In a game that just a few months ago was really just a regional / conference rivalry game, the Nebraska – Penn State Game has taken on the look and importance of a bowl contest, in the wake of a set of two weeks that have rocked the very foundations of Penn State University, and shocked a nation.
To recap, former Penn State Defensive Coach Jerry Sandusky was indicted on 40 charges of sexual abuse to children. During the rapidly unveiling investigation and information, Penn State Wide Receivers Coach Mike McQueary was said to have actually seen Coach Sandusky in the act of abuse in the showers in 2002, but failed to call police. Instead, McQueary told his father, then waited a full day to tell Penn State Head Coach Joe Paterno.
After that, it was reported that Sandusky headed a foundation for at-risk youth that may have been, but has not been confirmed as being, a way for the rather-off coach to establish contact with more potential victims. And beyond that, Sandusky was apparently recruiting for Penn State as recently as this year, according to Pro Football Talk:
In an interview with WYFF-TV in Greenville, South Carolina high school linebacker Adam Ah Ching claims that Sandusky visited him earlier this year during spring football drills. That alleged visit from Sandusky came months after the Greer High School senior claimed to have received recruiting letters from Penn State, presumably from Mike McQueary, the Nittany Lions wide receivers coach/recruiting coordinator who is now on paid administrative leave.
It may have been those revelations that cost Joe Paterno his job this week. If it comes out that Paterno was in some way protecting Sandusky, it could not only look bad for Paterno, but possibly but not certainly lead to claims that he was helping a criminal.
Penn State Fights For Its Reputation
With all this, Penn State, students and alumni, find themselves shocked, saddened, and angry over these unfolding events. Some saw the Nebraska game as a way to gain back some lost luster. But as of now, even that’s not going well. Penn State is fighting back, but as of this writing is behind Penn State 14 to 17 with 49 seconds left in the 4th Quarter.
Penn State has the ball at their 29, with 49 second left and needing a field goal to tie.
Stay tuned.