Penn State coach James Franklin asked for “White Out energy” ahead of Saturday night’s tilt against No. 19 Illinois — and fans didn’t disappoint during the 21-7 win.
The Penn State faithful arrived early to tailgate, and plenty of fans were seen wearing white before Beaver Stadium opened its gates:
Kaiden Dare, 7, plays catch outside of Beaver Stadium before the Penn State game against Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State fan Drew Kendall grills chicken with bacon and cheese outside of Beaver Stadium before the Homecoming game on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State fans tailgate for the Homecoming game on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State fans play pong in the tailgate lots outside of Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State fans tailgate for the Homecoming game on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
The Nittany Lions arrived about two hours before kickoff Saturday and, as usual, were greeted by a throng of fans seeking high-fives. (A few younger fans even got some autographs.) Some football players arrived stone-faced, while others like Franklin smiled and took it all in.
The Penn State football team arrives at Beaver Stadium for the Homecoming game on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State offensive lineman Nolan Rucci signs autographs for young fans as the team arrives at Beaver Stadium for the Homecoming game on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State football coach James Franklin greets fans as he and the team arrive at Beaver Stadium for the Homecoming game on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State football coach James Franklin smiles for a selfie with a young fan as the team arrives at Beaver Stadium for the Homecoming game on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Just before the white-wearing crowd really began filling the stands, players took to the field to warm up and get in the right mind-set. Before the Homecoming game, alumni also played some music for the crowd.
Penn State linebacker Kobe King greets a teammate as they warm up for the Homecoming game on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
The Penn State Alumni Blue Band plays the alma mater before the game against Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Between the first and second quarters, Penn State recognized the 1994 team that finished a perfect 12-0 and, controversially, finished behind No. 1 Nebraska (13-0). Featuring legends such as quarterback Kerry Collins and running back Ki-Jana Carter, the 1994 team is widely regarded as one of the best in school history.
Ki-Jana Carter was the honorary captain for the game against Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Members of the Penn State 1994 football team including Kerry Collins are honored during the game against Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Members of the Penn State 1994 football team are honored during the game against Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Ki-Jana Carter tries to pump up the crowd as he and members of the Penn State 1994 football team are honored during the game against Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State fans cheer during the game against Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Penn State fans cheer during the game against Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
The Penn State Lionnettes dance during the game against Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
A group of Penn State students painted their chests “White Out … Energy” for the game against Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
This story was originally published September 28, 2024 at 7:16 PM.
