Penn State Seniors Reflect on Season After Last Home Game in Happy Valley

Last weekend’s home game against Indiana marked a sad day for most students. It was the last home game of the season, and the last time that many seniors would be able to enjoy a game as a Penn State student before they graduate.

Though the Nittany Lions pulled off a win, a dull feeling hung over the usual upbeat student section.

For starters, the Nittany Lions looked very sloppy in the first half. The noon kickoff didn't help the students.

But what most caused that dreary feeling was the loss a weekend earlier to Ohio State.

That loss left many fans disappointed and shocked at the team’s performance. For the second time at home, a highly anticipated game slipped away from Penn State. The first loss was to Iowa, the only night game and our first whiteout. 

It was a chance for the Nittany Lions to redeem themselves against the team that ended their undefeated season last year. With home field advantage and the atmosphere of Beaver Stadium at night, many fans were confident that PSU would win.

But the Hawkeyes took advantage of their inconsistency, and many fans started to second-guess Penn State's potential for the rest of the season.

Probably the biggest letdown of the two home losses this season was the fact that they were both whiteouts and both were to big rivals.

Andrew, a senior, reflects on this season and his last as a Penn State student:

“It’s really depressing at how fast it all went. I will never be a student here again at a game, and the fact that the only two whiteout games we had this season we lost. The team didn’t even put up much of a fight during both games either.

“I think a lot of people had higher expectations for the team this season. Our team had the talent; they just couldn’t put it together to beat those big teams and prove themselves, regardless if we even had home field advantage.”

Though Penn State's season wasn't as successful as expected, fans are looking ahead to a win this weekend over Michigan State. Despite weakened enthusiasm after two tough home losses, fans are hopeful for a chance to travel to a decent bowl game.