The Scene at Penn State

SI Staff | Sep 1, 2012

The Scene at Penn State /

The Scene at Penn State

After an offseason of unprecedented scandal, Penn State resumed playing football on Saturday. Though NCAA sanctions have crippled the program in the wake of Jerry Sandusky's child sex abuse conviction, the community in State College still rallied to support the team, filling Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lions led by 11 at the half, but went on to lose 24-14 to Ohio in Bill O'Brien's first game as head coach.

Before Saturday's game, coach Bill O'Brien addresses Penn State fans at the Friday night Football Eve rally.

Penn State fans hold a Friday night vigil to show their continued support for the victims of child sexual abuse.

Penn State fans cheer as the team bus arrives at Beaver Stadium for the Ohio game.

Enthusiastic fans show their support as Bill O'Brien and the Nittany Lions enter the team facilities.

A cardboard cutout of former Penn State coach Joe Paterno stands near the former site of Paterno's nine-foot bronze statue.

The max-capacity crowd roared as the Nittany Lions emerged from the Beaver Stadium tunnel to take on Ohio.

The Nittany Lions enter Beaver Stadium, sporting their last names on their jerseys for the first time in program history.

Fans sit in front of a sign inside Beaver Stadium featuring an image of former coach Joe Paterno celebrating.

Bill O'Brien leads his team onto the field at Beaver Stadium.

Penn State cheerleaders during a pregame moment of silence for victims of child abuse.

The Nittany Lions gather during warmups. The blue ribbon on their helmets is to support child abuse victims.

Fans cheer as Penn State takes on Ohio.

Fans show their support for the new Penn State regime.

Bill Belton (1) pumps up the crowd before Penn State's game against Ohio.

Bill Belton (1) celebrates with Allen Robinson (8) and Kyle Carter (87) after rushing for Penn State's first touchdown of the season.

Matt Lehman scores a second-quarter touchdown to give Penn State the lead against Ohio.

Backup Penn State quarterback Shane McGregor kneels after his team's opening weekend home loss to Ohio.

A Penn State fan reacts to the team's upset loss to Ohio.

Penn State coach Bill O'Brien shakes hands with Ohio coach Frank Solich after the Bobcats' 24-14 win over the Nittany Lions.

Published Sep 1, 2012

SI STAFF