[Photo Story] Nittanyville’s Banners Return To Beaver Stadium
Penn State football made its highly anticipated return to Beaver Stadium Saturday afternoon, and with it came the best student section in college football.
Nittanyville led the way for the section during Saturday’s big win over Ball State, most notably with personalized banners for the team and several star players. Here’s a look at all of the iconic signs that returned to the front row of the student section this weekend.
There was never any question that Beaver Stadium was in fact back Saturday afternoon. After not being a part of a game since November 30, 2019, the student section arrived in full force early. In fact, the crowd of 105,323 fans was the largest for a season opener since 2008.
Jahan Dotson has been living up to the “Ja-Hands” nickname so far this season. After dominating the Big Ten in 2020, the senior wideout has already totaled 10 catches worth 167 yards and two scores this fall. His touchdown against Ball State was nothing short of fantastic, as he showed off his juking ability and speed with ease.
Linebacker U hasn’t gone anywhere, folks. Junior Brandon Smith led Brent Pry’s defense with seven total tackles against the Cardinals, while defensive end/linebacker Jesse Luketa had the highlight of the day with this one-handed pick-six.
This is a personal favorite of ours. It seems like every time Smith makes a tackle, you can hear it all the way up in the press box. This sign perfectly depicts CJ Thorpe’s reaction to a massive hit Smith had against Idaho in his first game as a Nittany Lion.
This sign is a beauty. Joey Porter Jr. certainly stepped up in the fourth quarter against Wisconsin last week when he batted down a pass to the end zone while the Badgers were making a push for a late lead.
The redshirt sophomore cornerback is also featured in this banner holding hands with his sister, Jasmine, who has autism. The Nittany Lion’s relationship with Jasmine was featured by FOX’s Tom Rinaldi last weekend. Porter and his family have used Jasmine’s story as inspiration as they’ve developed several special education schools across the country.
Of course, Nittanyville had to find a way to honor Penn State’s two pairs of brothers. Quarterback Sean Clifford’s young brother, Liam, has arrived in Happy Valley as a wide receiver, while twin defenders Kalen and Kobe King are also enjoying their first seasons as Nittany Lions.
You can bet the banners will be out in full force this Saturday. No. 10 Penn State will welcome No. 22 Auburn to the White Out at 7:30 p.m. on ABC.
Your ad blocker is on.
Please choose an option below.
Purchase a Subscription!
About the Author
The Stuff That Stuck: Jake Musmanno’s Senior Column
My Penn State experience was made up of a million little moments I never planned for — and somehow, those end up meaning the most.
James Franklin Empasizes Control For Penn State Football As Spring Transfer Window Begins
As the spring transfer portal opens, only JB Nelson has announced his intent to leave the program.
Joe DeRenzo Touting Healthcare & Education Experience In Board Of Trustees Campaign
“We have a critical gap in both academia and healthcare, and being immersed in both together on a daily basis, working on these collaborative committees, I can contribute, certainly, to both.”
