Fans, Coaches, Players Fired Up for PSU vs. OSU

They’re all big games to first year Penn State football coach Bill O’Brien, but even he acknowledges things will be a bit different this Saturday evening.  “For me to sit up here and say it’s not a big game, you know, that’s crazy,” O’Brien said during Tuesday’s media availability.  “This is Ohio State.” 

The Buckeyes are a perfect 8 – 0 so far this year; Penn State is undefeated in Big Ten action (5 – 2 overall).  Neither school is eligible to play post season football this year, however, due to NCAA sanctions.  That twist appears to be making Beaver Stadium and even bigger stage when the two proud programs clash Saturday evening on national TV. 

A record crowd of students has been camping out in “Nittanyville” since Monday night, a phenomenon that has not gone unnoticed by Coach O’Brien.  “That’s just what this place is all about.  A student body that works hard in the classroom, supports their football team, and all their athletic teams.” 

O’Brien is calling on fans to arrive early, to wear white and to be loud (but respectful) throughout the entire game. 

“For all of our seniors, it’s our last WhiteOut, our last time to go out here in front of a WhiteOut crowd and the last time we’ll play Ohio State,” says senior defensive tackle Jordan Hill.  “In my opinion it’s the biggest game for us.” 

A limited number of tickets remains for the 5:30pm game.