Oct. 17, 2011
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; - Placekicker Anthony Fera (Cypress, Texas) has earned his second Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honor this month after tying his career-high with three field goals and effectively punting and kicking off in Penn State's 23-18 win over Purdue last Saturday.
A redshirt sophomore, Fera also was honored on Oct. 3 after Penn State's win at Indiana. Fera is one of three Nittany Lions honored this season by the conference, joining quarterback Matt McGloin and cornerback/kick returner Chaz Powell.
In his fourth game as the Nittany Lions' field goal kicker, Fera connected from 29, 40 and 29 yards, despite winds gusting above 40 mph during the game. His 40-yard effort in the third quarter was a career-long and his three field goals tied his career-high, set against Indiana.
Fera punted six times for a 44.5 average, with three kicks downed inside the Purdue 20-yard-line. The former St. Pius X standout launched a 69-yard punt, second-longest of his career, that was downed at the Purdue two with 2:36 to play and the Lions up 23-18. The punt was tied for 12th-longest in school history. Fera also kicked off five times for a 65.6-yard average and one touchback.
Fera is the first Nittany Lion since Chris Bahr in 1975 to be the starter for field goals, kick offs and punts.
For the season, Fera is averaging 43.8 yards on his 29 punts, with nine landing inside the 20. He is ranked third in the Big Ten in punting average. He is 9 of 10 on field goal attempts, tied for third in the conference at 1.50 fgpg, and leads the team with 35 points.
No. 22 Penn State visits Northwestern on Saturday, Oct. 22 for a 6 p.m. CT/7 p.m. ET contest that will air on BTN, the Penn State Sports Network and www.GoPSUsports.com.
A limited number of tickets remain for Penn State's Leaders Division home game with No. 23 Illinois (6-1, 2-1) on Oct. 29. The Senior Day clash with Nebraska contest (Nov. 12) is sold out. Tickets are available at www.GoPSUsports.com/tickets or by calling 1-814-865-5555 weekdays from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.