National and Big Eight recap – 1982
In 1982, Penn State, which had failed to win titles in undefeated seasons, won its first national championship with an 11-1 campaign. Under long time head coach Joe Paterno, the Nittany Lions fell only once during the regular season, losing to Alabama 42-21. Recovering from the early stinging defeat, Penn State could not be bested the rest of the season, defeating previously unbeaten Georgia and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker 27-23 in the Sugar Bowl. The Nittany Lions were led by running back Curt Warner and quarterback Todd Blackledge.
In the Big Eight, Nebraska made it two consecutive unbeaten conference seasons, capturing the Big Eight crown for 12th time. The Huskers concluded their season 12-1, with the only blemish being a 27-24 early season loss to eventual national champion Penn State. Nebraska capped its season by beating LSU, 21-20, in the Orange Bowl, finishing 3rd in the final polls behind only Penn State and Georgia. Center Dave Rimington added a Lombardi Trophy, awarded to the nation’s outstanding lineman, to his second Outland Trophy. The national leader in scoring, total offense, and rushing, the Nebraska offense was led by quarterback Turner Gill, running back Mike Rozier, and…
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