Penn Stater's Experience

[NCarolinaNit]

Just wanted to say that despite the bitter taste of losing a game I've been eagerly looking forward to..

My experience in Pitt and Heinz field was top notch. Stayed in the south side and had a great time at the bars both Friday/Saturday without any issues.

Tailgating was a blast, Penn Stater's and Pitt fans mixed in together without any confrontation I saw personally. Sat in a predominantly Pitt filled section as my seats were purchased by a Pitt alum and while there was some good ribbing throughout the game, it was easily one of the more pleasurable away experiences I've had.

While I'm sure there will be isolated incidents next year, I can only hope Pitt fans are treated as nicely and fairly as we were next year in State College.

Congrats on the well deserved win.

 

[ThePanthers]

I can say that we had a great time with the PSU people around us at the tailgate and even in the stadium. Just shows there are some crazy lunatics on these messageboards who are nuts (both sides) and the majority of fans are actually normal type of people that are adults and can get along.

 

[paulbl99]

Just wanted to say that despite the bitter taste of losing a game I've been eagerly looking forward to..

My experience in Pitt and Heinz field was top notch. Stayed in the south side and had a great time at the bars both Friday/Saturday without any issues.

Tailgating was a blast, Penn Stater's and Pitt fans mixed in together without any confrontation I saw personally. Sat in a predominantly Pitt filled section as my seats were purchased by a Pitt alum and while there was some good ribbing throughout the game, it was easily one of the more pleasurable away experiences I've had.

While I'm sure there will be isolated incidents next year, I can only hope Pitt fans are treated as nicely and fairly as we were next year in State College.

Congrats on the well deserved win.

Same here

The game sb played regularly although in today's scheduling environment an annual home home could be problematic.

Just a biased opinion that while the off the field stuff was cordial; I blame Paterno for poisoning and ending this rivalry.

16 years is a long time and maybe the young State crowd just doesn't have the same angst toward Pitt , same goes I guess for young Pitt fans.

I kinda bet Frankie approaches this game next year a little differently. State appeared flat and ill prepared for the way Pitt came out ; Pitt really played very hard all game.

He should leave his arrogance behind next year; I think, he is going to be reminded many times before then this game ain't Temple. Treat it as such.

 

[JokePa]

Just wanted to say that despite the bitter taste of losing a game I've been eagerly looking forward to..

My experience in Pitt and Heinz field was top notch. Stayed in the south side and had a great time at the bars both Friday/Saturday without any issues.

Tailgating was a blast, Penn Stater's and Pitt fans mixed in together without any confrontation I saw personally. Sat in a predominantly Pitt filled section as my seats were purchased by a Pitt alum and while there was some good ribbing throughout the game, it was easily one of the more pleasurable away experiences I've had.

While I'm sure there will be isolated incidents next year, I can only hope Pitt fans are treated as nicely and fairly as we were next year in State College.

Congrats on the well deserved win.

Glad you enjoyed yourself, and had no issues. Also, thanks for attending. I do think anyone should be able to enjoy themselves when they are spending hard earned money to attend an event. Shame fans ruin it. That being said... I think we get more raucous the better we get. I think we have been beaten down by mediocrity so long that we are just happy (well, most of us) having a good time out win or lose.

 

[CrazyPaco]

I can say that we had a great time with the PSU people around us at the tailgate and even in the stadium. Just shows there are some crazy lunatics on these messageboards are nuts and the majority of fans are actually normal type of people that are adults and can get along.

Again, 91% of their alumni want JoePa honored. I don't care what kumbaya moment everyone had sharing beers, that is ghastly, and is inconceivable that their university leadership endorses it. Did people actually engage any fans in conversations about honoring JoePa, sanctions, Freeh report, etc? I sure the hell didn't.

But I was glad to see no incidents. First Pitt/PSU football game that I've ever been to where I didn't see security have to get involved.

 

[ThePanthers]

Again, 91% of their alumni want JoePa honored. I don't care what kumbaya moment everyone had sharing beers, that is ghastly, and is inconceivable that their university leadership endorses it. Did people actually engage any fans in conversations about honoring JoePa, sanctions, Freeh report, etc? I sure the hell didn't.

But I was glad to see no incidents. First Pitt/PSU football game that I've ever been to where I didn't see security have to get involved.

Well, that shows you are an adult and can be civil even if you dont' agree with them.

I can tell you the people I was with honestly probably don't care about Joe or anything. They just wanted a good football game.

Same with the Pitt people. The people that were involved are dead or in jail or have been fired. I don't think Joe should be honored, but I'm not going to start a fight over it.

 

[CrazyPaco]

Well, that shows you are an adult and can be civil even if you dont' agree with them.

I can tell you the people I was with honestly probably don't care about Joe or anything. They just wanted a good football game.

Same with the Pitt people. The people that were involved are dead or in jail or have been fired. I don't think Joe should be honored, but I'm not going to start a fight over it.

I spend a lot of time in Central PA. You learn quickly not to bring it up if you want to be in any social setting, but you hear it all the time in conversations when it turns toward the topic...from otherwise normal, educated, professional people. They think the views are normal, and there is no changing their minds. They've bought in completely to the conspiracy theories and media unfairness. It's the bubble effect. Hell, the printed Altoona Mirror's PSU fan profile (they do this before every game) answered the proudest PSU moment question with a "overcoming the ridiculous and unfair sanctions that tried to destroy the university" answer. That is not a minority view, and it is not viewed as at all inappropriate. I said going in that support Pitt, wear Pitt gear, and do Pitt cheers and not instigate, but I don't believe in backing down if confronted with people willing to bury the tragedy for the sake of football culture either.

Time would normally allow this to fade into history, but the university can't seem to get out of its own way.

 

[NCarolinaNit]

Again, 91% of their alumni want JoePa honored. I don't care what kumbaya moment everyone had sharing beers, that is ghastly, and is inconceivable that their university leadership endorses it. Did people actually engage any fans in conversations about honoring JoePa, sanctions, Freeh report, etc? I sure the hell didn't.

But I was glad to see no incidents. First Pitt/PSU football game that I've ever been to where I didn't see security have to get involved.

If there's an appropriate forum for that, I don't think it's 5 hours leading up to game time in an booze fueled environment. As a younger alum in my late 20's, I fall pretty far away from the religious Joe following in the Penn State spectrum, so it's easy for me to be much more tolerant of the criticism I heard first hand this weekend. I can admit Joe and admin were in the wrong. I'm sure blue wigs of Penn State nation would not fair so well.

 

[CrazyPaco]

If there's an appropriate forum for that, I don't think it's 5 hours leading up to game time in an booze fueled environment. As a younger alum in my late 20's, I fall pretty far away from the religious Joe following in the Penn State spectrum, so it's easy for me to be much more tolerant of the criticism I heard first hand this weekend. I can admit Joe and admin were in the wrong. I'm sure blue wigs of Penn State nation would not fair so well.

You are absolutely right that a pre-game tailgate was not a forum for it.

Your voice needs to be louder in your community, which I'm sure in not the easiest thing.

 

[chethejet]

Nittes will never give up Paterno and his meaning to them. No amount of evidence, unsealing of records or testimony will ever change that. Of course be civil in interacting on a football game level. But make no mistake, it is heresy to suggest Paterno would ever do what the factual evidence suggests.

 

[mdpitt]

I

I spend a lot of time in Central PA. You learn quickly not to bring it up if you want to be in any social setting, but you hear it all the time in conversations when it turns toward the topic...from otherwise normal, educated, professional people. They think the views are normal, and there is no changing their minds. They've bought in completely to the conspiracy theories and media unfairness. It's the bubble effect. Hell, the printed Altoona Mirror's PSU fan profile (they do this before every game) answered the proudest PSU moment question with a "overcoming the ridiculous and unfair sanctions that tried to destroy the university" answer. That is not a minority view, and it is not viewed as at all inappropriate. I said going in that support Pitt, wear Pitt gear, and do Pitt cheers and not instigate, but I don't believe in backing down if confronted with people willing to bury the tragedy for the sake of football culture either.

Time would normally allow this to fade into history, but the university can't seem to get out of its own way.

I am curious to see the turnout for the game to honor him. If it has 107,000, you are completely correct. If it has 80,000, you know there is some revolt on celebration. That place is going to be a zoo with reporters looking for red meat to put in newspapers to stir controversy.

 

[CrazyPaco]

I

I am curious to see the turnout for the game to honor him. If it has 107,000, you are completely correct. If it has 80,000, you know there is some revolt on celebration. That place is going to be a zoo with reporters looking for red meat to put in newspapers to stir controversy.

They're not going to get 107K for Temple. Their crowds have been down for marginal teams. The revolt is against Franklin. People that aren't liable to already be going to that game aren't going to be more likely or less likely to show up for a 5 minute pre-game tribute to Paterno on the video board whether they think it is a great idea or not.

Look, the only real data is the their own alumni association's own poll. Now, that has selection bias involved, but it easily matches what I see in Central PA.

 

[fitzburgh]

Nittes will never give up Paterno and his meaning to them. No amount of evidence, unsealing of records or testimony will ever change that. Of course be civil in interacting on a football game level. But make no mistake, it is heresy to suggest Paterno would ever do what the factual evidence suggests.

It's literally what built their university from a small agriculture school to the size it is now. Joe knew what he was doing, anything which could get in the way of his great experiment must be stamped out, including sweeping "incidents" under the rug. He controlled the media better than any coach, college or pro, in the history of football.

 

[ncyajleel]

I found that you could see who had a sense of humor about it and who didn't when you came across someone who didn't, you kind of left it alone not to provoke anything. At least that was my experience.
I feel that when you come into someone's stadium, you treat them with respect and you will get respect in return. I know the nit fans next to me were very upset at the outcome, and they did not get in your face when Penn State did something good on the field. I saw others who did get in your face, I'm not a trash talker and I don't appreciate it when someone does it to me. Hopefully Penn State fans will return that attitude, Pitt fans too, next year in Happy Valley.

 

[ThePanthers]

I fully believe in Central PA you'll have the cult mentality and those people are morons.

The fans I was around at the game didn't give a shit and in their minds the Joe Pa godlike stature is fading. Now, I was around a somewhat younger crowd (35 and under).

 

[CrazyPaco]

I found that you could see who had a sense of humor about it and who didn't when you came across someone who didn't, you kind of left it alone not to provoke anything. At least that was my experience.
I feel that when you come into someone's stadium, you treat them with respect and you will get respect in return. I know the nit fans next to me were very upset at the outcome, and they did not get in your face when Penn State did something good on the field. I saw others who did get in your face, I'm not a trash talker and I don't appreciate it when someone does it to me. Hopefully Penn State fans will return that attitude, Pitt fans too, next year in Happy Valley.

It's always a good idea to act with class in an opponents stadium. You're representing both you and the school on your t-shirt. Most normal people over the age of 21 or so, and not from Morgantown, get that.

Look, I think everyone was aware what could be a flashpoint, and for the most part, it was largely just a sidestepped issue and lost in the immediacy of the actual event.

 

[CrazyPaco]

I fully believe in Central PA you'll have the cult mentality and those people are morons.

The fans I was around at the game didn't give a shit and in their minds the Joe Pa godlike stature is fading. Now, I was around a somewhat younger crowd (35 and under).

There is definitely an age-dependence to it, as the Daily Collegian editorial demonstrated. What is most disconcerting is the university's decision making.

 

[CrazyPaco]

It's literally what built their university from a small agriculture school to the size it is now. Joe knew what he was doing, anything which could get in the way of his great experiment must be stamped out, including sweeping "incidents" under the rug. He controlled the media better than any coach, college or pro, in the history of football.

Regarding Joe building the university: Yes and no...I mean, seriously, what is Penn State's academic forte? Engineering, right...perhaps the most notable academic discipline there. You think Joe Paterno and football are really responsible for the preeminence of their engineering department?

I know there is a narrative out there about how Paterno and PSU football transformed PSU, and it did to some degree make it a national university as far as drawing students and public support, but the impact on things like academic quality at the department level is pretty specious. It's another urban myth.

Take Pitt and its forte, the health sciences (sorry Philosophy, you're not big enough of a discipline). Remember, Pitt was a small to mid-sized, regional, private school during the first half of the 20th Century with a decent but not overly notable med school. And while athletics helps market the school, Pitt's health sciences didn't become what they are because of anything to do with sports or Johnny Majors or Big East basketball. It's just not how academia works.

The rest of your post is absolutely true.

 

[Chescat]

Again, 91% of their alumni want JoePa honored. I don't care what kumbaya moment everyone had sharing beers, that is ghastly, and is inconceivable that their university leadership endorses it. Did people actually engage any fans in conversations about honoring JoePa, sanctions, Freeh report, etc? I sure the hell didn't.

But I was glad to see no incidents. First Pitt/PSU football game that I've ever been to where I didn't see security have to get involved.

Paco, I always look forward to your very knowledgeable posts. However, I have to disagree with the 91% you stated. I live in eastern Pa (Phiily suburbs) and almost ALL PSU fans I know and come across are embarrassed by the Joebots, and actually feel that Joe "KNEW." One of my sons is a PSU grad and he and most (probably all) of his PSU friends are also against the Joebots.
They're typical alums that you'd see from any school...they root for PSU football and certainly don't think Joepa is any kind of deity. They see him as a successful football coach, period, and DO NOTwant to see him honored.
Now as far as central PA is concerned, I tend to agree with your assessment for the most part. I also spend some time out there and yes I see the ridiculous, over the top adulation. But 91% of ALL psu fans...I don't agree.
One more point; IMO most of this is caught up with older fans who can go back to the 80's and before. It seems to me that the younger generations don't care about the nonsense. IMO the younger PSU fans who can't relate to the old days, just want to move on.

 

[BuffetParrothead]

Everyone that my wife and I met were civil on the surface until they saw a Joe Knew shirt or you mentioned the Sandusky mess and than they came unglued.
So that will never go away!
On our 4.5 hr drive home to eastern PA we noticed a number of Nitter cars passing us ( we had our small Pitt flag out of course) with JVP plaques glued to the front and real of the vehicles.That sealed the deal for us that the Nitters are JoePa lunatics and it will never change no matter what evidence comes out!

 

[Butler Pitt Fan]

Just wanted to say that despite the bitter taste of losing a game I've been eagerly looking forward to..

My experience in Pitt and Heinz field was top notch. Stayed in the south side and had a great time at the bars both Friday/Saturday without any issues.

Tailgating was a blast, Penn Stater's and Pitt fans mixed in together without any confrontation I saw personally. Sat in a predominantly Pitt filled section as my seats were purchased by a Pitt alum and while there was some good ribbing throughout the game, it was easily one of the more pleasurable away experiences I've had.

While I'm sure there will be isolated incidents next year, I can only hope Pitt fans are treated as nicely and fairly as we were next year in State College.

Congrats on the well deserved win.

Thanks for the class post! Glad you had a great time, and I enjoyed a lot if interactions with Penn Stater's before, during, and after the game. Very few morons on either side, which is the way it should be.

If you spend a lot of time on these message boards you would think that both fans bases are filled with morons, but it's not. People often forget this is a game, not life and death.

Really wish Pitt/PSU could be a yearly game though, it's so much fun and great for the state and both universities.

Hail to Pitt!!!

 

[MajorMajors]

Just wanted to say that despite the bitter taste of losing a game I've been eagerly looking forward to..

My experience in Pitt and Heinz field was top notch. Stayed in the south side and had a great time at the bars both Friday/Saturday without any issues.

Tailgating was a blast, Penn Stater's and Pitt fans mixed in together without any confrontation I saw personally. Sat in a predominantly Pitt filled section as my seats were purchased by a Pitt alum and while there was some good ribbing throughout the game, it was easily one of the more pleasurable away experiences I've had.

While I'm sure there will be isolated incidents next year, I can only hope Pitt fans are treated as nicely and fairly as we were next year in State College.

Congrats on the well deserved win.

I was impressed by the way the PSU players stayed in the game and fought back after a rocky start.

I was glad to see the Nit fans being humble, for the most part, and just enjoying a good football game with tons of big plays on both sides.

Penn State fans should realize they have an image to mend. Over time, some humility and good sportsmanship will go a long way.

Go Pitt.

 

[mdpitt]

Paco, I always look forward to your very knowledgeable posts. However, I have to disagree with the 91% you stated. I live in eastern Pa (Phiily suburbs) and almost ALL PSU fans I know and come across are embarrassed by the Joebots, and actually feel that Joe "KNEW." One of my sons is a PSU grad and he and most (probably all) of his PSU friends are also against the Joebots.
They're typical alums that you'd see from any school...they root for PSU football and certainly don't think Joepa is any kind of deity. They see him as a successful football coach, period, and DO NOTwant to see him honored.
Now as far as central PA is concerned, I tend to agree with your assessment for the most part. I also spend some time out there and yes I see the ridiculous, over the top adulation. But 91% of ALL psu fans...I don't agree.
One more point; IMO most of this is caught up with older fans who can go back to the 80's and before. It seems to me that the younger generations don't care about the nonsense. IMO the younger PSU fans who can't relate to the old days, just want to move on.

I think you hit the nail on the head. Away from State College, most reasonable Alumnus have capitulated. There is a subset of people 65 and older who kind of feel like when you attack Joe, you are attacking the elderly. I have two in laws that are rabid Pitt fans ( and Graduates ) but they simply won't touch attacking Paterno.They might attack the football program but not Joe. I kind of get it and anyone with elderly people in your family might understand it.

 

[mdpitt]

They're not going to get 107K for Temple. Their crowds have been down for marginal teams. The revolt is against Franklin. People that aren't liable to already be going to that game aren't going to be more likely or less likely to show up for a 5 minute pre-game tribute to Paterno on the video board whether they think it is a great idea or not.

Look, the only real data is the their own alumni association's own poll. Now, that has selection bias involved, but it easily matches what I see in Central PA.

I don't think they get 107,000 for Temple but if they did, I'm actually concerned.

 

[PHATWOOD]

This was a fun game. Period. I understand and respect Paco's views, but this game should be played. It's good for football in PA, it's good for both programs whether they want to admit it or not but most of all it's good for the fans.

With social media these days, the rivalry games have taken on a bit of a dark undercurrent. There's never a way to disconnect from it if you spend a second on facebook, twitter, or a message board. Heck even comments sections under articles have become ridiculous internet wrestling matches.

It was a little bit easier to keep perspective years ago when you just played the game and then everyone went back to their respective corners and went on about their lives until the next year when you played again. Look at what Pitt/WVU was like in the late 2000's - it had gotten to some ridiculous fever pitch of hate that went beyond just strong rivalry.

You're not going to replicate the emotion, the feeling, the passion of Saturday very often. Certainly not when we're playing Duke and PSU is playing Illinois.

 

[Consultant Panther]

Paco, I always look forward to your very knowledgeable posts. However, I have to disagree with the 91% you stated. I live in eastern Pa (Phiily suburbs) and almost ALL PSU fans I know and come across are embarrassed by the Joebots, and actually feel that Joe "KNEW." One of my sons is a PSU grad and he and most (probably all) of his PSU friends are also against the Joebots.
They're typical alums that you'd see from any school...they root for PSU football and certainly don't think Joepa is any kind of deity. They see him as a successful football coach, period, and DO NOTwant to see him honored.
Now as far as central PA is concerned, I tend to agree with your assessment for the most part. I also spend some time out there and yes I see the ridiculous, over the top adulation. But 91% of ALL psu fans...I don't agree.
One more point; IMO most of this is caught up with older fans who can go back to the 80's and before. It seems to me that the younger generations don't care about the nonsense. IMO the younger PSU fans who can't relate to the old days, just want to move on.

I live in the Reading area, which is a little over an hour away from Philadelphia and the vast majority (I'd say well over 90%) of Penn State fans here are the Joebot kind. They pretty much worship Paterno and think he did nothing wrong. This includes kids that currently go there and people from all walks of life. It's just sickening.

 

[caleco's]

I think you hit the nail on the head. Away from State College, most reasonable Alumnus have capitulated. There is a subset of people 65 and older who kind of feel like when you attack Joe, you are attacking the elderly. I have two in laws that are rabid Pitt fans ( and Graduates ) but they simply won't touch attacking Paterno.They might attack the football program but not Joe. I kind of get it and anyone with elderly people in your family might understand it.

bUT the elderly were young once. we will all be there one day. does Charles Manson get a pass now because he has an aarp card?

 

[mdpitt]

bUT the elderly were young once. we will all be there one day. does Charles Manson get a pass now because he has an aarp card?

No but I think it's the fact that Joe appeared to be a perfect image of an elderly man coaching a major program. Elderly people look out for each other and it in some weird way it's a reminder if Joe was flawed, then maybe they are flawed. Everyone has a little bad in themselves but they don't want to see it.

Tough to explain but the elderly don't throw Paterno under the bus because it's like throwing themselves under the bus. This is not rational nor my beliefs but I think it plays out.

Anyone who is over 40 that reads someone their same age dies from a heart attack or Cancer, you stop a little longer to ponder. Maybe a little connection.

 

[dclionsfan]

Had a few joe knew comments, that's fine.
Had a great time tailgating with pitt fans. Glad to have you all next year. I'm done with all the Sandusky stuff. Let the courts take care of that. I go to psu games to enjoy some food, beer and friends. Hope to experience the same next year. Stay away from the students, that's the key.

 

[ratking17]

I spend a lot of time in Central PA. You learn quickly not to bring it up if you want to be in any social setting, but you hear it all the time in conversations when it turns toward the topic...from otherwise normal, educated, professional people. They think the views are normal, and there is no changing their minds. They've bought in completely to the conspiracy theories and media unfairness. It's the bubble effect. Hell, the printed Altoona Mirror's PSU fan profile (they do this before every game) answered the proudest PSU moment question with a "overcoming the ridiculous and unfair sanctions that tried to destroy the university" answer. That is not a minority view, and it is not viewed as at all inappropriate. I said going in that support Pitt, wear Pitt gear, and do Pitt cheers and not instigate, but I don't believe in backing down if confronted with people willing to bury the tragedy for the sake of football culture either.

Time would normally allow this to fade into history, but the university can't seem to get out of its own way.

Paco is right. I live in central pa and that was the gist of one of my previous posts. Allegheny County nitters are more sensible than what we will get in state college next year. Those are the message board nitters and the ones looking to have relevance in their lives by bringing back the statue

 

[Toddy_Too_Hotty]

Just wanted to say that despite the bitter taste of losing a game I've been eagerly looking forward to..

My experience in Pitt and Heinz field was top notch. Stayed in the south side and had a great time at the bars both Friday/Saturday without any issues.

Tailgating was a blast, Penn Stater's and Pitt fans mixed in together without any confrontation I saw personally. Sat in a predominantly Pitt filled section as my seats were purchased by a Pitt alum and while there was some good ribbing throughout the game, it was easily one of the more pleasurable away experiences I've had.

While I'm sure there will be isolated incidents next year, I can only hope Pitt fans are treated as nicely and fairly as we were next year in State College.

Congrats on the well deserved win.

I'm happy to hear you were treated well at Pitt, and I hope those visiting Beaver stadium next year are treated well too. I just spoke with a coworker (PSU alum, wife PItt alum) that attended the game. He said it went well too.

I'm glad those that make provocative and disparaging comments on the message boards don't do the same when they are face-to-face with others. Overwhelmingly, people get a long just fine despite their team allegiances.

 

[caleco's]

No but I think it's the fact that Joe appeared to be a perfect image of an elderly man coaching a major program. Elderly people look out for each other and it in some weird way it's a reminder if Joe was flawed, then maybe they are flawed. Everyone has a little bad in themselves but they don't want to see it.

Tough to explain but the elderly don't throw Paterno under the bus because it's like throwing themselves under the bus. This is not rational nor my beliefs but I think it plays out.

Anyone who is over 40 that reads someone their same age dies from a heart attack or Cancer, you stop a little longer to ponder. Maybe a little connection.

I agree with you. I think it is that the mindset of generation more than the actual age.

 

[Pittx9]

Did people actually engage any fans in conversations about honoring JoePa, sanctions, Freeh report, etc? I sure the hell didn't.

Haha I'm with you there. Had no problems with anyone on Saturday, but if that would've came up in conversation it would've been a whole different story. It makes me so angry to hear their opinions about all of that... if they don't bring it up, I try to avoid the topic as much as possible.

 

[Hailpitt]

I have attended every Pitt-PSU game since 1969. Trust me, the 28-7 early score kept the psu fans in their place. I have never been at a Pitt-PSU game where Pitt had a 3 touchdown lead ( been at a number of these games where psu had a 3 touchdown lead), but it was nice to see how quiet and well behaved the psu fans were. Had they jumped to an early lead or God forbid had taken the lead at the end they would have been their same obnoxious and arrogant selves. Psu fans have not changed.
By the way, saw number of psu fans ( including mothers with young daughters with s__t on Pitt shirts. They remain classless. I am proud that Pitt fans did not stoop to their level even though a "Jo Knew" shirt was an elegant way to express the truth.

 

[CrazyPaco]

Paco, I always look forward to your very knowledgeable posts. However, I have to disagree with the 91% you stated. I live in eastern Pa (Phiily suburbs) and almost ALL PSU fans I know and come across are embarrassed by the Joebots, and actually feel that Joe "KNEW." One of my sons is a PSU grad and he and most (probably all) of his PSU friends are also against the Joebots.
They're typical alums that you'd see from any school...they root for PSU football and certainly don't think Joepa is any kind of deity. They see him as a successful football coach, period, and DO NOTwant to see him honored.
Now as far as central PA is concerned, I tend to agree with your assessment for the most part. I also spend some time out there and yes I see the ridiculous, over the top adulation. But 91% of ALL psu fans...I don't agree.
One more point; IMO most of this is caught up with older fans who can go back to the 80's and before. It seems to me that the younger generations don't care about the nonsense. IMO the younger PSU fans who can't relate to the old days, just want to move on.

Philly suburbs are way different the Central PA. I lived in Philly too. Night and day.

Hey, I didn't invent the 91% number. That is from their own alumni association. If people disagree, they need to not concede the narrative because the 91% that responded to that survey are destroying the university.

 

[HunkyPanther]

Had a few joe knew comments, that's fine.
Had a great time tailgating with pitt fans. Glad to have you all next year. I'm done with all the Sandusky stuff. Let the courts take care of that. I go to psu games to enjoy some food, beer and friends. Hope to experience the same next year. Stay away from the students, that's the key.

I for one would take you up on the invite! I have three sisters and a brother that all graduated from PSU so the division runs deep in our family. I can honestly say that was one of the more entertaining college football games I have attended and I have attended a lot. Both teams gave it their all, and out of respect for the game, I could only compliment the PSU fans on a game well played as this was what this game should be about. I look forward to the game next year as know doubt will be coming and hope it is just as good.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

I don't think they get 107,000 for Temple but if they did, I'm actually concerned.

Just for fun I looked yesterday to see what sort of ticket availability they have for their remaining home games. While the Temple game is not sold out there are far fewer (many thousands) tickets left for that game than any other on their schedule other than Ohio State. Even the big Land Grant trophy game has sold no where near as many tickets as Temple has.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

If there's an appropriate forum for that, I don't think it's 5 hours leading up to game time in an booze fueled environment. As a younger alum in my late 20's, I fall pretty far away from the religious Joe following in the Penn State spectrum, so it's easy for me to be much more tolerant of the criticism I heard first hand this weekend. I can admit Joe and admin were in the wrong. I'm sure blue wigs of Penn State nation would not fair so well.

Agree, Penn State University put in 2012 Reforms to correct the Penn State University Football Program and put it in Athletic Integrity Compliance's not influenced or above the University by any One Coach ever again that Lack Institutional Control. The University will always come first again now and in the future!

On the other hand, I have no problem with recognizing Joe Paterno Great Coaching, Contributions to Penn State and taking care of his Family that also benefited and contributed to Penn State with passion and pride. I can separate Joe's Great Coaching from the University's Athletic Integrity Non-Compliance's the Reforms corrected under an NCAA Monitor that recommended reduced Sanctions and reversed Vacated Wins!

What happen in the past is still be decided and resolved but Penn State University is better today due to the 2012 Reforms. As well as, a Model of Athletic Integrity Compliance and Center of Children Abuse Protection for the nation to benefit and share to protect and counsel Abuse Victims. Correcting a prior University Football Era's errors should be commended because it is no longer ignored!

The Historic Pitt-Penn State Game Series being renewed and played before Polite and Excited Best & Brightest Behaved Fans was a delight to see, and friendly banter was a joy to laugh together back and forth again. It was an error in ending that series too, as seen how it is the Historic Biggest Sell Out In Pittsburgh Sports All Time Record.

I experienced it in a Hotel Bar in West Virginia among 10 PSU and 4 Pitt Fans and I believe that was taking place everywhere not just at Heinz Stadium or on the GridIron.

Penn State Fans can't wait until next year and neither can Pitt Fans! WVU fans want to join in too in the future. There is no downside now that all 3 are OOC games and won't affect Conference Championship Champ Game Titles!

 

[Delpanther]

I'll make a prediction right now- Pitt fans who travel to Happy Valley next year will be treated like crap! I've been there- they're the most parochial, least knowledgable FB fans in the US. Can't change spots on a leopard.

 

[dclionsfan]

Stay away from students at psu and you'll be fine. My dad and uncle are pitt fans and I'm a psu fan. There are a lot of families intermixed. We all get along and cheer for our teams and bust each other's chops. Just stay away from the students.