Going into the game against Michigan (3-10, 0-5 Big Ten), Penn State had a lot on the line.
If the No. 18 Nittany Lions (8-6, 2-3 Big Ten) won, they qualified for the Big Ten Tournament. In addition to it being senior day, the Lions honored their late teammate, Connor Darcey, who died in a car accident last year.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned that when they came out here, they weren’t going to be able to manage and harness their emotions,” coach Jeff Tambroni said. “But we just kind of allowed them to do their thing as young men.