The first ten years of Penn State football in the Big Ten had produced consistent success, and a Big Ten championship in 1994. The next five years were...erratic, to say the least. Nittany Lion fans endured the worst on-field performance in the current coach’s era, but also saw another conference title. By the end of the period, Happy Valley had suffered through several disappointing seasons, but would soon experience the success that eluded them from 2003-2007.
2003 - “Hello Darkness My Old Friend”
Coming off of a 9-4 season that featured Heisman finalist Larry Johnson, and returning dynamic signal-caller Zack Mills, the Nittany Lion faithful had reason to be somewhat excited for the 2003 season.