That’s a wrap on the 2024 regular season, folks.

Penn State football took care of Maryland 44-7 on Saturday, clinching a berth to its first Big Ten Championship since 2016. Despite an early score from Maryland, the Nittany Lions took care of business and didn’t allow another point for the rest of the game.

As always, there was plenty to take in during what could have been the last game in Beaver Stadium this year.

Winter In Happy Valley

The Nittany Lions brought the Minnesota weather back with them, as Saturday’s game was downright chilly.

The fans still showed up, though, sporting parkas, hand warmers, and every other possible piece of cold-weather gear. The cold couldn’t freeze the Penn State offense like it did spectators, though, and those who braved the elements were treated to a show inside Beaver Stadium.

Lots Of Space In The South End Zone

Evidently, Onward State’s plea for students to return to campus fell on deaf ears.

Saturday’s game was during the tail end of Thanksgiving break, so the student section was relatively empty. It happens nearly every season finale, and with Penn State favored by 24.5 points and winter temperatures, it’s hard to blame those who watched from the comfort of their own home.

We are an hour from kickoff and the student section is a little light to say the least. pic.twitter.com/qjxRCLYYrM

— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) November 30, 2024

It’s important to note that this picture was taken over an hour before kickoff, and it did fill up a bit more toward game time.

Party Like It’s 2016

After Michigan upset No. 2-ranked Ohio State on Saturday, it became evident to the Beaver Stadium crowd that all that stood between Penn State and a Big Ten Championship berth was Maryland. Such an unexpected game implication was met with a surge of energy from the fans, but multiple players said after the game they weren’t aware of the situation and only focused on beating Maryland.

Once the clock hit zeros, the news was displayed on the jumbotron and vibes were high postgame.

IT’S OFFICIAL!

INDIANAPOLIS BOUND! pic.twitter.com/DIyy18hzi1

— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) November 30, 2024

Press Box Ceremony

Beaver Stadium’s press box, which hasn’t been fully renovated since 1978, is set to be rebuilt before next season as part of the Beaver Stadium Revitalization Project. Saturday served as the last regular-season game in the original box.

As many senior beat members have spent decades in the same box, the Penn State communications team pulled reporters together to share stories and remember the old box before it’s torn down.

With today being the last regular-season game in the original Beaver Stadium press box, it was great to celebrate and reflect on the memories. The press box will be removed as part of the Beaver Stadium Revitalization. pic.twitter.com/6wg0wTPdGA

— Penn State Football Communications (@PennStFBComms) November 30, 2024

Not pictured is Onward State’s football beat. We were surely busy bringing you up-to-the-minute updates and coverage of Penn State football and definitely weren’t in line for food.