Jerry Sandusky Hearing: Little Will Be Learned from First Major Court Appearance

Former Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky will face his accusers on Tuesday for the first time since news of the sex scandal broke. While it's sure to be a pressured-packed situation due to all of the media hype, don't expect to learn much from the first marquee hearing.

Based on an Associated Press report, prosecutors shouldn't have much trouble advancing the case to its next stage. That means both sides will likely play it close to the vest.

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At the preliminary hearing, a judge will decide if prosecutors have enough evidence to send the case to trial. It's almost a given that prosecutors will succeed, since the bar is low and they have detailed the accusations in a 28-page grand jury report.

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With no reason for either side to press the issue too hard, both sides will likely play it safe, saving their potential case-changing tactics for another day down the line.

It's an opportunity for Sandusky and his attorney, Joe Amendola, to get an early read on how the prosecution's case will hold up. Sandusky has maintained his innocence throughout the entire process, even talking with the New York Times about his situation.

Since the Grand Jury report is so extensive, the defense knows it faces an uphill battle to prove there was no wrongdoing. That makes Tuesday's hearing more of a fact-gathering mission for potential holes in the accusers' stories to utilize later on.

As for the prosecution, they will only be looking to do what's necessary to take the case to trial, which isn't much. It's also a chance for their key witnesses to experience the courtroom setting before the more extensive process begins.

Despite the probable lack of fireworks, the hearing will still generate a lot of coverage as the story has gripped the entire nation. It'd be tough to find somebody who hasn't at least heard about the case.

Those unique circumstances ensure this trial garners unthinkable recognition. That's why today's seemingly procedural hearing will still be one of the most talked about stories of the day.

UPDATE, 8:45 a.m. ET: Sandusky and his attorney have decided to waive the preliminary hearing (via CBS Philly) and therefore the case will move toward a trial. Even more anticlimactic than anticipated.