Penn State football is set to recognize the members of its 1982 national championship-winning team during its home matchup against Central Michigan on Saturday, as announced in the team’s game notes distributed to the media.

The 1982 Nittany Lions defeated Georgia 27-23 in the season’s Sugar Bowl to win the program’s first claimed national title.

In addition to being coached by the iconic Joe Paterno, the Nittany Lions were led by quarterback Todd Blackledge. Blackledge eventually won the Davey O’Brien Award, honoring college football’s top quarterback. Nowadays, Blackledge works as a commentator for ESPN’s coverage of select college football games.

Although he will also be honored as a member of the championship team, All-American defensive back Michael Zordich was already scheduled to be inside Beaver Stadium — albeit in a different role. Zordich currently serves as Central Michigan’s defensive backs coach after signing on with the team prior to this season.

The Nittany Lions’ matchup against Central Michigan will kick off at noon on Saturday, September 24. Television coverage will be provided by the Big Ten Network.

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Sam Fremin

Sam is a senior from Ashburn, Virginia, majoring in journalism and political science & minoring in German and creative writing. He is a Dallas Cowboys fan who relishes the misery of Eagles fans. All hate messages can be sent to sam@onwardstate.com or @SamFremin on Twitter.

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