Nov. 25, 2013
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State true freshman quarterback Christian Hackenberg (Palmyra, Va.) has been honored by the Big Ten Conference with his fourth Freshman of the Week accolade. Hackenberg accounted for all three of Penn State's touchdowns in its 23-20 overtime loss to Nebraska last Saturday, throwing 217 yards and two scores and running for a seven-yard touchdown.
The starting signal-caller in every game for Coach Bill O'Brien's Nittany Lions, Hackenberg's four Big Ten Freshman of the Week selections are the most for a conference player since 2010 (Nathan Scheelhaase, Illinois, 6; James White, Wisconsin, 4). Hackenberg shares this week's honor with Indiana defensive tackle, Ralphael Green III.
Hackenberg threw a two-yard touchdown pass to freshman tight end Adam Breneman (Mechanicsburg) to open the scoring against Nebraska. His 46-yard scoring strike to sophomore tight end Jesse James (Glassport) early in the fourth quarter gave the Nittany Lions a 20-17 lead. Early in the second half, Hackenberg ran for a seven-yard touchdown, his fourth of the season, to give the Nittany Lions a 13-7 lead.
The former Fork Union Military Academy All-American also had a 43-yard completion to Allen Robinson (Southfield, Mich.) in the third quarter to give him 10 completions of 40-plus yards this season.
Hackenberg posted his eighth 200-yard passing game against Nebraska, moving him into a tie for third place on the Penn State single season list with Daryll Clark (2009), trailing only Kerry Collins (10, 1994) and Matt McGloin (11, 2012). His eight 200-yard passing games are already tied for 10th on the school career list with Michael Robinson (2002-05).
For the season, Hackenberg is 210 of 362 for 2,616 yards, with 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He is second in the Big Ten in completions (210) and passing yards (237.8 ypg) and fourth in total offense.
Hackenberg's 210 completions rank fourth at Penn State in a season. Daryll Clark with 232 completions in 2009 is third. Hackenberg has thrown for 2,616 yards this season, moving him into fifth place on the Penn State single-season chart. He trails Anthony Morelli (4th, 2,651) and Kerry Collins (3rd, 2,679) on the single season charts.
Penn State closes the regular season Saturday at No. 14 Wisconsin. The game will kick at 3:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. CT and air on ESPN, the Penn State Sports Network and www.GoPSUsports.com.
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