×

PSU season snapshot: 1984

A daily series featuring each Penn State football season from 1947-2019:

Year: 1984

Coach: Joe Paterno

Final record: 6-5

Final ranking: Not ranked

Regular-season wins: Rutgers, Iowa, William & Mary, Maryland, Syracuse, Boston College

Regular-season losses: Texas, Alabama, West Virginia, Notre Dame, Pitt

Bowl game: None

Team stat leaders: D.J. Dozier rushed for 691 yards; Doug Strang passed for 840 yards; Herb Bellamy caught 16 passes for 306 yards; Ray Isom had 82 tackles; Bob White had 7 sacks; Chris Sydnor intercepted 5 passes

All-Americans: None

Neil Rudel’s take: QB Doug Strang’s strong finish in 1983 wasn’t sustained, and the Lion offense struggled most of the season, especially against the better opponents. They were blown out at the Meadowlands (again), this time by Texas 28-3, and didn’t score a touchdown against Alabama or Notre Dame. Pitt (with Altoona’s Troy Benson as captain) came to Beaver Stadium to end the year, and the Lions lost 31-11, prompting Paterno to rip his team, calling them “babies.” For the first time since 1970, there would be no bowl game. All was not lost, however: Permanent lights were installed at Beaver Stadium.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today