2002 Penn State Nittany Lions football team

::Second-team Athlon Sports pre-season All-American ::Second-team Lindy's pre-season All-American - **Zack Mills** ::Lindy's pre-season Big Ten Most Valuable Player ## Schedule |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = w |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = w |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = w |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = l |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = w |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = l |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = w |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = l |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = w |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = w |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = w |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = w |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = l ## Roster - Joe Paterno ## Game summaries ### UCF After a sloppy first half, Penn State scored 17 unanswered points in the second half and then withstood a late charge to hold off the [Golden Knights](2002-ucf-knights-football-team) for a 27–24 win. Zack Mills was 13 of 20 for 194 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. On defense, Anthony Adams recovered a fumbled snap to set up a field goal, and Derek Wake blocked a field goal attempt. Trailing 27–9 in the fourth quarter, UCF got within three points with 24 seconds remaining but failed to recover the onside kick, and Penn State ran out the clock. ### Nebraska In front of a crowd of 110,753, a new Beaver Stadium attendance record that stood intact for 15 years, (110,823 VS Michigan 2017) Penn State routed the [Cornhuskers](2002-nebraska-cornhuskers-football-team) 40–7, as Larry Johnson and backup quarterback Michael Robinson each had two touchdown runs. Cornerback Rich Gardner had his first career interception and returned it 44 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter. It was Penn State's first victory over a top 10 team since 1999. ### Louisiana Tech Penn State beat the [Bulldogs](2002-louisiana-tech-bulldogs-football-team) 49–17, despite Tech's quarterback Luke McCown throwing for more than 400 yards but also threw three interceptions and had a fumble lost. Larry Johnson ran for 147 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns and also had a touchdown reception. Michael Robinson also had three rushing touchdowns. ### Iowa After trailing the [Hawkeyes](2002-iowa-hawkeyes-football-team) by 22 points in the fourth quarter, Zack Mills threw for three touchdowns in the final 7:13 to tie the game 35–35 and force overtime, but the Nittany Lions were unable to score in overtime and lost 42–35. For the game, Mills completed 23 of 44 passes for a school record 399 yards and four touchdowns. The team finished with only 54 yards rushing, and Michael Robinson, who had five touchdowns in twelve carries in the past two games, was held to minus-2 yards on four carries. But the play that was most shown repeatedly on sports highlights shows throughout the rest of the season happened after the game. Following a couple questionable calls by the line judge in overtime, Joe Paterno sprinted down the field to catch up with referee Dick Honig as he approached the tunnel and grabbed Honig by the back of the shirt to voice his displeasure with the way the game ended. Paterno was angered that Penn State wide receiver Tony Johnson caught a pass with both feet in bounds according to the stadium's video replay board, but the play was ruled an incompletion. ### Wisconsin Penn State scored on four of its first five possessions as the Lions beat the [Badgers](2002-wisconsin-badgers-football-team) 34–31. Penn State scored on touchdowns from Zack Mills, Larry Johnson, and Sean McHugh and got four Robbie Gould field goals. Defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy and defensive end Michael Haynes each had three sacks, as the Lions sacked Wisconsin quarterback Brooks Bollinger seven times. Wisconsin scored to close it to three points with 1:17 remaining, but Bryan Scott covered up the onside kick to seal the game. ### Michigan The [Wolverines](2002-michigan-wolverines-football-team) beat Penn State 27–24 in overtime. A slow first half gave way to a shootout in the second half. The game was tied 7–7 at halftime, and the teams combined for only 240 yards. Penn State led 13–7 late in the third quarter and looked to seize control of the game after forcing a Michigan punt at their own 20, but a roughing the punter penalty kept the drive alive, and Michigan found the end zone eight plays later. Zack Mills finished the day 19 of 31 for 264 yards and two touchdowns. Joe Paterno expressed his displeasure with the officials for the second time this season as he yelled at referee David Witvoet after regulation. There were a number of odd and questionable actions by the officials during the game, as pointed out by the TV commentators, including the roughing the punter penalty and the referee refusing to ask for measurements when it appeared Michigan had been stopped short of first down. Each time he glanced at the sideline and signaled first down. It was most noticeable in the third quarter when he signaled first down even as Michigan was lining up in short-yardage formation, thinking it was third-and-1. But Paterno and the coaching staff were most livid about a blown call with 40 seconds remaining in regulation and the score tied at 21–21. Receiver Tony Johnson had just made a leaping catch of a Mills pass at the Michigan 22. The side judge ruled Johnson out of bounds despite replays showing he had both feet at least a yard inbounds. Numerous replays on TV showed the large divot in the field where Johnson's feet had landed. Instead of a field goal opportunity to win the game in regulation, the game was forced into overtime. ### Northwestern Larry Johnson set Penn State's single-game rushing record as the Nittany Lions shut out the [Wildcats](2002-northwestern-wildcats-football-team) 49–0. Johnson rushed for 257 yards on 23 carries and scored twice before sitting out the final 28 minutes. In all, twelve Penn State players carried the ball for a total of 423 yards. The defense recorded its first shutout since the 1999 Alamo Bowl, holding the Wildcats to 9 yards rushing and 202 total yards. ### Ohio State The [Buckeyes](2002-ohio-state-buckeyes-football-team) defense held Zack Mills to only 98 yards passing and intercepted three passes, including one by Chris Gamble returned for a touchdown, to beat the Nittany Lions 13–7. Penn State was held to only 179 yards of offense and eight first downs, fewest under Joe Paterno. Despite this, Penn State led 7–3 at halftime and very nearly won the game at the end. ### Illinois Larry Johnson set the school record for rushing yards in a game, beating his own record from two weeks prior, as the Nittany Lions beat the [Fighting Illini](2002-illinois-fighting-illini-football-team) 18–7. Johnson rushed for 279 yards on 31 carries, including an 84-yard touchdown run. The Penn State defense went 11-plus quarters without allowing a touchdown before Illinois scored with 5:22 remaining. ### Virginia The defense held the [Cavaliers](2002-virginia-cavaliers-football-team) to only 30 yards rushing as Penn State won 35–14. Zack Mills was 19 of 30 for 227 yards and two touchdowns. The Lions had 289 yards on the ground, including 118 yards on 31 carries and a touchdown by Larry Johnson. Backup quarterback and holder Chris Ganter also scored on a 30-yard run off of a fake field goal. ### Indiana Larry Johnson broke two school records as Penn State beat the [Hoosiers](2002-indiana-hoosiers-football-team) 58–25. For the third time in five weeks, Johnson set the school's single-game rushing record with 327 yards on 28 carries. Johnson also broke Penn State's single-season rushing record with a total of 1,736 yards with two games left to play. ### Michigan State Larry Johnson became the ninth player in NCAA history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season as Penn State blew out the [Spartans](2002-michigan-state-spartans-football-team) 61–7. Johnson finished the day with 279 yards and four touchdowns, all in the first half. Bryant Johnson also scored on an 81-yard punt return and a 41-yard touchdown reception. Penn State had 400 yards of offense at halftime and finished with 536 total yards, including 422 yards rushing. ### 2003 Capital One Bowl – Auburn The [Auburn Tigers](2002-auburn-tigers-football-team) rushed for 200 yards, controlled the clock, and outscored the Lions 13–3 in the second half to upset the Nittany Lions 13–9 in the . Larry Johnson finished with only 72 yards on 20 carries. Zack Mills was also ineffective, going 8 of 24 for 67 yards and an interception. He was pulled for a couple drives in the third quarter, and backup quarterback Michael Robinson led to the Lions for a field goal to go up 9–7. ## Rankings ## Awards ### Watchlists - **Michael Haynes** - :Ted Hendricks Award semifinalist and finalist - **Bryant Johnson** - :Fred Biletnikoff Award watchlist - **Larry Johnson** - :Doak Walker Award watchlist, semifinalist and finalist - :Maxwell Award finalist - :Walter Camp Player of the Year finalist - **Jimmy Kennedy** - :Bronko Nagurski Trophy watchlist - :Rotary Lombardi Award watchlist and semifinalist - :Outland Trophy watchlist - **Zack Mills** - :Davey O'Brien Award watchlist and semifinalist - **Bryan Scott** - :Jim Thorpe Award watchlist ### Players - **Gino Capone** - :Second-team All-Big Ten (conference media selection) - :First-team Verizon CoSIDA Academic All-District - **Rich Gardner** - :Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (September 14) - **Robbie Gould** - :Big Ten Specialist of the Week (October 5) - **Andrew Guman** - :Second-team Verizon CoSIDA Academic All-District - **Michael Haynes** - :Second-team Associated Press All-American - :CNNSI.com All-American - :FWAA All-American - :Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year - :First-team All-Big Ten - :Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (September 21) - :CNNSI.com mid-season first-team All-American - **Joe Iorio** - :First-team Verizon CoSIDA Academic All-American - :First-team Verizon CoSIDA Academic All-District - **Bryant Johnson** - :First-team All-Big Ten (conference coaches selection) - **Larry Johnson** - :2002 Doak Walker Award winner - :2002 Maxwell Award winner - :AFCA All-American - :First-team Associated Press All-American - :Chevrolet Offensive Player of the Year - :FWAA All-American - :CNNSI.com All-American - :Walter Camp Player of the Year - :First-team Walter Camp All-American - :First-team All-Big Ten - :Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week (October 19) - :Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week (November 2) - :Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week (November 16) - :ESPN.com Player of the Week (November 16) - :*Sporting News* Player of the Week (November 16) - :*USA Today* Player of the Week (November 16) - :Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week (November 23) - :Most Valuable Player, 2003 Senior Bowl - **Jimmy Kennedy** - :Third-team Associated Press All-American - :First-team Walter Camp All-American - :Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year - :First-team All-Big Ten - :Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (October 5) - **Shawn Mayer** - :Second-team All-Big Ten - :Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (October 26) - **Zack Mills** - :Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week (September 28) - **Matt Schmitt** - :First-team Verizon CoSIDA Academic All-District ## Post season Penn State finished the season ranked #16 in the final AP college football poll and #15 in the final Coaches college football poll, earning Penn State its 25th Top 15 finish under Joe Paterno. Tailback Larry Johnson would finish the season as the first Nittany Lion to lead the nation in rushing and all-purpose yardage. Johnson become the ninth player in Division I-A history to gain 2,000 yards rushing in the regular season, finishing third in Heisman Trophy balloting. Penn State claimed second place in football attendance for the second consecutive season, averaging 107,239 through eight home games, ranking in the top four for the 12th consecutive year. The Nittany Lions also broke the NCAA record for total season attendance with 1,247,707 during the 13-game schedule, including a Beaver Stadium record of 110,753 for the Nebraska game. ### NFL draft A school record six seniors would be drafted in the first two rounds of the [2003 NFL draft](2003-nfl-draft), including another school record four players in the first round. ::data[format=table] | Round | Pick | Overall | Name | Position | Team | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | 1st | 12 | 12 | Jimmy Kennedy | Defensive tackle | St. Louis Rams | | 1st | 14 | 14 | Michael Haynes | Defensive end | Chicago Bears | | 1st | 17 | 17 | Bryant Johnson | Wide receiver | Arizona Cardinals | | 1st | 27 | 27 | Larry Johnson | Running back | Kansas City Chiefs | | 2nd | 23 | 55 | Bryan Scott | Free safety | Atlanta Falcons | | 2nd | 25 | 57 | Anthony Adams | Defensive tackle | San Francisco 49ers | :: ### All-star games ::data[format=table] | Game || Date || Site || Players | |---| | 57th Hula Bowl | | 54th Senior Bowl | :: ### Instant replay A few other conference coaches had lobbied for instant replay before, but they had fallen on deaf ears until Joe Paterno, who had been against instant replay citing the length of games as a factor, changed his opinion after a number of questionable officiating calls in the Iowa and Michigan games. Paterno and Penn State athletic director Tim Curley called for a comprehensive review of Big Ten officiating. At the news conference after the Michigan game, Paterno went further and said that the conference should change the way that officials are assigned, referring to the assignment of the officiating crew that worked the Michigan game, three of whom live in the state of Michigan. After the Big Ten concluded its comprehensive review of its officiating, the conference implemented a pilot program during the 2003 season to evaluate the use of instant replay. The pilot was used to gather data and did not interfere with games or overturn any missed calls. For the 2004 season, the Big Ten introduced college football's first instant replay system. A technical advisor in the press box with access to the television feeds will be able to stop a game for a replay review and potentially overturn a play, with no limit on the number of plays that can be reviewed. ## Notes - Penn State set a new single season attendance record of 857,911 fans. ## References ## References 1. ["Penn State Yearly Results (2000-2004)"](http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/p/penn_state/2000-2004_yearly_results.php). *David DeLassus*. 2. (January 10, 2002). ["Kennedy To Return For Senior Season"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011002aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 3. (January 16, 2002). ["Matt Senneca Not Returning for Senior Season"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011602aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 4. (April 24, 2002). ["Kennedy Named To Playboy All-America Team"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042402aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 5. (June 18, 2002). ["Kennedy Named to Lindy's & Athlon Pre-Season All-America Teams"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/061802aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 6. (May 21, 2002). ["Nittany Lions' Season Opener with UCF To Be Televised by ESPN"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/052102aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 7. (April 8, 2002). ["Nittany Lion Football Team To Battle Nebraska in Primetime Clash in Beaver Stadium"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/040802aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 8. (June 13, 2002). ["Nittany Lions' Clash With Louisiana Tech To Be Televised by ESPN Regional"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/061302aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 9. (September 16, 2002). ["Penn State-Iowa Football Game Selected As ESPN Telecast"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091602aac.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 10. (September 23, 2002). ["Penn State-Wisconsin Clash Selected As ABC Telecast"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092302aac.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 11. (September 30, 2002). ["Penn State-Michigan Clash Selected As ABC Telecast"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/093002aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 12. (June 19, 2002). ["Penn State-Northwestern Homecoming Football Game Set For 12:10 p.m. Kickoff"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/061902aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 13. (October 7, 2002). ["Penn State-Northwestern Homecoming Clash To Air on ESPN2"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/100702aab.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 14. (October 13, 2002). ["Penn State-Ohio State Clash To Air on ABC"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101302aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 15. (October 27, 2002). ["Penn State-Illinois Clash Set for 3:30 Kickoff on ESPN"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/102702aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 16. (November 3, 2002). ["Penn State-Virginia Clash Set for 3:30 Kickoff on ABC"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110302aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 17. (November 4, 2002). ["Penn State-Indiana Clash Set for 3:30 Kickoff on ESPN"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110402aac.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 18. (November 11, 2002). ["Penn State-Michigan State Clash Set for 3:30 p.m. Kickoff on ABC; Indiana Game To Air on ESPN2"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111102aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 19. (December 8, 2002). ["Penn State To Tangle With Auburn In Capital One Bowl on January 1"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120802aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 20. (August 31, 2002). ["Nittany Lion Football Starts Fresh with 27–24 Victory over UCF"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/083102aae.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 21. (September 15, 2002). ["Penn State Dominates Nebraska 40–7, Jump to #15 in ESPN Poll"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091502aad.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 22. (September 21, 2002). ["Penn State Tames Bulldogs 49–17, Improves to 3–0"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092102aac.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 23. (September 28, 2002). ["Penn State Falls Short in OT Against Iowa, 42–35"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092802aab.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 24. Fittipaldo, Ray. (October 2, 2002). ["Football: Paterno Says No Apology Needed"](http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/psu/20021002psu1002p4.asp). *[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]*. 25. (October 5, 2002). ["Penn State Edges Wisconsin 34–31 to Notch 50th Big Ten Victory"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/100502aac.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 26. (October 12, 2002). ["Penn State falls to Michigan 27–24 in Overtime"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101202aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 27. (October 19, 2002). ["Lions Celebrate 83rd Homecoming with 49–0 Shutout of Northwestern"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101902aab.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 28. (October 26, 2002). ["Nittany Lions Fall 13–7 to Buckeyes in Defensive Dogfight"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/102602aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 29. (November 2, 2002). ["Defensive Power Surge in Happy Valley, Lions Win 18–7"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110202aad.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 30. (November 9, 2002). ["Sweet Revenge! Lions Roll over Cavaliers 35—14"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110902aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 31. (November 16, 2002). ["Larry Johnson and Lions Pound Hoosiers 58–25"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111602aab.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 32. (November 23, 2002). ["Johnson runs past 2,000-yard mark with huge half"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112302aae.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 33. (November 23, 2002). ["Oh, the Wonder of it! Penn State Pummels Spartans 61–7"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112302aaf.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 34. (January 1, 2003). ["Auburn Upsets Penn State in Capital One Bowl"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/010103aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 35. (October 24, 2002). ["Haynes Named A Semifinalist For Inaugural Ted Hendricks Defensive End Award"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/102402aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 36. (November 12, 2002). ["Haynes Among Four Finalists For Inaugural Ted Hendricks Defensive End Award"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111202aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 37. (August 27, 2002). ["Bryant Johnson Named to Biletnikoff Award Watch List"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082702aab.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 38. (August 21, 2002). ["Tailback Larry Johnson Named A Doak Walker Award Candidate"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082102aab.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 39. (November 20, 2002). ["Larry Johnson Selected A Semifinalist for Doak Walker Award"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112002aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 40. (December 2, 2002). ["Larry Johnson Selected A Finalist for Doak Walker Award"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120202aab.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 41. (December 3, 2002). ["Larry Johnson Selected A Finalist for Maxwell Award"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120302aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 42. (December 4, 2002). ["Larry Johnson Named A Finalist for Walter Camp Player of the Year"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120402aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 43. (April 11, 2002). ["Kennedy Named To Watch List For Bronko Nagurski Trophy"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/041102aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 44. (April 3, 2002). ["Kennedy Named To Watch List For 33rd Annual Rotary Lombardi Award"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/040302aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 45. (October 30, 2002). ["Kennedy Named A Semifinalist For Rotary Lombardi Award"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/103002aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 46. (August 20, 2002). ["Quarterback Mills Named To Davey O'Brien Award Watch List"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082002aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 47. (November 13, 2002). ["Quarterback Zack Mills Named A Semifinalist for Davey O'Brien Award"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111302aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 48. (August 29, 2002). ["Nittany Lion Bryan Scott Named to Jim Thorpe Award Watch List"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082902aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 49. (November 26, 2002). ["Six Nittany Lions Named To All-Big Ten Football Squad; Haynes & Kennedy Earn Player of the Year Honors"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112602aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 50. (September 16, 2002). ["Gardner Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091602aad.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 51. (October 7, 2002). ["Penn State's Kennedy and Gould Named Big Ten Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/100702aae.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 52. (December 17, 2002). ["Johnson, Haynes & Kennedy Named To Associated Press All-America Teams"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121702aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 53. (December 9, 2002). ["Michael Haynes & Larry Johnson Named To CNNSI.com All-America Team"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120902aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 54. (December 2, 2002). ["Michael Haynes & Larry Johnson Named To Football Writers All-America Team"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120202aac.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 55. (September 23, 2002). ["Haynes Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092302aae.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 56. (December 2, 2002). ["Iorio Named To Verizon Academic All-America Football Team"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120202aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 57. ["2002 Verizon Academic All-District Football Team"](http://www.cosida.com/formpdfs/udfbad02.pdf). *College Sports Information Directors of America*. 58. (December 12, 2002). ["Larry Johnson Wins Maxwell And Doak Walker Awards"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121202aac.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 59. (December 5, 2002). ["Larry Johnson Named To AFCA All-America Team"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120502aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 60. (December 7, 2002). ["Larry Johnson Named Chevrolet Offensive Player of the Year"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120702aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 61. (December 12, 2002). ["Nittany Lion Senior Tailback Larry Johnson Named Walter Camp Player of The Year"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121202aad.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 62. (December 12, 2002). ["Larry Johnson and Jimmy Kennedy Named To Walter Camp All-America Team"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121202aab.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 63. (October 22, 2002). ["Larry Johnson Named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/102202aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 64. (November 4, 2002). ["Larry Johnson Named Big Ten Co-offensive Player of the Week"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110402aab.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 65. (November 16, 2002). ["Larry Johnson Earns Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week For Third Time This Season"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111602aab.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 66. (November 19, 2002). ["Larry Johnson named USA Today Player of the Week"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111902aab.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 67. (November 25, 2002). ["Larry Johnson Earns Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week For Fourth Time This Season"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112502aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 68. (January 20, 2003). ["Nittany Lions Shine in Senior Bowl; Johnson & Haynes Earn MVP Honors in North Win"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/012003aab.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 69. (October 28, 2002). ["Shawn Mayer Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/102802aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 70. (September 30, 2002). ["Zack Mills Named Big Ten Co-offensive Player of the Week"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/093002aac.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 71. (January 4, 2003). ["Nittany Lions Earn 25th Top 15 Final Ranking Under Paterno"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/010403aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 72. (January 16, 2003). ["Larry Johnson Is First Nittany Lion to Lead Nation in Rushing & All-Purpose Yardage; Haynes Among NCAA Defensive Leaders"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011603aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 73. (February 10, 2003). ["Penn State Claims Second In NCAA Football Attendance; Breaks NCAA Record For Total Attendance with 1.2 Million Fans"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/021003aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 74. (2003-04-28). ["Nittany Lions Lead All Schools With Six Selections in First Two Rounds of NFL Draft"](http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042803aaa.html). *Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics*. 75. Lewerenz, Dan. (October 15, 2002). ["Paterno wants further review of Big Ten officiating practices"](http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/college_football/20021015-1555-fbc-pennst-paterno.html). *[[U-T San Diego*. 76. Fittipaldo, Ray. (August 15, 2003). ["Big Ten to Experiment with Program for Instant Replay"](http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/notebooks/20030815bigten0815p1.asp). *[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]*. 77. Fittipaldo, Ray. (August 4, 2004). ["Instant Replay Comes to Big Ten for a One-Year Look"](http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04218/356960.stm). *[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]*. ::callout[type=info title="Wikipedia Source"] This article was imported from [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_Penn_State_Nittany_Lions_football_team) and is available under the [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the [article history page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_Penn_State_Nittany_Lions_football_team?action=history). ::