittany-lions-football-team\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/wiki.edu.vn\/en\/wiki40\/2007-penn-state-nittany-lions-football-team\/","headline":"2007 Penn State Nittany Lions football team","name":"2007 Penn State Nittany Lions football team","description":"before-content-x4 American college football season after-content-x4 The 2007 Penn State Nittany Lions football team represented the Pennsylvania State University in","datePublished":"2016-07-02","dateModified":"2016-07-02","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/wiki.edu.vn\/en\/wiki40\/author\/lordneo\/#Person","name":"lordneo","url":"https:\/\/wiki.edu.vn\/en\/wiki40\/author\/lordneo\/","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c9645c498c9701c88b89b8537773dd7c?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c9645c498c9701c88b89b8537773dd7c?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Enzyklop\u00e4die","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/wiki.edu.vn\/wiki4\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/download.jpg","url":"https:\/\/wiki.edu.vn\/wiki4\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/download.jpg","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/4\/4e\/3_stars.svg\/75px-3_stars.svg.png","url":"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/4\/4e\/3_stars.svg\/75px-3_stars.svg.png","height":"15","width":"75"},"url":"https:\/\/wiki.edu.vn\/en\/wiki40\/2007-penn-state-nittany-lions-football-team\/","about":["Wiki"],"wordCount":25434,"articleBody":"     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});before-content-x4American college football season       (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});after-content-x4The 2007 Penn State Nittany Lions football team represented the Pennsylvania State University in the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Joe Paterno and played its home games in Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania.The 2006 season began with the Nittany Lions ranked #19 in the AP and Coaches preseason polls. The team dropped out of the rankings with losses to Notre Dame and Ohio State, but finished the season ranked #25 in the Coaches Poll and #24 in the AP Poll with a final record of 9\u20134.       (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});after-content-x4Table of ContentsPreseason[edit]Recruiting class[edit]Spring practice[edit]Criminal charges[edit]Preseason awards[edit]Schedule[edit]Personnel[edit]Roster[edit]Coaching staff[edit]Coaching changes[edit]Game summaries[edit]September 1: Florida International[edit]September 8: Notre Dame[edit]September 15: Buffalo[edit]September 22: @ Michigan[edit]September 29: @ Illinois[edit]October 6: Iowa[edit]October 13: Wisconsin[edit]October 20: @ Indiana[edit]October 27: Ohio State[edit]November 3: Purdue[edit]November 10: @ Temple[edit]November 17: @ Michigan State[edit]December 29: 2007 Alamo Bowl \u2013 Texas A&M[edit]Rankings[edit]Watchlists[edit]Players[edit]Post season[edit]NFL draft[edit]All-star games[edit]References[edit]Preseason[edit]Shortly after the end of the 2006 season, junior linebacker and 2006 Bednarik Award finalist Dan Connor announced he would remain at Penn State for his senior year.[1]Redshirt junior offensive lineman Elijah Robinson was forced to give up football after being diagnosed with a tight spinal canal, a condition that could lead to paralysis if Robinson ever sustained a head impact that pinches the spinal cord.[2] Redshirt junior safety Spencer Ridenhour chose to transfer from Penn State, after being unable to win a starting position with returning safety Anthony Scirrotto and converted cornerback Tony Davis ahead of him on the depth charts.[3]Seniors Dan Connor, Terrell Golden, and Anthony Morelli were elected tri-captains by their teammates prior to the season.[4]       (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});after-content-x4Penn State was ranked #17 in the AP and #18 in the Coaches college football preseason polls.Recruiting class[edit]The Nittany Lions received 21 letters of intent on National Signing Day, February 7, 2007.US college sports recruiting information for high school athletesNameHometownHigh school \/ collegeHeightWeight40\u2021Commit dateDrew Astorino DBEdinboro, PennsylvaniaGeneral McLane HS5\u00a0ft 11\u00a0in (1.80\u00a0m)175\u00a0lb (79\u00a0kg)4.44Jan 31, 2007\u00a0Recruiting star ratings: Scout:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rivals:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0247Sports:\u00a0N\/A \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ESPN grade:\u00a040Quinn Barham OGDurham, North CarolinaHillside HS6\u00a0ft 4\u00a0in (1.93\u00a0m)265\u00a0lb (120\u00a0kg)5.20Aug 11, 2006\u00a0Recruiting star ratings: Scout:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rivals:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0247Sports:\u00a0N\/A \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ESPN grade:\u00a074Ryan Breen PClarkston, MichiganClarkston HS6\u00a0ft 2\u00a0in (1.88\u00a0m)205\u00a0lb (93\u00a0kg)4.75Jun 24, 2006\u00a0Recruiting star ratings: Scout:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rivals:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0247Sports:\u00a0N\/A \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ESPN grade:\u00a076Chris Colasanti LBBloomfield, MichiganBrother Rice HS6\u00a0ft 2\u00a0in (1.88\u00a0m)235\u00a0lb (107\u00a0kg)4.60Apr 26, 2006\u00a0Recruiting star ratings: Scout:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rivals:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0247Sports:\u00a0N\/A \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ESPN grade:\u00a078Andrew Dailey LBMassillon, OhioWashington HS6\u00a0ft 3\u00a0in (1.91\u00a0m)215\u00a0lb (98\u00a0kg)4.60Jun 28, 2006\u00a0Recruiting star ratings: Scout:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rivals:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0247Sports:\u00a0N\/A \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ESPN grade:\u00a079Jon Ditto TEMonroeville, PennsylvaniaGateway SHS6\u00a0ft 4\u00a0in (1.93\u00a0m)221\u00a0lb (100\u00a0kg)4.60Jun 8, 2006\u00a0Recruiting star ratings: Scout:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rivals:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0247Sports:\u00a0N\/A \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ESPN grade:\u00a079Stephfon Green CBBronx, New YorkJohn F. Kennedy HS5\u00a0ft 11\u00a0in (1.80\u00a0m)185\u00a0lb (84\u00a0kg)4.30Jul 17, 2006\u00a0Recruiting star ratings: Scout:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rivals:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0247Sports:\u00a0N\/A \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ESPN grade:\u00a040Kevion Latham DEGreensboro, North CarolinaPage HS6\u00a0ft 3\u00a0in (1.91\u00a0m)240\u00a0lb (110\u00a0kg)4.60Jul 12, 2006\u00a0Recruiting star ratings: Scout:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rivals:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0247Sports:\u00a0N\/A \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ESPN grade:\u00a077Josh Marks OTCatawissa, PennsylvaniaSouthern Columbia Area HS6\u00a0ft 4\u00a0in (1.93\u00a0m)285\u00a0lb (129\u00a0kg)5.30May 19, 2006\u00a0Recruiting star ratings: Scout:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rivals:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0247Sports:\u00a0N\/A \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ESPN grade:\u00a079Nerraw McCormack OTBronx, New YorkJohn F Kennedy HS6\u00a0ft 5\u00a0in (1.96\u00a0m)290\u00a0lb (130\u00a0kg)5.15Jan 4, 2007\u00a0Recruiting star ratings: Scout:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rivals:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0247Sports:\u00a0N\/A \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ESPN grade:\u00a0NADerek Moye WRRochester, PennsylvaniaRochester Area HS6\u00a0ft 5\u00a0in (1.96\u00a0m)178\u00a0lb (81\u00a0kg)4.65Jan 25, 2007\u00a0Recruiting star ratings: Scout:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rivals:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0247Sports:\u00a0N\/A \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ESPN grade:\u00a040Chimaeze Okoli DTVirginia Beach, VirginiaSalem HS6\u00a0ft 5\u00a0in (1.96\u00a0m)275\u00a0lb (125\u00a0kg)5.00Feb 2, 2007\u00a0Recruiting star ratings: Scout:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rivals:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0247Sports:\u00a0N\/A \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ESPN grade:\u00a040Ako Poti OTSan Francisco, CaliforniaCC of San Francisco6\u00a0ft 5\u00a0in (1.96\u00a0m)300\u00a0lb (140\u00a0kg)NADec 15, 2006\u00a0Recruiting star ratings: Scout:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rivals:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0247Sports:\u00a0N\/A \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ESPN grade:\u00a0NAChaz Powell CBGlen Rock, PennsylvaniaSusquehannock HS6\u00a0ft 2\u00a0in (1.88\u00a0m)185\u00a0lb (84\u00a0kg)4.44Jun 24, 2006\u00a0Recruiting star ratings: Scout:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rivals:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0247Sports:\u00a0N\/A \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ESPN grade:\u00a074Devon Still DTWilmington, DelawareHoward HS of Technology6\u00a0ft 5\u00a0in (1.96\u00a0m)250\u00a0lb (110\u00a0kg)4.90Jan 24, 2007\u00a0Recruiting star ratings: Scout:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rivals:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0247Sports:\u00a0N\/A \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ESPN grade:\u00a079Nathan Stupar LBState College, PennsylvaniaState College Area HS6\u00a0ft 2\u00a0in (1.88\u00a0m)220\u00a0lb (100\u00a0kg)4.61May 24, 2006\u00a0Recruiting star ratings: Scout:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rivals:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0247Sports:\u00a0N\/A \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ESPN grade:\u00a079Joe Suhey SWilmette, IllinoisLoyola Academy6\u00a0ft 2\u00a0in (1.88\u00a0m)190\u00a0lb (86\u00a0kg)4.60Dec 12, 2006\u00a0Recruiting star ratings: Scout:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rivals:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0247Sports:\u00a0N\/A \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ESPN grade:\u00a040Nick Sukay SGreensburg, PennsylvaniaGreensburg Central Catholic HS6\u00a0ft 3\u00a0in (1.91\u00a0m)205\u00a0lb (93\u00a0kg)4.49Jun 26, 2006\u00a0Recruiting star ratings: Scout:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rivals:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0247Sports:\u00a0N\/A \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ESPN grade:\u00a079Andrew Szczerba TEWilmington, DelawareSalesianum School6\u00a0ft 6\u00a0in (1.98\u00a0m)250\u00a0lb (110\u00a0kg)4.90Aug 13, 2006\u00a0Recruiting star ratings: Scout:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rivals:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0247Sports:\u00a0N\/A \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ESPN grade:\u00a040J.B. Walton OGNew Berlin, New YorkMilford Academy6\u00a0ft 3\u00a0in (1.91\u00a0m)275\u00a0lb (125\u00a0kg)4.90Jan 17, 2006\u00a0Recruiting star ratings: Scout:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rivals:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0247Sports:\u00a0N\/A \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ESPN grade:\u00a086Stefen Wisniewski OGPittsburgh, PennsylvaniaCentral Catholic HS6\u00a0ft 3.5\u00a0in (1.92\u00a0m)275\u00a0lb (125\u00a0kg)5.10Dec 2, 2006\u00a0Recruiting star ratings: Scout:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rivals:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0247Sports:\u00a0N\/A \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ESPN grade:\u00a079Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 18 \u00a0\u00a0Rivals: 23\u2021 Refers to 40 yard dashNote: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time.In these cases, the average was taken.  ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.Sources:Spring practice[edit]  Blue-White game with the VT block in the backgroundThe public got their first look at the 2007 squad during the annual Blue-White Game at Beaver Stadium on April 21, a 70-degree sun-splashed day. A record crowd of 71,000 turned out for the scrimmage, the third highest in the nation for a spring football game, and surpassing the previous record of 62,000 set in 1996.[5]Thousands of fans in the huge crowd wore maroon and orange shirts, in tribute to the victims of the previous week’s events at Virginia Tech, including a section of 800 fans that formed a large “VT” block.The White team defeated the Blue team 30\u20136, led by junior quarterback Paul Cianciolo who ran for one touchdown and passed for two more, finishing 8-of-9 for 126\u00a0yards passing, and sophomore receiver Chris Bell who led all receivers with 116\u00a0yards receiving and two touchdowns, including a 74-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Daryll Clark.[6]Criminal charges[edit]On April 27, 2007, State College police announced that six members of the squad were charged with a range of criminal charges related to an altercation that occurred in an apartment in downtown State College earlier that month. The charges include burglary, criminal trespass, simple assault, and harassment, and players charged include junior safety Anthony Scirrotto, who led the Big Ten in 2006 with six interceptions and was named 2006 first-team All-Big Ten, and junior cornerback Justin King, named second-team All-Big Ten in 2006.[7]Charges against King were withdrawn before the preliminary hearing on May 4, 2007. After the hearing, charges against Jerome Hayes, Tyrell Sales and Lydell Sargeant were dismissed, citing weak evidence. However, Scirrotto and Chris Baker still face a possible trial in county court.[8]Coach Paterno announced that, because of the incident, the entire football team will clean Beaver Stadium on Sundays after home games, a task usually handled by members of Penn State’s club sports teams.[9] The team began serving this punishment following their 59\u20130 victory over Florida International. The players arrived at the stadium just prior to 8:00\u00a0a.m. and cleaned eight sections of the stadium. They were joined by members of various sports clubs and teams. The football team and other organizations worked together to clean the entire stadium.[10]Penn State’s Office of Judicial Affairs expelled Scirrotto, Baker, Sargeant and Hayes for the second summer semester, but all four players were allowed to return to campus on August 6 for preseason workouts. Sargeant and his family requested formal Judicial Affairs hearings to appeal the decision.[11]Charges of burglary, simple assault and criminal solicitation against Scirrotto were subsequently dismissed by Centre County Presiding Judge, Charles C. Brown, Jr., but a felony charge of criminal trespass and a summary offense of harassment are still pending.[12] Trials for Scirrotto and Baker are scheduled for December.[13]Preseason awards[edit]Schedule[edit]Penn State did not play Big Ten teams Northwestern and Minnesota this year.DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendanceSeptember 112:00 p.m.Florida International*No. 17BTNW 59\u20130107,678September 86:00 p.m.Notre Dame*No. 14Beaver StadiumUniversity Park, PAESPNW 31\u201310110,078September 1512:00 p.m.Buffalo*No. 12Beaver StadiumUniversity Park, PABTNW 45\u201324107,506September 223:30 p.m.at MichiganNo. 10ABCL 9\u201314111,310September 2912:00 p.m.at IllinoisNo. 21BTNL 20\u20132757,078October 63:30 p.m.IowaBeaver StadiumUniversity Park, PAABCW 27\u20137108,951October 133:30 p.m.No.\u00a019 WisconsinBeaver StadiumUniversity Park, PAABCW 38\u20137109,574October 2012:00 p.m.at IndianaESPNW 36\u20133141,251October 278:00 p.m.No.\u00a01 Ohio StateNo. 24ABCL 17\u201337110,134November 312:00 p.m.PurdueBeaver StadiumUniversity Park, PAESPNW 26\u201319108,318November 1012:00 p.m.at Temple*ESPNUW 31\u2013069,029November 173:30 p.m.at Michigan StateABCL 31\u20133572,251December 298:00 p.m.vs. Texas A&M*ESPNW 24\u20131766,166*Non-conference gameHomecomingRankings from AP Poll released prior to the gameAll times are in Eastern timePersonnel[edit]Roster[edit]2007 Penn State Nittany Lions football team rosterPlayersCoachesOffenseDefenseSpecial teamsHead coachCoordinators\/assistant coachesLegend(C) Team captain(S) Suspended(I) Ineligible Injured RedshirtRoster Last update: August 24, 2007Coaching staff[edit]Coaching changes[edit]Safeties coach Brian Norwood left the staff at the conclusion of the regular season to accept the defensive coordinator position at Baylor. Former Coordinator of Player Personnel Kermit Buggs was named his replacement and assumed coaching duties prior to the Nittany Lions’ postseason appearance in the Alamo Bowl.[20]Game summaries[edit]September 1: Florida International[edit]1234TotalFIU00000Penn State141028759  Penn State fullback Dan Lawlor hurdles a defender to score a touchdown in the 2007 season opener.The Nittany Lions shut out the Golden Panthers in their first-ever meeting. Quarterback Anthony Morelli was 23 of 38 for 295\u00a0yards, with touchdown passes to Terrell Golden, Mickey Shuler, Jr., and Matt Hahn. The running backs scored five touchdowns, including two by Austin Scott.Led by linebackers Dan Connor and Sean Lee, the defensive unit forced five turnovers and held FIU to \u22123\u00a0yards rushing.[21]Lee was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for his performance.[22]September 8: Notre Dame[edit]1234TotalNotre Dame703010Penn State7710731  The first stadium-wide White-Out for the Notre Dame gameIn front of a crowd of 110,078 spectators, the second-largest ever at Beaver Stadium, the Nittany Lions overpowered an inexperienced Fighting Irish team in a 31\u201310 win. Derrick Williams returned a punt 78\u00a0yards for a touchdown to start Penn State’s scoring, after the Irish took a 7\u20130 lead on an interception return for a touchdown. Austin Scott rushed for 116\u00a0yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries. Anthony Morelli finished 12 of 21 for 131\u00a0yards, including a 51-yard strike to Chris Bell and a 10-yard touchdown to Jordan Norwood.Led by Dan Connor, the defense sacked the Irish’s highly touted freshman quarterback Jimmy Clausen six times for \u221250\u00a0yards. The defensive unit held the Irish to zero rushing yards and just 144\u00a0yards total. The Irish committed 14 penalties for 97\u00a0yards, partly due to the loud, mostly white-clad crowd.[23]Recording 12 tackles, Connor was selected Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week[24] as well as Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week.[25] Derrick Williams’ punt return for a touchdown was selected the week’s Pontiac Game Changing Performance in a landslide vote.[26]September 15: Buffalo[edit]1234TotalBuffalo3002124Penn State017141445Backup tailback Rodney Kinlaw had his first 100-yard game, tallying a career-high 129\u00a0yards on 23 carries and a touchdown after replacing starter Austin Scott, who fumbled on each of Penn State’s first two drives. Scott’s first fumble at the Penn State 8-yard line allowed the Bulls to take the lead, 3\u20130.After a slow start, quarterback Anthony Morelli finished 20 of 27 for 202\u00a0yards and a career-high four touchdowns, including two to tight end Andrew Quarless, who was playing in his first game this season after being suspended for an underage drinking citation. Jordan Norwood’s acrobatic 5-yard touchdown catch was highlighted as the Top Play for September 15, 2007 on ESPN’s SportsCenter.On defense, Dan Connor and Sean Lee each recorded 12 tackles. Safety Anthony Scirrotto also recorded an interception and recovered a fumble forced by Tony Davis.[27]September 22: @ Michigan[edit]1234TotalPenn State03339Michigan700714The Wolverines defeated the Nittany Lions 14\u20139, their first loss of the season. Michigan’s Mike Hart carried the ball a record 44 times for 153\u00a0yards, helping the Wolverines control the clock and executed 26 more plays than Penn State.The Nittany Lions defense permitted only three drives above 40\u00a0yards, forced two turnovers and limited Hart to 3.5\u00a0yards per carry, but the Wolverines were 10 of 18 on third down conversions. Sean Lee finished with 12 tackles, and cornerback Lydell Sargeant made a career-high 10 tackles including a tackle for loss and an interception.Anthony Morelli was 15 of 31 for 169\u00a0yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions, but lost a fumble early in the game on the Penn State 10-yard line. Michigan needed only two plays to convert the turnover into a touchdown.[28]September 29: @ Illinois[edit]1234TotalPenn State1073020Illinois1473327The Nittany Lions fell 27\u201320 to the Fighting Illini in a turnover-filled game, Illinois’s first win over a ranked opponent since 2001. The Illini would take a 7\u20133 lead on a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, the first given up by Penn State since 1994.Quarterback Anthony Morelli was 21 of 38 for a career-high 298\u00a0yards but was intercepted three times inside the Illinois 30-yard line. Morelli also had a crucial fumble on a fourth down scramble after appearing to have gained enough yards for the first down. The offense started five drives in Illinois territory but could only score three points on those drives.The defense struggled early to defend the Illini’s option running game, giving up 216\u00a0yards rushing. Linebacker Sean Lee recorded a career-high 17 tackles. Justin King and Tony Davis each intercepted the ball once, the second of the season for both players.[29]October 6: Iowa[edit]1234TotalIowa00077Penn State0137727Quarterback Anthony Morelli overcame first-half boos from the Beaver Stadium crowd to finish 18 of 31 for 233\u00a0yards and a touchdown in a 27\u20137 win over the Hawkeyes. Rodney Kinlaw, playing in place of suspended tailback Austin Scott, ran for a career-high 168\u00a0yards and two touchdowns. Redshirt freshman Evan Royster had 86\u00a0yards on 16 carries before leaving the game in the third quarter with an injury.Placekicker Kevin Kelly connected on 2 of 3 field goals, including a personal-best 53-yarder. Deon Butler led Nittany Lions receivers with 3 catches for 55\u00a0yards. Maurice Evans and Aaron Maybin each sacked Iowa’s Jake Christensen twice, and the Hawkeyes were held scoreless until Trey Stross caught an 11-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter.[30]October 13: Wisconsin[edit]1234TotalWisconsin70007Penn State10147738Penn State capitalized on early turnovers by the Badgers, including a P.J. Hill fumble on the first play from scrimmage, to take control of the game early.Quarterback Anthony Morelli completed 16 of 28 passes for 216\u00a0yards and a touchdown for the Nittany Lions. Tailbacks Rodney Kinlaw and Evan Royster each scored touchdowns while rushing for 115 and 68, respectively. Wide receiver Deon Butler caught seven passes for 93\u00a0yards and a touchdown. Backup quarterback Daryll Clark, who saw playing time in mop-up duty, scored on a 1-yard run. The Penn State defense intercepted Badgers quarterback Tyler Donovan twice. Linebackers Sean Lee and Dan Connor each ended with 12 tackles.[31] The Lions were only penalized once for 10\u00a0yards, continuing their streak as the Big Ten’s least-penalized team.[32]Defensive end Jerome Hayes was lost for the season after tearing his ACL in the third quarter.[33]October 20: @ Indiana[edit]1234TotalPenn State02031336Indiana7731431The Penn State defense, despite giving up 386 total yards, forced four second-half Hoosiers turnovers, including two forced fumbles by defensive end Maurice Evans who scooped up one fumble and returned it 55\u00a0yards. Although the Hoosiers had the lead early on, the Nittany Lions took the lead in the final minute of the first half. Penn State held off an Indiana comeback in the fourth quarter, ensuring the continuation of their perfect record over the Hoosiers. The win also gave the Nittany Lions their first road win of the year.On offense, Anthony Morelli finished 22 of 32 for 195\u00a0yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Jordan Norwood led all receivers with 8 receptions for 65\u00a0yards.[34]Evans was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week. In addition to his two forced fumbles, he also recorded 4.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.[35]Defensive tackle Jared Odrick left the game with a broken ankle, and fullback Matt Hahn left with a torn ACL. Both are out for the season.October 27: Ohio State[edit]1234TotalOhio State10771337Penn State703717ESPN’s College GameDay aired from State College, the second time in three seasons the show originated from Happy Valley for the visit by the Buckeyes.[36] After a close first quarter, Ohio State pulled away to win 37\u201317. First Ohio State scored a field goal, then Penn State scored a touchdown. Ohio State then scored another touchdown to end the quarter 10\u20137. After another Ohio State touchdown to put the Buckeyes up 17-7, Penn State linebacker Dan Connor intercepted a Todd Boeckman pass, Ohio State’s only meaningful possession to not end in a score, to give the Nittany Lions a chance to close the gap before halftime. However, Penn State ended up punting, and the Buckeyes dominated the second half, allowing only a field goal and a late kickoff return touchdown. Ohio State never punted in the game.November 3: Purdue[edit]1234TotalPurdue1006319Penn State31001326In his final Beaver Stadium performance, linebacker Dan Connor made 11 tackles against the Boilermakers to give him 379 career stops and became Penn State’s all-time tackler, passing Paul Posluszny (372).Senior Anthony Morelli was 22 of 35 for 210\u00a0yards and a touchdown, giving him 2,060\u00a0yards passing for the season. With 2,424 passing yards last season, Morelli became the first Nittany Lion quarterback with at least 2,000 passing yards in multiple seasons.Redshirt freshman tailback Evan Royster recorded his first career 100-yard rushing game, finishing with 126\u00a0yards on 21 carries and a touchdown. Derrick Williams also made a career-high 10 receptions for 95\u00a0yards and rushed for 12\u00a0yards and a touchdown, finishing with a career-high 151 all-purpose yards.[37]Linebacker Sean Lee was named Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week. Lee finished with 12 tackles and two forced fumbles, including a game-changing play late in the first quarter. On third-and-goal from the one yard line, Lee stripped and recovered the football to halt a potential Purdue scoring drive.[38]November 10: @ Temple[edit]1234TotalPenn State14301431Temple00000Senior tailback Rodney Kinlaw eclipsed the 1,000\u00a0yard mark as the Nittany Lions shut out the Owls for the second consecutive year. Kinlaw tied his career-high 168\u00a0yards and also caught a career-high five passes for 27\u00a0yards.Anthony Morelli was 22 of 33 for 260\u00a0yards with three touchdowns, two of them to Jordan Norwood. Derrick Williams had a game-high seven receptions for a career-high 104\u00a0yards, and teammate Deon Butler made five receptions for 43\u00a0yards and a touchdown.The Nittany Lions defense posted its fourth shut-out in 17 games, and its second road shutout in 17 games, dating back to the 12\u20130 win over Purdue in Ross\u2013Ade Stadium in 2006. The defense was led by Dan Connor who tied his career-high of 18 tackles and Sean Lee who had 10 tackles and a fumble recovery.[39]For the second time this season, Connor was selected the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week[40] as well as Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.[41]November 17: @ Michigan State[edit]1234TotalPenn State7107731Michigan State70141435The Nittany Lions took a 24\u20137 lead in the third quarter on kicker Kevin Kelly’s 5-yard touchdown run on a fake field goal. However, the Spartans outscored Penn State 28\u20137 the remainder of the game to take possession of the Land Grant Trophy. Penn State was awarded a 4th timeout in the final minute of the game.The Nittany Lions defense forced three turnovers and limited the Spartans to 145 rushing yards, but Spartans quarterback Brian Hoyer was 16 of 21 for 257 yards, with four touchdowns and two interceptions. The Spartans had eight pass plays of 20 yards or more, with seven coming in the second half.Anthony Morelli was 16 of 35 for 188 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions. However, down 35\u201331 in the game’s final minutes, Morelli threw four consecutive incompletions to end Penn State’s last drive.[42]December 29: 2007 Alamo Bowl \u2013 Texas A&M[edit]1234TotalPenn State0177024Texas A&M1403017Penn State rallied from a 14\u20130 first quarter deficit to win 24\u201317 on the strength of the running game provided by the offensive line and Rodney Kinlaw, Daryll Clark and Evan Royster. The defense came up with a key goal line stand in the fourth quarter stopping an option play on fourth and goal from inside the five yard line. The comeback from 14\u20130 has been compared to the 1981 Penn State vs Pittsburgh game where Penn State fell into an early 14\u20130 hole after one, but came back to win in a 48\u201314 blowout. In this game, Penn State went on a 24\u20133 run in the second and third quarters.Rankings[edit]Ranking movementsLegend: \u2588\u2588 Increase in ranking. \u2588\u2588 Decrease in ranking.\u2014 = Not ranked.WeekPollPre1234567891011121314FinalAP1714121021\u2014\u201424\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014Coaches1815121019\u2014\u20142522\u20142522\u2014\u2014\u201425HarrisNot released19\u2014\u2014\u201422\u2014\u201425\u2014\u2014\u2014Not releasedBCSNot released\u201425\u201423\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014Not releasedWatchlists[edit]Players[edit]Post season[edit]Penn State finished the season ranked #25 in the final USA Today college football poll, earning Penn State its 33rd Top 25 finish under Joe Paterno.[76]Penn State finished second in football attendance for the fifth time this decade and in the top four for the 17th consecutive year, averaging 108,917 for seven home games, including two primetime crowds of 110,134 on October 27 to watch Penn State host Ohio State, the second-largest in Beaver Stadium history, and 110,078 on September 8 to watch Penn State beat Notre Dame, the third-largest in Beaver Stadium history. Penn State finished the season with a sellout crowd of 66,166 at the Alamo Bowl.[77]In January, junior cornerback Justin King announced that he was going to declare for the 2008 NFL Draft, skipping his final year of eligibility. King had graduated the previous semester with a degree in liberal arts with an emphasis in sports management. According to King’s stepfather and high school coach, “He wanted to get an education and a degree from Penn State, which he did. He wanted to help turn Penn State around, and he did that, too.”[78]Three players were invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, held February 20\u201326 in Indianapolis, Indiana: Dan Connor, Justin King, and Anthony Morelli.[79]NFL draft[edit]Two Penn State players were selected in the 2008 NFL Draft.[80]All-star games[edit]References[edit]^ “All-American Connor Returning To Penn State For Senior Season”. Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. January 12, 2007. Archived from the original on January 13, 2008. 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