UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- In a battle of offense versus defense, the blue-clad defensive squad posted a 77-65 win over offensive unit wearing the white uniforms in the Beaver Stadium debut of head coach Bill O'Brien in front of an estimated 60,000 fans at the annual Blue-White Game presented by AAA.
The special scoring system awarded the offense six points for a touchdown, one point for a PAT, three points for a field goal and two points each for a big play (15+ yards) and two consecutive first downs. The defense earned points by scoring a defensive touchdown (7), a turnover (6), sack (4), tackle for a loss (2) and forcing a three-and-out (1).
For photos from Blue-White Weekend festivities, visit http://live.psu.edu/flickrset/72157629868953637.
The Nittany Lion defense forced five interceptions and tallied eight sacks to pace their winning effort. C.J. Olaniyan (Warren, Mich.) racked up three sacks to compliment the two sacks and two tackles for a loss by Brad Bars (Nashville, Tenn.). Ben Kline (York, Pa.), Adrian Amos (Baltimore, Md.), Devin Pryor (San Bernadino, Calif.), Jordan Hill (Steelton, Pa.) and Jesse Della Valle (Pittsburgh, Pa.) each grabbed interceptions for the defensive squad.
Paul Jones (McKees Rocks, Pa.) threw for 113 yards and a touchdown, while Matt McGloin (Scranton, Pa.) added 105 yards an a TD toss as the Nittany Lions rotated in six quarterbacks during the spring game. Allen Robinson (Southfield, Mich.) had a team-best 87 yards receiving and Matt Lehman (Newport, Pa.) and Christian Kuntz (Camp Hill, Pa.) each snagged passes for scores.
The rushing game was solid, accounting for 144 yards and a pair of scores. The rushing game was solid, accounting for 144 yards and a pair of scores. Sophomore Bill Belton (Sicklerville, Pa.) rushed for 52 yards and a touchdown and junior Zach Zwinak (Frederick, Md.) clicked off 37 yards on the ground with six-yard scoring run to pace the running game.
At halftime, the Nittany Lions honored their spring award winners. This year's Jim O'Hora award went to Stephon Morris (Greenbelt, Md.), the Red Worrell went to Matt Stankiewitch (Orwigsburg, Pa.) and the Frank Patrick Total Commitment Award was given to John Urschel (Willamsville, N.Y.).
Penn State returns 37 letterwinners and 10 starters for the upcoming season (5 offense, 4 defense, 1 specialist), as well as 17 players that have starting experience. The 17 additional players with starting experience have a combined total of 78 starts (44 defense/34 offense) among them.
Season tickets are available for the 2012 season, with Penn State facing five bowl teams from last year. The Nittany Lions will host Ohio State (Oct. 27), Wisconsin (Nov. 24-Senior Day), Northwestern (Oct. 6-Homecoming), Indiana (Nov. 17), Navy (Sept. 15), Temple (Sept. 22) and Ohio for the Sept. 1 season opener in Beaver Stadium this fall.
For information on joining the Nittany Lion Club and purchasing season tickets, as well as club seating in Beaver Stadium, fans can call 1-800-648-8269 (1-800-NITTANY) weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.