The 24 Best Things To Come From No. 24 Penn State’s Thrilling Win Over Ohio State
Last weekend was indescribably special In Happy Valley. If you somehow didn’t get the memo, Penn State pulled off an improbable victory against the No. 2 ranked team in the land (at the time): Ohio State. Now, the Nittany Lions are ranked No. 24 in the nation — their first appearance in the AP Top 25 since 2011. In honor of that 24 spot, we’ve compiled a list of the 24 best things we experienced throughout the madness of the weekend:
24. There Was A Rally Downtown And It Was Crazy
Some students – particularly of the crazier variety – might have placed the rally downtown higher on the list. The police certainly wouldn’t have included the rally on the list. We’re taking the middle ground. Maybe you thought the rally was the time of your life or maybe you think that college students need to get a grip. Either way, it was quite the sight.
Surf's Up. (Photo: @tydy_) pic.twitter.com/7jznjpYakn
— Onward State (@OnwardState) October 23, 2016
Police have arrived. (Photo: @tydy_) pic.twitter.com/W4LNlqZt3O
— Onward State (@OnwardState) October 23, 2016
Crikey, here we observe the migration of Penn State students in their natural habitat. (Video: @g_mi11iner) pic.twitter.com/su1O2X2bs9
— Onward State (@OnwardState) October 23, 2016
23. These Dinosaurs
Six dinosaurs made it into the student section for the Saturday night showdown. Here they are, roaring in unison. We don’t really get it, but we definitely enjoy it.
We asked for the roar to be brought to Beaver Stadium at new levels this #PSUWhiteout.
Students took that request very, very seriously. pic.twitter.com/qmDQoSwjNQ
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) October 23, 2016
22. Chris Godwin’s Godly Catch
Chris Godwin’s great one-on-one touchdown catch meant Penn State was right in the game heading into the half. The offense struggled for the better part of the first half, but the ever-reliable Godwin came up clutch.
ICYMI: Find out where your team lands in @BTNTomDienhart's #B1G Power Rankings » https://t.co/968gplHwml https://t.co/SK0YONLVz7
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 24, 2016
21. “Worst State Ever” Shirts
Shirts with the state of Ohio (yes, that’s what Ohio looks like) and the simple phrase “Worst State Ever” were fan-favorites this weekend. Simple yet elegant.
This guy's got the right idea. pic.twitter.com/UHKIScwolE
— Onward State (@OnwardState) October 22, 2016
20. Beaver Stadium Concert Announcement
During the game, Penn State Athletics announced that Beaver Stadium will hold its first-ever concert on July 8, 2017. With more information to come soon, students and fans can only guess who will take the stage.
Coming : the first-ever concert inside Beaver Stadium! Be the first to know more details about this special event: https://t.co/mQA2EhZ2se pic.twitter.com/DCyrFGJbdt
— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) October 23, 2016
19. Garrett Sickels’ Second Half
Garrett Sickels was suspended for the first half of the game, but his second half more than made up for it. Sickels racked up nine tackles (3.5 of which were recorded for a loss) and 2.5 sacks. He was a nightmare for the Buckeyes’ offensive line.
18. Chicken Baskets Were Discounted For Those Who Arrived Early
Beaver Stadium chicken baskets are among the most satisfying gameday foods known to man. For those who got to the stadium early, they were sold at a discounted price. Not only did this policy help fill up the stadium early, but it also made eating this Beaver Stadium delicacy even more special.
17. Blake Gillikin Saved A Touchdown
The freshman punter Black Gillikin was backed up to punt, but the snap was high and forced Gillikin into a foot-race with OSU WR Terry McLaurin – a former 4-star recruiting prospect – for the ball. Gillikin fell on the ball in the end zone, saving Penn State five points. This play showed the Nittany Lions’ determination and poise. Despite the bad snap, Gillikin made a tremendous play. Stay tuned for more from Gillikin in this countdown.
James Franklin talked about wanting specialist who are also athletes. Blake Gillikin outran former 4-star WR recruit to save five points: pic.twitter.com/efPJmYnAR9
— Greg Pickel (@GregPickel) October 23, 2016
16. James Franklin Got His Signature Win
This should probably be higher on the list, but the essence of this post basically captures this whole point. Franklin has spent a good portion of the season on the hot seat. Losses to Pitt and Michigan were enough for fans to begin clamoring for his dismissal, but he silenced most critics with important wins over Minnesota and Maryland. Still, Franklin still lacked that “signature win” and it hovered over his entire tenure at Penn State.
Well, he got it. This is it. Franklin was visibly emotional after the win, much like the rest of us.
https://twitter.com/audsnyder4/status/790040492385923072
15. Grant Haley’s Return That Changed My Life
Grant Haley returned the blocked field goal Marcus Allen got his hands on in what was the most exciting and important play of the game. Haley’s return was pure magic, which is just what Penn State needed in this matchup. A video of Haley’s return can be viewed further down in the countdown (so keep reading!).
14. Men’s Hockey Upset No. 3 Notre Dame In South Bend
The young Penn State hockey team – a team that didn’t even exist five years ago – went on the road to visit a very talented Notre Dame squad and came out with a 3-2 overtime win. They announced the result during the football game and the #107kstrong crowd roared. Notre “Lame,” indeed.
All smiles on our way back home! Great road trip, but we are ready for @PegulaIceArena and @TheRoarZone all semester long! #PackThePeg pic.twitter.com/NxuAfdfhQg
— Penn State Men’s Hockey (@PennStateMHKY) October 23, 2016
13. Penn State’s Veteran Linebackers Returned In A Big Way
Jason Cabinda and Brandon Bell both returned to the field and played a huge role in the Nittany Lions’ win this past weekend. Bell led the team with 19 total tackles against the Buckeyes, followed by none other than Cabinda, who recorded 12. They also both tallied sacks, but perhaps most importantly, defended Ohio State’s run-option offense tremendously well.
12. Rutgers Lost. Again.
What more is there to say?
So close, Rutgers… pic.twitter.com/4z6httgw0z
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 22, 2016
11. A Call Went Penn State’s Way
On the final drive of the game for the Buckeyes, there was a no-call on a deep ball thrown downfield by J.T. Barrett. Jordan Smith was on the coverage and there looked to be some contact, but no call was made. For many Penn State supporters, this no-call felt like justice for a few (highly) questionable calls in the 2014 White Out against Ohio State, including an interception call (referenced below), and what appeared to be a delay of game before a Buckeye field goal.
Lot of salty buckeye fans wanted a PI call and are mad at the refs…you all forget about this one? #WeAre pic.twitter.com/00dCdsMC1N
— the S zone (@the_S_zone) October 23, 2016
10. Marcus Baugh Flexed In Front Of The Student Section Then His Team Lost
Marcus Baugh scored a touchdown in front of student section and decided to show off his strength after breaking a few tackles. This celebration is truly funny in retrospect.
9. The Crowd Showed Up Early
One of thing things that set the White Out environment apart from some other games this year was timing. The crowd got there early and supported the team from the start. Penn State emerged from the tunnel to a loud and ready crowd that kept it up all game.
8. Recruits Loved The Environment
For the average Penn State fan, being loud and rowdy is just the norm. Recruits, however, notice these things – Penn State commits and recruiting targets certainly did on Saturday.
“That was hands down the best atmosphere I have ever experienced in a stadium,” said Blaine Scott, the No. 17 prospect at offensive guard in the country. “The electricity and juice was off the charts. It will be hard for any team in the country to top that performance for any recruit that was there. Unbelievable.”
• Happy Valley • pic.twitter.com/WI2Vda9pJz
— Mac Hippenhammer (@machippenhammer) October 23, 2016
7. Penn State’s Defensive Line Looked Tremendous
Penn State had a huge turnover after last season, losing most of the defensive line (including Anthony Zettel and Carl Nassib) to the NFL. The defensive line dominated the best, tallying six sacks on J.T. Barrett. Barrett’s ability to escape pressure kept the Wild Dogs from getting even more sacks.
According to ESPN Stats & Info, Barrett was sacked or under duress on 44 percent of his dropbacks, the SECOND-MOST in his career.
— Josh Moyer (@ByJoshMoyer) October 23, 2016
6. Jordan Smith Reacts To LeBron James
Ohio State fan LeBron James was not happy with the refs after the Buckeyes’ first loss of the season. Jordan Smith didn’t hold back in telling King James how he felt about the NBA star’s plea for a pass interference call.
https://twitter.com/unodos_smith/status/790042526665338885
5. The Scenery
The White Out is always a sight to behold and Saturday was no exception. More than 107,000 fans packed into the stadium wearing white. The fireworks also were on a whole new level, and the pyrotechnics team must have been hard at work all week.
Tonight's #PSUWhiteOut attendance: 107,280 bringing the roar! #WeAre #107kstrong pic.twitter.com/mLYl8K7Y6b
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) October 23, 2016
4. Penn State Students Stormed The Field After The Victory
The win was paramount in every sense of the word, so Penn State students did what they do best: coalesced into a huge and unstoppable mass. ESPN seemed to like the aesthetic:
What an insane closing shot from Happy Valley. #PennState pic.twitter.com/GUlDCtjfRA
— Justin Raub (@Justin_Raub) October 23, 2016
— Onward State (@OnwardState) October 23, 2016
3. Blake Gillikin Roasted Some Buckeye Fans On Twitter
Blake Gillikin had some fun with Ohio State fans on Twitter following the victory, much to the delight of the Penn State faithful in the Twittersphere.
it has been 1 day since Penn State beat Ohio State https://t.co/EPNsfx6QFh
— Blake Gillikin (@blakegillikin) October 23, 2016
2. Marcus Allen’s Block
I could watch this over and over. Marcus Allen’s block led to Grant Haley’s long touchdown return, and it was easily the play of the game.
We know @PennStateFball fans will want to watch this (at least) one more time before bed. https://t.co/P6eUxQ6c5S
— Penn State On BTN (@PennStateOnBTN) October 23, 2016
1. We Are…Nationally Ranked!
Penn State football is ranked in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time since 2011 and spirits are high in Happy Valley. Everyone in the stadium could sense it. The game felt like a turning point for the program – a program that has fought through an incredible amount of adversity. This win just felt good, and the national recognition doesn’t hurt either.
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