Before a landscape of empty seats, Lions back in action
They’ve watched other teams cancel games because they’ve had spikes in COVID-19 cases.
They’ve watched other players opt out of the season once their teams fell out of contention for conference titles or playoff consideration.
The Penn State Nittany Lions, however, have found a way to play every game and stick together through this crazy season, even after starting it with five consecutive losses.
Now, coming off back-to-back road wins over Michigan and Rutgers, they might have found their groove.
“It’s hard to fall apart when you just know how hard people are working,” senior defensive end Shaka Toney said. “Everybody puts so much into it, it’s hard to fall apart just because it didn’t go the way it was planned.
“People who only set out for themselves, that’s why you see those teams fall apart. People opt out because they don’t feel the same love that we feel on our team.”
Penn State (2-5) has momentum going into its Senior Day game against Michigan State (2-4) Saturday at noon at empty Beaver Stadium (TV-ABC). Due to stricter COVID-19 restrictions issued by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, there will be no fans - including family members of the players - invited in to watch.
The Lions have had two players, wide receiver John Dunmore and defensive back Trent Gordon, enter the transfer portal since the season began. The rest have stayed, despite the worst start in school history.
“I’ll never give up on one of my teammates,” senior defensive tackle Antonio Shelton said. “I don’t think any of us will. We won’t point fingers. We won’t throw anybody under the bus because nobody’s perfect. That’s what a brotherhood is. That’s what a team is.
“Sometimes you’re going to come up short, but it’s about how you stick together. There was no division. It was a, ‘We’ve got to figure this out together’ type of thing.”
Penn State has relied on a methodical ground game and a stingy defense the last two weeks, rushing for 502 yards against the Wolverines and Scarlet Knights and holding them to less than 20 points and
300 total yards.
The Lions have improved to second in the Big Ten in total offense
(412.6) and fourth in total defense
(327.4).
“These seniors have done so much for this program,” junior quarterback Sean Clifford said. “They’ve been the glue holding everybody together this year through quarantine and COVID and how the season went in the beginning. We’ve had a lot of adversity.
“The seniors have done a great job of using their age and wisdom and being the rock to the program. I appreciate all of them. That’s why we want to send them off the right way this week.”
Several players credit Penn State coach James Franklin and his staff for creating a family culture within the program.
“I think it’s just the character of the guys who Coach Franklin brings in,” Clifford said. “I don’t think it’s anything less. It’s how we’re raised. Even through adversity, you’ve got a bunch of guys who have learned early that, ‘ I’m not going to give up on my family and my teammates.’
“The last thing that I’m going to do in times of adversity and times where your team needs you the most is just turn your back.”
Penn State has dropped five of the last seven meetings with Michigan State for the Land Grant Trophy, but the Lions have been installed as two-touchdown favorites.
In Mel Tucker’s first year as head coach, the Spartans have struggled on offense. They rank last in the Big Ten in scoring (17.0) and total yards (319.7) and have committed 23 turnovers, the most in the conference. They’re also next-to-last in points allowed (34.5).
Rocky Lombardi has completed just 53.5% of his passes and has thrown nine interceptions, tying Clifford for the most in the Big Ten.
The 12 Penn State seniors who will be recognized before today’s game could decide to return next season because the NCAA has granted a one-year waiver for all athletes.
“The only thing I’m focused on is the task at hand,” Shelton said, “and the task at hand is playing Michigan State. I can’t think too far ahead or anything like that. If I let other things distract me, I’m not going to be able to put my best
foot forward to help my team win a game.”
It’s the same approach that the Lions have used to remain together.
“Seeing this season through for a lot of us was just sending a message to the young guys,” Toney said. “No matter what, you fight game after game, week after week, practice after practice, day after day. You go out there and you do whatever you can for your brother.
“It’s tough but we’re going to be OK. You don’t have to fall apart when adversity hits. That’s when you’re supposed to get closer.”
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Beaver Stadium’s stands should essentially be empty for the game. Wolf’s restrictions were issued Thursday and are to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, running at least until 8 a.m. on Jan. 4. They include limiting outdoor gatherings to no more than 50 people.
“As has been the case throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of our student-athletes and staff has been our top priority,” said a statement issued Friday through the Penn State athletic department. “We follow the state
and university health guidelines, which continue to evolve based on the changing conditions.
“As such, we will not be permitted to host spectators at our athletic competitions beginning Saturday.”
About 1,500 parents and relatives of players from Penn State and the visiting team attended each of the Nittany Lions’ first three home games at 106,572-seat Beaver Stadium.
Those in attendance were required to wear masks and keep their distance from others. In addition, Penn State parents have not had close contact with their sons before or after games. The team is scheduled to honor 12 players on Senior Day before facing Michigan State.
“We are extremely disappointed for our football seniors, their parents and their families,” the statement continued. “They have been looking forward to their Senior Day and making arrangements to attend Saturday’s game, so this timing has proven difficult for all parties.
“However, we understand the gravity of the pandemic and know this decision was made with the health and safety of our communities at the forefront.”