Penn State’s 35-0 second-half explosion highlighted a picture perfect Senior Day in Beaver Stadium. Two of our staff writers reflect on some of the more salient aspects of Saturday’s 45-12 win over Michigan State.

Ethan Kasales

The Land Grant Trophy Is a Thing of Beauty:

Here we see Josh McPhearson and Jordan Smith posing with perhaps the most spectacular piece of hardware in the history of sports. The faded postcard-looking picture of Old Main? Priceless. A 50-pound column made of desk-like wood? Even better. The Land Grant Trophy will be a welcome sight back in the Lasch Trophy Room, no doubt. It’s the first time the Nittany Lions have snatched it back since a 42-14 win in East Lansing in 2009.

College GameDay Heading To Indianapolis Is Too Perfect: When I first heard the news Sunday morning that GameDay was shipping up to Lucas Oil Stadium, I couldn’t help but smile. Lee Corso, Desmond Howard, Samantha Ponder, and Kirk Herbstreit, who recently called Penn State the “story of the year” in college football, make for one of the most beloved Saturday morning traditions across the country each fall. I can vividly remember the atmosphere surrounding the set in 2005 when the Nittany Lions flipped Ohio State on its head when White Outs were still just a student section thing. You can bet the Penn State faithful will get creative with their first opportunity in years to go bonkers on the early-morning signs. The school’s Big Ten Championship debut against No. 6 Wisconsin is sure to be an instant classic.

David Abruzzese

Penn State Questionably Neglected To Announce The Ohio State-Michigan Score 

Okay, this was just ridiculous. I understand James Franklin likely wanted to shield his players from knowing the result of Ohio State’s matchup with Michigan, but I couldn’t understand why on earth the PA announcer couldn’t say something quickly at halftime. It’s almost ignorant to pretend as if the result never happened; we live in the age of social media where information is rapidly available — so why not say something when the players aren’t on the field?

I guess it’s just me, but I felt the program could’ve had some fun with the result that went Penn State’s way.

Beaver Stadium Holds A Special Place In My Heart

I’ll spare the memoir (for now), but I covered my final game in Beaver Stadium on Saturday. It hasn’t truly hit me yet, but I couldn’t have asked for a better finale. I made an effort to soak everything in — the sights, the sounds, everything. After the game, I took a few minutes to myself and stood in awe down on the field. Before I left, I dropped to all fours and kissed the field as I held back tears. I had a lot happen to me personally in the last few months, so this ride is extra special. This isn’t exactly a gameday observation but rather a memory I wanted to share with all of you. This place is special, and I’ll never forget Saturday.