By Fitzgerald Cecilio

State College, PA

Fans came in droves to witness a new chapter in Penn State football history unfolds Saturday and show their support for the Nittany Lions despite the child abuse scandal that rocked the university.

"It means more than anything. It means so much to be a part of this rebuilding process," freshman Avi Kallmeyer said. "We're still here, and we're not going anywhere. We're ready."

Despite the fans' enthusiasm, Penn State lost their first game in the post-Joe Paterno era and first under new coach Bill O'Brien at the helm, bowing to Ohio University, 24-14.

Before the game, the Nittany Lions were welcomed by a pathway formed by almost 600 athletes from almost every other varsity sports team of the university while the Penn State's Blue Band belted out the fight song.

While they take the field, the stadium was filled with chants of "We are Penn State" from fans, including Susan Lamey, who said that her support for the Nittany Lions will stay despite the heavy sanctions slapped by the NCAA.

"We've been here for 50 years and it's been a lot of changes, and we have been hurt by many, many things. But no matter what, we will always be here for this football team. And we will be here for Bill O'Brien -- win, lose or draw. We're here for the long haul," Lamey said.

The NCAA fined Penn State $60 million, banned from postseason play for four years, reduced its scholarship grants to athletes and stripped of more than 100 wins for the university's mishandling of the child abuse committed by former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky.

A report by former FBI Director Louis Freeh indicated that Penn State's leadership showed "total and consistent disregard" for Sandusky's victims after late football coach Joe Paterno and three other university officials deliberately hid facts about the abuse of several children inside the school's facilities.

The school held a brief moment of silence for child abuse victims shortly before the Nittany Lions take on Ohio University.

Ohio scored 21 unanswered points in the second half, including a touchdown pass from quarterback Tyler Tettleton to wide receiver Donte Foster that sealed the victory.

The Nittany Lions scored first in the final seconds of the first quarter behind Bill Belton's six-yard touchdown run and added another after Matt McGloin connected with tight end Matt Lehman for a 14-yard touchdown pass.

 

 

Penn State Starts New Football Era with Loss to Ohio