![]() ![]() Since the first White Out game in 2004, Penn State has held one every season (except 2010). The university’s then-director of branding for football Guido D’Elia said that as a result of the White Out, “the stadium from the “quietest 100,000 people’ label to the liveliest, depending on whom you talk to.” Penn State ultimately lost that game, but the attitude of the White Out game was created. Dress in white, wave white towels and shakers and really make the stadium shudder with their cheers. 9 ranked Purdue, and in anticipation of that game, the athletic department held a Friday night pep rally where they encouraged students to go and ‘white out’ the opposing team. On October 9th, 2004, the Nittany Lions were to go head-to-head against the No. The administration knew that they needed to bolster that morale and get people back to cheering the Nittany Lions on, and they wanted that boost to come from the students. Attendance to the games was down and morale was low. The tradition started in 2004 when Penn State was suffering through their fourth losing season in 5 years. The White Out is a fairly new tradition in the history of Penn State football but has become a very popular one among students, alumni, and college football audience at large. ![]() That feeling provides motivation as Penn State strives to grab the third title in its rich program history.College football fans will undoubtedly be aware of the term White Out, though others might be confused by the idea. A majority of the Penn State players were on last year’s squad and know the feeling of coming up just short. It won’t be easy, but nothing is given to champions. As they look for revenge, the Nittany Lions are fueled by last year’s decision to leave them out of the top four. Penn State realizes it has to do everything right in order to be selected for the playoff. Heading into 2017, the Nittany Lions are leaving nothing to the committee. However, Penn State players and coaches believed they deserved a spot. Ultimately, the 39-point slaughter at the hands of Michigan is what kept the Nittany Lions out of the playoff. The Nittany Lions believed their resume was solid an 11-2 record (at the time), a Big Ten Championship and a win over highly-ranked Ohio State. Despite getting the “next best” prize, a Rose Bowl appearance, that was not good enough for Franklin and co. Many around State College believed their beloved Nittany Lions would get into the College Football Playoff. The mood around Happy Valley was buzzing on the morning the final four teams were to be announced. Sweet, sweet revenge. First, it was anger and disappointment. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) 5. INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 03: Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin holds the Championship trophy during the Big 10 Championship game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and Wisconsin Badgers on December 3, 2016, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. Here are five reasons to believe in the 2017 Nittany Lions. James Franklin and his team are out to prove a point this season. They return two Heisman candidates in Saquon Barkley and Trace McSorley and the experienced, physical defense remains one of the best in the Big Ten. ![]() Visit the FanSided college football page for more news, opinion and analysisĪll eyes are on the Nittany Lions in 2017. Penn State lost 52-49 to cap off a season filled with emotion. Despite giving fans one of the most entertaining games of the season, their firepower and might were not enough to defeat USC. Penn State settled for a Rose Bowl appearance. Penn State was left out of the College Football Playoff and Happy Valley was crushed. Penn State won the Big Ten title and even defeated Ohio State in thrilling fashion at home. However, Franklin rallied his troops and the Nittany Lions finished with an 11-3 record. Although they came out of that game with an overtime win, the fans were less than optimistic. The disappointment and fear hit rock bottom when Penn State found themselves losing to a mediocre Minnesota team at halftime. Following a nightmare start that saw the Nittany Lions lose to both Pittsburgh and Michigan, things looked shaky for a third-straight season under James Franklin. Five reasons why the Penn State Nittany Lions can capture their third national title in program historyįrom “Fire Franklin!” to field rushing to frustration, the 2016 season was a roller coaster ride for Penn State. ![]()
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