Nov. 24, 2014
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Nittany Lion football student-athletes have a lot to be thankful for as the calendar approaches the Thanksgiving holiday.
An opportunity to attend a world-renowned institution like Penn State and compete on the gridiron at the highest level is something the group takes very seriously. As figures in the community, the student-athletes understand the importance of giving back to the loyal supporters and those less fortunate whenever the schedule permits.
With the academic calendar on Thanksgiving break for the week, Monday's off day was a terrific opportunity for the Nittany Lions to serve the community. More than 60 members of the football team spent time in the community on Monday at three different locations around Centre County.
"It's very important for us to get out and be with the community, especially since it is Thanksgiving week," linebacker Jason Cabinda said. "People here care so much about our football team. To be able to give back and thank those people for what they do every day is really great. We just want to thank them and let them know how much we appreciate them."
Two buses of players traveled to the State College Food Bank in the morning hours on Monday to help move more than 1,000 pounds of food. In 2013, alone, the State College Food Bank helped nearly 800 unique households receive approximately 3,300 food distributions.
An additional group of players visited The Village State College during the middle part of Monday, as well. The Nittany Lions helped serve food, take photos, eat lunch and visit with the elderly.
"It was really cool," Cabinda said. "They were just so joyous to see us. They have been fans of the program for so long. I feel really great that our games can be like a mini family reunion for so many people. Everyone comes together, and this group is a really cool part of that."
A collection of student-athletes also traveled to Bellefonte on Monday afternoon to spend time at the Bellefonte Youth Center. The Lions served food and visited with the children at the Centre County Youth Bureau's Bellefonte Youth Service Center. The Center provides meals to approximately 25-30 children daily.
The team will resume football duties on Tuesday with meetings and practice in preparation for the Michigan State game.
Nittany Lion Defense Remains Among Nation's Best
The Nittany Lion defense remains among the top units in the nation. Penn State is the only FBS team in the top five in rushing defense, total defense, pass efficiency defense and scoring defense. The Nittany Lions are No. 1 in the nation against the run (81.7 ypg.), No. 3 in the nation in total defense (267.2 ypg) and No. 4 in the nation in scoring defense (16.2 ppg) and No. 3 in pass efficiency defense (94.78)
Additionally, Penn State is second in third down conversion percentage defense (27.6 percent), is third in the nation in first downs defense (156 total), is 15th in passes intercepted (15) and is No. 17 in passing yards allowed (185.5 ypg).
Penn State is also one of just two teams in the nation to have not allowed a rushing play of 30 or more yards (Syracuse). The Lions also lead the nation with fewest plays of 30 or more yards allowed this season (7).
Lions in the Stat Rankings
Several Nittany Lions remain among the leaders in national and conference statistical categories. Here is a weekly breakdown of Penn State players in the stat rankings:
QB Christian Hackenberg - Hackenberg is third in the Big Ten in passing yards (2,411) and passing yards per game (219.2 ypg). The sophomore is second in the conference in completions per game (19.55).
WR DaeSean Hamilton - Hamilton is 23rd nationally (first in the Big Ten) in receptions per game (6.3). He ranks fifth in the Big Ten in receiving yards per game at 72.1.
LB Mike Hull - Hull leads the Big Ten and is ninth in the nation in tackles (11.0 per game). He is second in the Big Ten and 18th nationally in solo tackles per game at 6.0.
K Sam Ficken - Ficken is third in the nation and first in the Big Ten in field goals made per game at 2.00. He is also 11th nationally in field goal percentage (84.6 percent).
Early Look at the Spartans
The 11th-ranked Michigan State Spartans enter the final week of the regular season on a two-game winning streak. Michigan State's only losses this season came at the hands of then-No. 3 Oregon on the road (46-27) and then-No. 14 Ohio State (49-37).
The Spartans are ranked No. 1 in the Big Ten in total offense (514.5 ypg) and the No. 3 in the Big Ten in total defense (299.0 ypg). Rated as the Big Ten's top passing offense, Michigan State has scored 27 or more points in every game on the schedule this season.
Quarterback Connor Cook is the Big Ten's leading passer (2,720 yards). Running back Jeremy Langford is ranked seventh in the nation in rushing touchdowns (17). Receiver Tony Lippett is 10th in the country in receiving touchdowns (10).
Penn State and Michigan State will collide for the 29th time on Saturday. The Nittany Lions lead the series, 14-13-1. The two schools met annually on the final week of the regular season from 1993-2010.