Penn State Scandal: How Nittany Lions Will Bounce Back and Win Big Ten Title

Lost in the storm that is the Jerry Sandusky sex scandal is the fact that the Penn State Nittany Lions are still playing football.

Things are changing quickly as the New York Times is now reporting that Joe Paterno's tenure at Penn State will end in a matter of days or weeks.

But before all that happens, the Nittany Lions are going to have to take the field and finish out their 2011 season.

As surreal as it may be, this weekend's game against Nebraska is likely going to be the last time Joe Paterno coaches a home game for Penn State.

This football season is not over just because the Penn State administration cannot handle a scandal, which it appears they knew more about than they ever let on.

Getting back to football is going to be difficult for everyone involved.

This particular team should only know Sandusky by reputation and face for the times he's come around campus in the last few years.

Unfortunately, their toughest conference games remain in front of them on the schedule. 

This week against Nebraska will be an absolutely indescribable scene. It is only Tuesday and already the rumors of Paterno's exit are creating a stir.

With the way news is breaking in this scandal, we could see a number of new developments before the team ever takes the field. 

And this will now come down to the players themselves. Whether they can turn inwards and walk out onto the field with a one-game lead in the Big Ten and defeat Nebraska, Ohio State and Wisconsin in three consecutive weeks is solely on them.

Gauntlet? Certainly.

Unlikely? You bet.

There are no stats to defend the Nittany Lions, but they play a good brand of team football and know that this is likely the last team Joe Paterno will ever coach. 

If that isn't enough to motivate them to victory, nothing else will.