If you knew the forecast for September 5 six months ago, you’d have probably cracked a smile. A high of 78 degrees, a touch of humidity, and a cool breeze make for the perfect weather for an opening day football game.

You would’ve looked forward to the crisp, fall-like morning air in the tailgating lots followed by a shining sun and blue sky by the time Penn State kicked off against Kent State (or Northwestern?). But today, this perfect weather is just another punch in the gut.

Instead of the usual player-filled blue buses, RV-covered fields, and that signature gameday electricity, Beaver Stadium was silent today. No Blue Band, no chicken baskets, no “Sweet Caroline” — just a handful of joggers, a few lonely fans, and a coronavirus testing center.

Walking around Beaver Stadium today was too serene for a Saturday in September. But scattered around the stadium, there were still a few hints that a football team used to play there.

A few folks made their way out to the stadium today to recollect. Some posed for pictures in front of the big logo, while others set up shop for a “tailgate.” Besides a handful of people who tried to make light of the whole not having a football season situation, the lots and fields were empty.

Other stadium landmarks were desolate, too. Gate A showed no signs of life, and ticketing windows were either closed or plastered with information about the coronavirus.

Curtin Road, which is usually blocked off by police and basically turned into a pedestrian walkway for gameday, was taken over by straggling cyclists and cars on their way to get tested for the coronavirus at the Bryce Jordan Center.

Although I thought I was prepared for the first Saturday without Penn State football, I found myself feeling extra down today. The cathartic walk around the stadium helped, but things just weren’t the same in Happy Valley today. Until next time, Beaver Stadium.