Gameday Observations: Illinois
Well, folks. All good things need to come to an end eventually, eh?
By opting out of a potential bowl game Saturday night, Penn State football officially wrapped up a tumultuous 2020 season. The Nittany Lions crossed the finish line by posting four straight wins, including a 56-21 victory over Illinois in its season finale.
Between all the action, you probably missed a few fun things outside the Xs and Os this weekend. Here are a few amusing things we noticed from the couch, computer, and (virtual) tailgate lots.
White Out Conditions Return
No, Penn State fans never made it to Beaver Stadium this fall. But the folks watching at home were treated to a White Out of their own thanks to Centre County’s largest snowstorm since 2003.
At least 15 inches of snow landed in State College earlier this week, and most of it stuck around in the Beaver Stadium bleachers. Penn State’s grounds crew worked hard to get the field in tip-top shape but opted to leave the stands alone. After all, it’s not like they would be in use anytime soon.
Football in December? Football in December.
— Onward State (@OnwardState) December 19, 2020pic.twitter.com/sqkR0SoUq4
“We got 18 inches of snow this week and you’d never know it based on the playing surface,” head coach James Franklin said postgame. He added the team brought grounds crew staffers into the locker room to thank them personally.
John O’Neill Is Baaaack!
That’s right, folks. Penn State’s favorite referee called Saturday’s game. Thankfully, though, he didn’t ultimately choose the Nittany Lions’ fate.
O’Neill did, however, strike fear into the hearts of many Penn State fans throughout the game. Naturally, they took to Twitter to let out some frustration.
Beaver Stadium Busts Out The Yule Log
With just a few days until Christmas, Beaver Stadium went all out with holiday festivities Saturday.
— Onward State (@OnwardState) December 20, 2020
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Late in the game, Penn State displayed a cozy Yule Log on its jumbotron, which perfectly accentuated the snow piled up around the stands. Naturally, it was paired with some holiday tunes, too.
According to Onward State’s football reporters, Beaver Stadium was rocking with Christmas songs all night long for an additional festive touch.
Reporters Chill Out In The Press Box
This one’s pretty meta, but hey! We think it’s neat.
While Onward State’s football reporters are typically very cool, they were certainly cold Saturday when Beaver Stadium’s press box forgot to turn the heat on.
Before kickoff, the box temperature checked in at around 46 degrees. Hopefully that aforementioned Yule Log warmed things up later on.
Tweet Of The Day
Borgar.
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 20, 2020
56 points
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