There’s a lot more hype than usual around this year’s White Out game against Michigan, some are taking time to relish the bye (bye bye) week.

It started when friend of the blog Ben Lerman found a photo of boy band *NSYNC featuring founding member Chris Kirkpatrick in a Penn State sweatshirt. He was curious about where Kirkpatrick’s allegiance lies, so he asked:

https://twitter.com/blerms/status/917146523024154625

In a beautiful interaction that can only be described as a “Digital Get Down,” Clarion, PA, native Kirkpatrick confirmed suspicions in the most Penn State way possible:

We are! https://t.co/EssJj7nTpM

— Chris Kirkpatrick (@IamCKirkpatrick) October 9, 2017

Lerman also found this blurb, explaining Kirkpatrick’s Penn State pride:

https://twitter.com/blerms/status/917161886529048582

Others began to realize this revelation somehow made the early 2000s heartthrob even more likable:

@Garmelo10 one of the many reason *NSYNC is better than Backstreet Boys

— Natalie Garman (@natalie_e_davis) October 9, 2017

If I knew this when I was 12 I would have totally bought your doll over JC's!!!

— Jen (@jenh2115) October 9, 2017

We’re glad he lost the frosted tips but hope he kept the sweatshirt.