Manny Bowen, Saeed Blacknall violated team rules, Nittany Lions say

Penn State linebacker Manny Bowen and wide receiver Saeed Blacknall have been suspended for the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual due to a violation of team rules, the Nittany Lions said in a statement Wednesday.

Penn State did not provide details about the violations. The No. 5 Nittany Lions arrived in Los Angeles on Monday for the Jan. 2 game against No. 9 USC.

Bowen was a 12-game starter this season and a key cog in Penn State's No. 23-ranked defense. He is fifth on the team in tackles (68) and tied for second in tackles for a loss (8.5). Bowen found a permanent spot in the starting lineup following a season-ending injury to Nyeem Wartman-White.

Redshirt sophomore Koa Farmer likely will replace Bowen; Farmer practiced with the starters Wednesday.

"I'm a Manny Bowen fan," defensive coordinator Brent Pry said. "He's had a really good year for us, but we just keep rolling. It's a rally cry for our group. There really wasn't any flinching in the room. Everybody is excited for Koa. There's more opportunities for Cam Brown. Brandon Bell's role, if it can grow it's going to. He might not come off the field.

"I think it's a learning experience for everybody. I think everybody makes mistakes and we're able to have everybody learn from mistakes. I think we'll be better for it."

Blacknall, a junior, started seven games and split time as Penn State's Z-receiver with 15 catches and 347 yards.

ReceiverDeAndre Thompkinsnow is expected to handle a heavier workload against the Trojans.

Information from ESPN's Kyle Bonagura was used in this report.