QB Trace McSorley, LB Brandon Smith named semifinalists for national awards

Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley and linebacker Brandon Smith were both named semifinalists on Tuesday for national awards — McSorley for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback of the Year and Smith for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year.

The Davey O’Brien Award is down to 16 semifinalists, while the Witten Man of the Year now has 20 semifinalists.

McSorley, who is also a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, is averaging 272.4 passing yards per game and has thrown 19 touchdowns. Smith, who previously earned a spot on the AFCA Allstate Good Works Team, has 27 tackles.

The Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year is in its first year and focuses “primarily on a player’s leadership, both on and off the field.”

University encouraging fans to arrive early at weekend games

UNIVERSITY PARK With three athletic events Friday and the Homecoming parade, in addition to Saturday’s football game, the university is urging fans to arrive earlier than usual due to the increased traffic.

On Friday, the majority of the northern part of Porter Road will be closed between 4 p.m.-7 p.m., and several roads through campus will be closed for the parade — including portions of Curtin, Bigler, Pollock, Shortlidge, Burrowes and College Avenue through downtown.

Stadium parking lots for the football game open at 7 a.m. Saturday.

This story was originally published November 7, 2017 at 5:59 PM with the headline "QB Trace McSorley, LB Brandon Smith named semifinalists for national awards."