Penn State Scandal: Is There Light at the End of the Tunnel for Current Players?

This entire scandal clearly took its toll on the Penn State players in their 17-14 loss to Nebraska, but will there be a silver lining?

This won't help the seniors out, since they just lost and played in an emotional game without their legend Joe Paterno. It will certainly make them stronger in the long run outside of football, but there is no doubt that it has caused a ton of damage to the current state of Penn State football.

However, if the program cleans house or at least finds some new coaches then it should only help matters. Players such as Matt McGloin and Silas Redd have a ton of upside.

The Nittany Lions program is expected to take a major hit in recruiting for the next few years, but the current players on the team will undoubtedly become stronger individuals. 

The future may seem awful right now and it can't get much worse for the players. This team will have a tough season in their next two games against the Buckeyes and Badgers, but they may be able to get a fresh start in their bowl game.

They still have a chance at playing in the Big Ten Championship, although winning at Camp Randall will be mission impossible. Especially since Wisconsin is playing great at the moment. Ohio State is coming off a tough loss of their own against Purdue, but Ohio State is usually never an underdog at home.

Some could safely assume that Penn State will not win another game until the postseason, but they showed against Nebraska that they can play with their backs against the walls.

After all, it was arguably the most tumultuous week we have seen in quite some time in college football. Most "experts" were picking the Nittany Lions to get thumped by a more talented Huskers squad, yet they nearly came back from 17-point deficit.

The Nittany Lions defense came out on full emotion and adrenaline to limit the Huskers under 30 yards. When the game was over, even the players admitted that they were a bit distracted without having Paterno present.

Joe Pa has been on the Penn State coaching staff since 1949, and at times the team looked lost without him. Sure, the team has had its issues offensively, but the talent is not quite there in the passing game.

With Derek Moye graduating next season, they need to develop receivers and hopefully the concentration and intensity can stay more consistent. 

It was an emotional week and will remain tough in the final two Big Ten games. The hope is that the players can keep their chins up, as they seem to be playing with an "us against the world mentality."