Penn State Memories

Matthew Rice

Wow. Where do I begin? The Ohio State game is far from a game. It is a full-combat war between skilled adversaries whose loyalty and history run deep — Red vs. Blue. It is where legends are born.

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The importance of this day has coaches from each team planning for the annual clash a year in advance. This game is the true midway point to the Big Ten season.

It is a champion’s proving ground. Everyone has a position to play.

Penn State fans move as a synchronized unit. Swarms of cars flood the highways, gas stations, fields and parking lots, all wanting to see one of the greatest shows on Earth.

Beaver Stadium is the stage for this year’s brawl. As the traditional Penn State blue buses pull up, the crowd’s electrifying energy forms the feared 12th Man. On the outskirts of the walls of Beaver Stadium stands Paternoville. A living showcase of PSU: pride, support and unity, all gathered to bear witness to the well-calculated war called Game Day.

All eyes are on the field. An equal level of rivalry and respect is displayed in the eyes of players, family and fans alike. Each person has foreshadowed their team’s victory with absolute certainty at their jobs, churches, barber shops, hair salon, grocery lines, chat lines, cell phone, Facebook and anywhere people will listen.

The adrenaline flows. Pride is on the line.

This undeniable and unexplainable energy is felt from millions of homes, bar stools, favorite chairs and favorite sofas across the country.

But my personal favorite is, without a doubt, the student section. I love you.We arebecause of you.Your energy is unmatched.

Each player has a laser focus on making every play count. Flashbacks creep in reminding us of every cold early-morning winter workout, every spring practice spent banging each other and countless summer days all in preparation for this day.

We have trained tirelessly for this moment.

Nothing else matters. It’s game time!

The talk stops today at 3:30 p.m. I have nothing more to say. Let’s Go.

Matthew Rice played defensive end for the Nittany Lions from 2001 to ’05. He is the founder and CEO of Blu Art Foundation and owner of Mateo Blu LLC.