Penn State fans cheer on the Nittany Lions during a White Out game against Minnesota at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College. Hes Dr 102222 Whiteout
Editor’s note: This is an opinion piece and reflects only the thoughts and opinions of the author.
It’s one of the most iconic scenes in all of sports — the Penn State White Out. After almost 20 years, the White Out has become a celebration for Penn State football fans and a much-watch event for the college football world. Now it’s to the point where the color white has become synonymous with Penn State fandom itself. From Big Ten country to the Plains of Auburn to Pasadena, the Penn State White Out has even become a traveling show.
But the White Out is dying in the new media market of college football. The Penn State community is currently struggling to come to grips with the path forward for the spectacle that has become emblematic of the university itself. But what if there’s an answer in sight? What if the White Out can be redefined for the next generation of Penn State football?
An “avalanche of sound”
My first experience with the White Out was the 2005 matchup against Ohio State. This game defined what the spectacle would become for the next two decades. I remember sitting in the rain-soaked north end zone upper deck that visibly shook each time Kernkraft 400 played. It was an “avalanche of sound,” and that’s what the White Out quickly became — one of the most intimidating environments in all of college football.
Whether from the Beaver Stadium grandstands or at home, the White Out quickly became the defining date on the Penn State football calendar. While fun as a fan, it was also work. You had a task. In a game where Penn State was often the underdog, fans had to be as loud as possible to level the playing field. And in many cases, it worked. There are numerous examples over the years of the Nittany Lions hanging in games in which they had no business being competitive.
The death of the Penn State White Out
But the White Out is slowly dying. With the Big Ten’s media market transition away from ESPN and towards Fox and NBC, Penn State’s most prominent home matchup of the season will likely be played at noon for the foreseeable future.
Perhaps it’s the old soul in me, but I don’t mind Big Noon Saturday. It’s like Christmas — I’m impatient by nature and want to get to the main event as soon as possible. Plus, being home in time for the afternoon and evening games is an added bonus.
But I must admit that the noon kickoffs have been the death knell of the White Out. Beaver Stadium doesn’t pop in the daylight like it does at night. And while I thought the crowds of the last two Big Noon games were good, they didn’t have the same WWE-style atmosphere as does the White Out.
So now, Penn State is faced with a dilemma. If it pairs the White Out game with its premiere matchup, it loses the spectacle of prime time. But if it saves the game for under the lights, it loses some of the “knock out, drag out” fight appeal that has made the White Out a raucous atmosphere. We see this debate with the 2023 White Out playing out in real time.
Hold on, expansion’s comin’
But I think there’s a realistic path forward. The White Out just needs to hold on for one more year. Next season, everything changes (again).
In 2024, USC and UCLA will join the Big Ten. With this move, the conference will likely finally do away with the East/West division split that has been a thorn in the Nittany Lions’ side for so long. But this change can also help save the White Out. While I expect Penn State to continue to host either Ohio State or Michigan every year, Beaver Stadium should also see more marquee matchups on an annual basis.
USC should continue to be a playoff contender under Lincoln Riley. Chip Kelly has started to rebuild UCLA’s football program as well. Luke Fickell and Matt Rhule are also hoping to return Wisconsin and Nebraska to prominence. Each season, one of these teams will likely make their way to Happy Valley. And if Fox gets first dibs on the Ohio State or Michigan matchups, then it’s a safe bet that NBC’s Big Ten Saturday Night will get these games. While they may not always be top-10 games, these matchups will be hotly contested and filled with intrigue. The games will be must-watch television — the perfect environment to showcase Penn State football.
There’s also the elephant in the room of the expanded College Football Playoff that starts in 2024. With opening-round matchups hosted at college venues, Beaver Stadium will likely see playoff football soon. While Penn State can’t plan for this every year, a home playoff game will most definitely evoke second-White Out protocol. And even if these matchups started at noon, in mid-December, the end of these games will occur under the Beaver Stadium lights. To me, the playoff game atmosphere in Beaver Stadium will be unlike anything we’ve ever seen, including the White Out.
So, I’m sad to see the end of the White Out that I grew up with. But I won’t mourn for long. There are exciting new horizons ahead for college football. And in this new world, the Penn State White Out will undoubtedly play a critical role.
Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!
Apr 15, 2023; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin walks off the field following the competition of the Blue White spring game at Beaver Stadium. The Blue team defeated the White team 10-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Earlier today, James Franklin and the Nittany Lions’ coaching staff had some time to speak with the media ahead of summer camp in Happy Valley. With the team’s newest signees suiting up and on campus now, it comes as little surprise to fans and the media that a new Penn State football transfer portal addition is already standing out during his short period in the Blue and White.
New Penn State football transfer portal addition already standing out
According to Penn State head coach James Franklin, the Nittany Lions have a star in Dante Cephas, a new Penn State football transfer portal addition. Cephas is headed to State College after spending four years with the Kent State Golden Flashes, a member of the Mid-American Conference.
Cephas brings a large frame, quick hands, great footwork, and a fast release to the table for the Blue and White. He is expected to be a valuable weapon for Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, who many assume will be the Nittany Lions’ starter in Week 1 against the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Today, James Franklin delved into what makes Dante Cephas special and shared his observations so far.
James Franklin breaks down Cephas
Below is just some of what the Nittany Lions’ head coach, James Franklin, had to say about Dante Cephas and his abilities thus far in the Blue and White. It’s important to note that these comments were made shortly after Cephas arrived on campus and before summer ball, but indications are that there are great things ahead for this new addition to the Penn State football transfer portal.
“He tested well in our initial testing,” James Franklin said earlier today during Penn State’s media availability. “I do think this level of training, no knock to anybody else or other programs or other schools, I do think this is different for him. And I think, in a lot of ways, that’s exciting because the lifting in the running is at a very different level. And I think his body really has a chance to explode and develop over the time that hopefully we have him. So far, so good.”
Dante Cephas has been receiving significant national attention since joining Penn State after the 2022 season. Just this week, he was recognized as a top Big Ten transfer by CBS Sports and was ranked among the top three wide receivers in the Big Ten by Pro Football Focus. It’s clear that Cephas is off to a strong start in the Blue and White.
Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) is defended by USC Trojans defensive back Ajene Harris (27) in the second quarter during the 103rd Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
On Thursday afternoon, the 2024 and 2025 Big Ten schedules for football were announced. The announcement is notable given the addition of two new teams, USC and UCLA, to the conference. In a significant move for Nittany Lions fans, Penn State football will host USC in Beaver Stadium next fall, followed by UCLA in 2025.
Penn State football gets favorable Big Ten matchups in 2024
Penn State football will face a series of monster Big Ten opponents at home in 2025, including Michigan State, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, and USC. The schedule also features several favorable road matchups, such as Indiana, Purdue, Rutgers, and Wisconsin.
The 2025 schedule will present a challenge for Nittany Lions
While the 2024 schedule shakes out favorably for Penn State football, 2025 will be much more difficult. The Nittany Lions will host Illinois, Minnesota, and Rutgers in the 2025 season. However, the road slate will feature extremely difficult tests. Penn State will have to travel to several challenging venues, including Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, and USC.
Other notable features of the new 2024 and 2025 Big Ten schedules
As has been reported by several different outlets this afternoon, Penn State is not included in one of the protected rivalry games kept by the Big Ten. We are already seeing the impacts of this feature firsthand. Penn State will not play the Michigan Wolverines next season, nor will the Nittany Lions play the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2025.
While this means that James Franklin and Penn State will no longer face the gauntlet of the Big Ten East, that does not mean the schedule gets easier by any means. The 2025 road schedule is nothing short of daunting, with games at Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, and USC.
Of course, we do not have the scheduled dates for any of these games yet, so the timings of these matchups will also greatly influence the strength of the schedule for the Nittany Lions.
Please note: This is a breaking news story. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!
Nov 5, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Dvon Ellies (91) celebrates with Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Coziah Izzard (99) after a sack during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Earlier today, head coach James Franklin had a chance to speak with the media for around 30 minutes at the Lasch Football Building in State College, PA. There, Franklin expressed his excitement about the Penn State football defensive line — specifically the defensive tackles — which he claims may be the best in the nation. Since last year’s crushing 41-17 loss to Michigan, the D-tackle position has been in question for Penn State, so this is great news for the Blue and White.
Penn State football defensive line is resolving questions with defensive tackles this spring
The Penn State football defensive line is looking like one of the best in the country right now — from the defensive ends to the interior of the D-line, the Nittany Lions are looking to make waves on defense and push for a Big Ten title this fall.
Following the Blue/White spring game at Beaver Stadium in April, James Franklin pointed out a major area of need for his Nittany Lions: more depth and experience at defensive tackle. Considering the loss of long-time star defensive tackle PJ Mustipher from the 2022 squad, Franklin’s concern appeared to be justified. However, today his message was different heading into summer camp.
“Probably the position I am most excited about right now, for a lot of different reasons, is defensive tackle,” head coach James Franklin said earlier today. “… We got a chance to have, I think, one of the best D-lines in the country — from a depth and talent standpoint — but also a size standpoint … right now that’s a position group that I am really excited about, that I think has a chance to take us to the next level on defense.”
2023 D-line, especially defensive tackles, could make or break the Nittany Lions’ season
A season ago, the Penn State football defensive line left many wondering how it would pan out down the road. Now, Franklin says that these questions are starting to be resolved.
“We’ve got a chance (to have a great defensive tackle group), we just gotta back it up with the work right now,” Franklin explained.
There have been a few notable names turning heads along the Penn State football defensive line this spring. One of the most talked-about rising stars is sophomore tackle Zane Durant, who has consistently been mentioned as a potential breakout player for the 2023 season. Additionally, players like Hakeem Beamon and Dvon Ellies were mentioned today as potential stars in the making.
“Zane Durant is bigger and stronger than he’s been,” Franklin said. “Hakeem [Beamon] is bigger than he has been in a long time.”
If this year’s Penn State football defensive line can step up and make a significant impact this fall, the Nittany Lions will have their best opportunity in quite some time to challenge the powerhouses of the Big Ten East, Michigan and Ohio State. It could pave the way for them to claim the program’s first Big Ten title since the 2016 season.
Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!
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