I never, in a million years, thought that I would be giving Ohio State credit for anything, let alone appreciate them for something. It’s just not what I’ve been taught growing up a Penn State fan. Quite simply, when it comes to scarlet and gray, my blood usually boils.

So imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon this article published in Ohio State’s student newspaper, The Lantern, that urges Ohio State students to be “loud, proud, and respectful” when Penn State comes to town this Saturday.

As a Penn State student who will be traveling to Columbus this weekend, I am extremely appreciative of this gesture by our friends at Ohio State (wait, what did I just say?). While I am certain that Penn State fans will encounter the usual bunch of idiots present in every fan base, including our own, it helps knowing that Ohio State’s student leaders, like Penn State’s have been throughout this scandal, are supporting an issue and a cause greater than this gridiron rivalry. I commend those student leaders, and moving forward I will certainly think a little more highly of THE Ohio State University than before.

As if the article wasn’t enough, below is an e-mail sent to Ohio State students regarding this weekend’s game. Again, this genuine effort to encourage sportsmanship and perspective should be appreciated by all Penn State and Ohio State fans. While our “rivalry” with the Buckeyes has certainly provided its share of big games and trash talk, I think we can all recognize that “some things are bigger than a single university and certainly bigger than football”, as the e-mail states.

So, from someone who never thought he would be saying this, I want to say thank you, Buckeyes.

Dear Fellow Buckeyes,

The past 10 days have marked a period of turmoil at Penn State University, stemming from the alleged actions of a former assistant football coach. While the media has focused on the response of PSU students, coaches, and administrators, the true victims are the children who were abused. As we have watched events unfold, it has sometimes been easy to forget that some things are bigger than a single university and certainly bigger than football.

This weekend, we will host Penn State here at the Horseshoe. In 26 meetings between our two storied football programs, perhaps none has been as publicly scrutinized as this. It is important to remember that neither the athletes nor students of Penn State played a role in these alleged crimes, and that their university has been just as shocked and horrified by the news as we have — they are a proud community and they love their school just as much as we love ours.

This Saturday, all eyes will be on the ‘Shoe. And as we welcome one of our conference rivals, we will remember the victims first, but also keep in mind that our visitors are not the people to whom we should direct our anger. The best fans in the land live right here at The Ohio State University, and we kindly ask that those of you who plan to attend this weekend’s game host our guests with the respect deserved by a fellow Big Ten school. It is important to treat visiting fans as we would hope that Ohio State fans would be treated on the road. We must remember that our actions as fans and students speak volumes about Ohio State as well.

Be loud. Be proud. Be respectful. And please enjoy the game!

Sincerely,

Nick Messenger, President of the Undergraduate Student Government
Tim Collins, President of Block “O”
Neal Majumdar, President of Sportsmanship Council
Jared Kamrass, Athletic Council Student Representative
Ashley Ferkol, Athletic Council Student Representative