Penn State vs. Nebraska: Scandal Robs Seniors of Their Day in the Spotlight

The scandal that has engulfed Penn State University resulting in Thursday night's firing of iconic coach Joe Paterno, has taken much of the spotlight away from Saturday's game against Nebraska.

When allegations such as the ones surrounding Jerry Sandusky involve such serious matters, we need to take a step back and realize what's going on is much bigger than sports.

However, the Nittany Lions will play on Saturday as planned at noon in an important Big Ten game versus a talented Nebraska team.

It's also Senior Day, where parents of senior players will get to enjoy a day of football in their son's last home game at Beaver Stadium.

Unfortunately for these seniors, the spotlight will not be on them Saturday, and coach Joe Paterno will not be there at their final home game.

Many of them looked up to coach Paterno, but he will not be there, and whether you agree with his firing or not is a separate issue.

Many of these seniors are not the stars of the team, and they are not the ones scoring touchdowns each and every week.

They are hardworking men who have given every ounce of effort they had during practices. They went to class, and they conducted themselves like mature adults.

Amid this terrible scandal, the accomplishments of these seniors will not be at the forefront of Saturday's game against Nebraska, and that is truly saddening.

My hope is that these seniors have a day full of as many positives as possible, and that their parents can enjoy watching them play for one of the final times as collegiate athletes.

Penn State is undefeated in the Big Ten and has a chance to earn a berth into a BCS bowl game such as the Rose Bowl.

It would be unfair to rob the kids on the football team of their opportunity to finish out the season and represent their school with class.

Senior Day on Saturday at Beaver Stadium will be unlike any other the program has ever seen, but that doesn't mean the hard work of the current Nittany Lions seniors should be underappreciated.