On Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, was the Penn State Stripe Out game against Michigan. The so-called “unrivaled” Penn State football went up against one of their biggest rivals, the number three seed, Michigan. With Penn State’s record this season being 8-1, and the team being ranked tenth in the AP polls, some fans are full of faith. However, after a tough loss, fans are left wondering, will we ever beat Michigan?
The Penn State and Michigan rivalry goes back to 1993. Over the past thirty years, Penn State has won ten games against Michigan and lost sixteen. The Nittany Lions have lost the past three years.
Can the student section rally again?
Our home record of 6-7 is more promising than our away record, 4-9, giving the Nittany Lions leverage whenever the Wolverines step foot in Beaver Stadium.
One of the most iconic moments in Penn State football history was in 2019 during the Whiteout game against Michigan. The Penn State student section was so electric that Michigan had to take a time out on their first play. Penn State won 28-21, marking their last win at home against the Wolverines. That Whiteout game has gone down in history as one of the best moments in college football.
How are the allegations going to affect the team?
For a few weeks, speculations about Michigan sending scouts to steal signs have been circulating. Now, Coach Harbaugh is denying any knowledge of this. While the Big Ten and NCAA do not have official rules against sign stealing, it is an action that is punished due to its bad sportsmanship nature. It will take up to a few months for the NCAA to complete their investigation.
Connor Stalions, the man whose allegations of purchasing tickets to Big Ten games and recording the field are made towards, recently resigned from his position with Michigan. The NCAA has been led to believe that funding was involved in this operation.
Michigan has also accused Rutgers and Ohio State of sharing Michigan’s signs with Purdue last season. While many college football fans are angry with Michigan, others view them as victims due to what occurred last season.
Coach Harbaugh has been suspended for the rest of the season due to these allegations.
Will the Penn State community ruffle their feathers?
Fox’s Big Noon covered this game. With that came sign-making contests and fans ready to rally and make the 2023 Stripe Out memorable. Additionally, all week, Penn State Barstool has been flooding its page with content of students all over the world holding signs that say “Michigan Still Sucks.”
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