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The Five Stages Of Grief As Told By Penn State Twitter

When Trace McSorley hurled a weak, directionless pass downfield to turn the ball over on downs to end the Nittany Lions’ final drive Saturday, Ohio Stadium burst into the elation that had been mounting throughout the final five minutes of the game. At the same time, the tangible disappointment of blowing a 35-20 fourth-quarter lead and an undefeated season sunk in with Penn State fans in Section 6C, home in State College, and across Twitter.

All fans cope with heartbreaking losses in different ways, but most of the reactions parallel the five stages of grief, from insisting Penn State should’ve won the game to being mad online to only being focused on Michigan State, Michigan State, Michigan State.

1. Denial: #NotMyFinalScore

Are you saying that this is, in fact, real life and that the result counts?

https://twitter.com/whitecastle22/status/924728295706497030

2. Anger: When emotion makes you talk, act, and tweet crazily

3. Bargaining: “Anything…ANYTHING.”

What we’d give to put an extra blocker on Denzel Ward and to resurrect Penn State’s surefire College Football Playoff hopes…

https://twitter.com/whitecastle22/status/924731533109448705

4. Sadness: Welp.

Depression is rather extreme for a reaction to a football game, but sadness was certainly running rampant through Penn State Twitter.

5. Acceptance: Everything’s gonna be alright (we hope).

Some may not be there just yet, but they’re making progress.

https://twitter.com/blerms/status/924415709739929601

While it took James Franklin more than 24 hours to declare that this week was all about “Mich St, Mich St, Mich St, Mich St, Mich St, Mich St,” his players graciously accepted the defeat and their new fate just minutes after the game, something all fans should consider before going on rage-fueled e-tirades.

Grieve however you feel fit, Penn State.

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About the Author

Anthony Colucci

Anthony Colucci was once Onward State’s managing editor and preferred walk-on honors student who majored in psychology and public relations. Despite being from the make-believe land of Central Jersey, he was never a Rutgers fan. If you ever want to know how good Saquon Barkley's ball security is, ask Anthony what happened when he tried to force a fumble at the Mifflin Streak. If you want to hear the story or are bored and want to share prequel memes, follow @_anthonycolucci on Twitter or email him at [email protected]. All other requests and complaints should be directed to Onward State media contact emeritus Steve Connelly.

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