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Penn State Football: Updated top five all-time quarterbacks

By Collin Wieder

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 3: Quarterback Michael Robinson #12 of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks to pass during the 72nd Fed Ex Orange Bowl against the Florida State Seminoles at Dolphins Stadium on January 3, 2005 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Penn State defeated Florida State 26-23 in triple overtime. (Photo by: Doug Benc/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 3: Quarterback Michael Robinson #12 of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks to pass during the 72nd Fed Ex Orange Bowl against the Florida State Seminoles at Dolphins Stadium on January 3, 2005 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Penn State defeated Florida State 26-23 in triple overtime. (Photo by: Doug Benc/Getty Images) /
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UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – NOVEMBER 26: Brian Gaia #72 of the Penn State Nittany Lions holding the Big Ten East Division Championship trophy rings the bell signifying a win after the game against the Michigan State Spartans on November 26, 2016 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Penn State defeats Michigan State 45-12 clinching Big Ten East Division Champions. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – NOVEMBER 26: Brian Gaia #72 of the Penn State Nittany Lions holding the Big Ten East Division Championship trophy rings the bell signifying a win after the game against the Michigan State Spartans on November 26, 2016 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Penn State defeats Michigan State 45-12 clinching Big Ten East Division Champions. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

3. John Hufnagel

It’s tough to sometimes rank quarterbacks beyond the modern era because the game was so different. Luckily for Penn State football pundits, 1971-1972 starting signal caller John Hufnagel makes this an easy analysis with his game and career numbers.

In two years he created a nice career record of 21-3 including a 1972 Cotton Bowl win over Texas. During those two years, he displayed a playmaking ability that few QBs boasted at that time. He could scramble pretty well as seen on the game’s final touchdown in the video below and an accurate arm. (Video courtesy of 1313otto).

Hufnagel completed 57 percent of his passes while throwing for 3,224 yards, 25 touchdowns and just 14 interceptions in two years. Quarterbacks didn’t average those type of numbers. He averaged more than one touchdown pass a game and held his interception total under double-digits in each season. All the while showcasing some sneaky athleticism with 13 rushing touchdowns.

Penn State football’s star quarterback didn’t bring home a title, but the Lions finished in the top 10 in each of his seasons. He’s a lesser known name to newer fans, but it’s hard to doubt his new age skill set.

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