In front of a record crowd (66,166) in San Antonio, the Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Texas A&M Aggies in the Valero Alamo Bowl (24-17). With the win Joe Paterno secured his 500th career victory and a record 23rd bowl victory.

Players of the Game

Rodney Kinlaw, PSU: 21 carries, 143 yds

Mike Goodson, A&M: 15 carries, 75 yds, 2 TD

A few notes worth mentioning…

Penn State All-America linebacker Dan Connor has captured the Bednarik Award as the nation’s top defensive player, giving the Nittany Lions their third consecutive recipient of the honor. A native of Wallingford, Pa., Connor previously was named a finalist for the 2007 Butkus Award, presented to the nation’s top linebacker, and a semifinalist for Walter Camp Player of the Year. He was also a semifinalist for the Rotary Lombardi Award and a candidate for the Nagurski Trophy and Lott Trophy.

Meanwhile, Penn State safeties coach Brian Norwood has reportedly accepted the defensive coordinator position at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Norwood spent six years on the Nittany Lion staff. No word yet as to whether Norwood would be staying with the Lions through the Alamo Bowl on December 29.

Penn State Head Coach Joe Paterno received a standing ovation in New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel as he was inducted in to the College Football Hall of Fame. Including in the audience wishing Joe well were Penn State President Graham Spanier and nearly 200 former players, including Heisman Trophy-winner John Cappelletti (1972-73), linebacker Greg Buttle (1973-75), quarterback and college football announcer Todd Blackledge (1980-82) and current Temple University coach Al Golden (1989-91).

Coach Paterno has won two national titles, finished with five undefeated regular seasons, and was recognized as a coach of the year honoree five times. He is second all-time in Football Subdivision wins (371) behind Florida State coach Bobby Bowden (373). Joe was scheduled to be inducted into the Hall of Fame during the 2006 season, but the broken leg he suffered last season forced a postponed entry.

Way to go JoePa! Lead our Lions to another Alamo Bowl victory!

Defensive tackle Chris Baker and backup linebacker Navorro Bowman will face trial next year on misdemeanor charges stemming from an on-campus fight. More serious charges were dismissed at a Wednesday hearing at Centre County, PA distric court.

20 year old Baker of Windsor, Connecticut and 19 year old Bowman of District Heights, Maryland are both still on the team, though it’s not known whether they’ll start against Texas A&M in December 29th’s Alamo Bowl. Both sat against Michigan State in the November 17 regular-season finale.

Penn State (8-4) has accepted a bid to the 2007 Valero Alamo Bowl. They will square off against Texas A&M (7-5), the Big 12 representative.

Date: December 29, 2007

Time: 7:00 PM CST

Location: San Antonio, TX

Venue: Alamodome

Alamo Bowl Tickets are still available.