Penn State vs. Nebraska

Today was anything, but normal at home for the Paterno family. People passing by stopped for a moment of silence as well left flowers at the door. Jay Paterno prepares to leave for the Penn State vs. Nebraska game without his father Joe Paterno. Joe sends a letter to his players asking them to play the game and not think about him.

Jay enters the field at Beaver Stadium for the first time in over 46 years without his father. This was a game filled with mixed emotions. People were sad for the victims as well as angry that Joe could not be there. Banners were hung in the parking lot of the stadium to show support for Joe that said “We love you Joe! Thanks for all the memories.” Fans lined the sidewalks to cheer and give the players high fives as they exited the bus going into the stadium.

The game started with players from both teams, coaches and staff taking a knee in center field to pray for the victims and their families.  While some fans looked on as running backs coach Ron Brown led the prayer, others were crying. Blue ribbons were hung throughout the stadium and Penn State players and fans wore blue to show their support for the child-abuse victims.

With Penn State facing their final time out the band plays “Fight On, State” encouraging the defense to stop the Conhuskers, who are facing a third-and-3. Penn State calls its final timeout with 1:39 remaining on the clock. They were able to stop Nebraska on third down then timeout was called by Nebraska.

With 49 seconds remaining Nebraska is leading 17-14. Penn State stops Rex Burkhead’s fourth down short of a first down.

Penn State takes over at their 29 yard line, but time runs out as an incomplete was thrown by Matt McGloin in the game’s final play.

Despite the weeks devastating news for Penn State of Joe Paterno’s firing and the sexual molestation charges against Sandusky they gave a good fight, but was defeated 17-14 by Nebraska.