Penn State played host to Temple on Saturday and sent the in-state “rivals” away with a loss. Here is who shined!

Offensive Player of the Game

September 22, 2012; University Park, PA, USA; Temple Owls defensive lineman John Youboty (11) tackles Penn State Nittany Lions running back Michael Zordich (9) after a short gain in the second half at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Temple 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Rob Christy-US PRESSWIRE

Mike Zordich

Zordich didn’t lead the team in rushing or even score a touchdown, but he played a huge role in the win over Temple on Saturday. He became the first player on the team to amass 100 yards on the season and had 75 yards on the ground to to along with 39 receiving yards. He led the team in yards from scrimmage and played a big role in the time of possession disparity (36:52 – 23:06). As a running back, Zordich doles out punishment on each carry to prospective tacklers.
He left the game late with a knee injury, but as O’Brien said of the senior leader, “He’ll probably just spit on it and say ‘It’s OK.’”

HONORABLE MENTION: Matt McGloin

Defensive Player of the Game

Sep 1, 2012; University Park, PA, USA; Ohio Bobcats running back Beau Blankenship (22) runs the ball away from Penn State Nittany Lions defensive lineman Jordan Hill (47) in the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US Presswire

Jordan Hill

The entire front seven had another strong showing on Saturday, but Hill anchored a line that allowed the Temple running backs to gains just 50 yards on 14 carries. Hill had seven total tackles, including a sack and a forced fumble.

HONORABLE MENTION: Michael Mauti
For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.