Penn State Football: History of Whiteout Games

In preparation of next week’s whiteout game against powerhouse Ohio State, I decided to take a look back at the brief history of Penn State’s whiteout games. 

Although we have many fond memories of seeing the crowd at Beaver Stadium in all white, this wasn’t always a tradition. In fact, this has only been a tradition since 2004. Despite it’s brief history, the annual whiteout game has become the game that the fan base gets most excited about every year.

The whiteout means that the game has meaning. It’s always a big game, on prime time national television, against a big time opponent. Every other year Penn State’s whiteout game is against Ohio State, since they switch off venues they play in from year to year. In 2004, the first whiteout game at Beaver Stadium took place versus Purdue. Despite Penn State losing that contest 20-13, the whiteout atmosphere became an instant classic in Happy Valley, and thus became a tradition.

The tradition saw it’s first action against Penn State’s biggest rival, Ohio State, in 2005. The Nittany Lions knocked off Troy Smith and the Buckeyes 17-10 to remain undefeated. This incredible atmosphere only enhanced the already hostile rivalry with Ohio State. In 2009, Iowa came into Beaver Stadium prepared for the hostile environment. The unranked Hawkeyes knocked off #5 Penn State 21-10, and for the second straight season handed the Nittany Lions their first loss of the year. As we all know, the issues with Iowa remained for several years. In 2010, Penn State faced off against Michigan. Neither teams were ranked. It was Matt McGloin’s first career start, and his big performance led Penn State to a 41-31 win over the Wolverines. The 2013 whiteout against Michigan was Hackenberg’s first career whiteout start. It was one of the best games in Penn State’s long and storied football history. It took 2 overtimes, but the Nittany Lions prevailed over a strong Michigan side 43-40, and it was the first time following the sanctions that Happy Valley have a happy vibe. Our last notable whiteout game was in 2014, when Ohio State came to town. It took 2 overtimes and a series of bad calls, but the Buckeyes kept their undefeated season alive, and went on to win the BCS national championship.

Will Penn State’s game next week against Ohio State be the next memorable whiteout? With our explosive offense this season it’s a possibility. We will preview the game next week, which will include our prediction.