College GameDay and Penn State: A History of Gridiron Glory and Tailgate Traditions
Since its inception in 1993, ESPN's "College GameDay," now known as "College GameDay Built by The Home Depot," has become a staple of the college football experience. This pre-game show travels to the sites of the nation's most compelling matchups, capturing the unique atmosphere and traditions that define college football fandom. Penn State University, with its rich football history and passionate fanbase, has been a frequent destination for the GameDay crew, resulting in memorable moments and significant games.
The Essence of College GameDay
College GameDay is more than just a pre-game show; it's a celebration of college football culture. Broadcast on Saturday mornings during the season, the show creates a festive tailgate party atmosphere. Thousands of fans gather behind the broadcast set, eager to be seen on camera, often brandishing flags and hand-painted signs. The school's cheerleaders and mascots contribute to the lively atmosphere. The show's current main intro and theme music is performed by country music group The Cadillac Three featuring country singers Darius Rucker and Lainey Wilson, who perform the 2005 crossover hit "Comin' to Your City" by Big & Rich, which features revised lyrics which mention several top college teams.
A key segment of College GameDay is the prediction portion, where analysts and celebrity guests forecast the outcomes of the day's biggest games. The predictions use the standard scoring system and do not use the spread in determining the pick. From 1987 until his retirement in 2025, the show famously concluded with Corso's prediction for the host school's game, after which he dons the mascot's headgear of the team he predicts to win the game, usually to the ire or excitement of local fans. Corso made his first headgear pick on October 5, 1996, when he correctly picked the Ohio State Buckeyes over the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Penn State's College GameDay History: A Timeline of Memorable Moments
Penn State has hosted College GameDay multiple times, each visit adding to the program's rich history. These appearances often coincide with crucial games that have significant implications for the Nittany Lions' season and national standing. Here's a look at some of the most memorable College GameDay broadcasts from Happy Valley:
November 8, 1997: No. 4 Michigan vs. No. 2 Penn State
This game marked a significant moment in Penn State football history, though not a positive one. An already wet and miserable day quickly became much worse for Penn State fans following Michigan’s beat down of Joe Paterno’s previously undefeated Nittany Lion squad. The game marked the worst loss by a Paterno-led team in 32 years and the biggest margin of defeat suffered at home by Penn State since 1931. It helped vault Michigan to the No.
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August 28, 1999: No. 4 Arizona vs. No. 3 Penn State (Pigskin Classic)
A rare high profile out-of-conference game brought the GameDay crew back to State College in 1999 for the Pigskin Classic. From the opening kickoff, the Nittany Lions dominated Arizona, soundly defeating the Wildcats 41-7.
October 8, 2005: No. 6 Ohio State vs. No. 16 Penn State
Following a miserable 2004 season that saw Penn State go 4-7 without earning bowl eligibility, fans were beginning to wonder whether or not it was time for the great Joe Paterno to retire. In a game that proved Paterno was still a coach capable of leading a team back to the top of the Big Ten, the Nittany Lions bottled up Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith, holding the dual threat passer to only 154 total yards. On offense, quarterback Michael Robinson and receiver Derrick Williams led the way to a dramatic 17-10 victory for Penn State.
October 27, 2007: No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 25 Penn State
Once again Gameday came back for a match up between the Nittany Lions and the Buckeyes. Ohio State prevailed 37-17.
September 26, 2009: Iowa vs. No. 5 Penn State
A heartbreaking loss to Iowa at Kinnick Stadium the previous season cost Penn State a shot at a national title. Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark played the worst game of his career, only completing 12 of his 32 pass attempts for only 198 yards, a single touchdown, and a back-breaking three interceptions. The loss derailed Penn State’s early season National Championship hopes, with Iowa winning 21-10.
September 18, 2021: No. 22 Auburn vs. No. 10 Penn State
College GameDay makes its return to Happy Valley for the first time since Penn State’s 2021 matchup against Auburn. Penn State prevailed 28-20 in a nonconference game against the Tigers.
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October 21, 2017: No. 19 Michigan vs. No. 2 Penn State
Saquon Barkley set the tone for the game in front of a White Out crowd by ripping a 69-yard touchdown on the opening play of the game. Quarterback Trace McSorley threw for 282 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the win, as Penn State dominated Michigan 42-13.
September 29, 2018: No. 4 Ohio State vs. No. 9 Penn State
While Penn State led 13-0 at one point in the game, the Buckeyes stormed back for a heartbreaking comeback win against the Nittany Lions. Penn State had its bye week following the brutal loss, and added insult to injury by dropping another game when Michigan State came to town. Ohio State won a close one 27-26.
October 19, 2019: No. 16 Michigan vs. No. 7 Penn State
College GameDay made its way over as well, this time setting up shop on the HUB Lawn thanks to ongoing construction on Old Main’s bell tower. Penn State won 28-21.
October 31, 2020: No. 3 Ohio State vs. No. 18 Penn State
This was a wierd one. After the pandemic-effected 2020 season finally got underway, Ohio State traveled to Happy Valley for the Nittany Lions’ home opener. Without fans in attendance, College GameDay set up shop inside Beaver Stadium for this one. Ohio State won 38-25.
FOX Big Noon Kickoff and ESPN College GameDay Simultaneously
For the first time in school history, Penn State will host FOX Big Noon Kickoff and ESPN College GameDay simultaneously this weekend ahead of the Nittany Lions’ matchup with the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes.
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The Penn State Experience: More Than Just a Game
While the football game itself is the main event, a trip to Penn State for a College GameDay weekend is an immersive experience that extends far beyond the gridiron. Here are some of the traditions and attractions that make Penn State a unique destination for college football fans:
Tailgating Traditions: Few can deny that Penn State has one of the greatest tailgating traditions of any college team in the country. Period. The area surrounding the Beaver Stadium fills up with tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of fans on game day - and as the anticipation for kickoff mounts…
The Nittany Lion Shrine: While walking around campus on Saturday, make sure to check out and stop by the Nittany Lion Shrine. Many consider this shrine to be the heart of campus, and a symbol worth protecting at all costs.
Camping Out: Since 2005, Penn State students have camped outside of Beaver Stadium for the entire week leading up to a home game…
Team Arrival: As the buses come into sight, car horns sound, tailgaters go nuts, and fan's cheer as the game's starting QB leads his team into the stadium.
The White Out: Once a year, often for the biggest home game on the schedule, fans flood Happy Valley dressed in white to create a visual that is all at once captivating… and intimidating…
Campus Landmarks: Make sure to check out the S-Zone in the student section, and the "Stripe Out" game has become another great yearly event.
Penn State Berkey Creamery: Every trip to state college should by default include a trip over to Penn State Berkey Creamery - an ice cream joint widely considered as one of the country's best.
Downtown Shops: Want to go home repping your favorite State gear? Look no further than the plethora of shops the downtown area has to offer.
Penn's Cave: Penn's Cave is a historic, 57 acre cave located just 30 minutes from State College. Spend half a day exploring the amazing features the cave has to offer, either on your own or through one of their offered boat tours.
Traveling to Happy Valley
Getting to Penn State is relatively easy, with several transportation options available:
University Park Airport: Located only a few minutes from campus, this airport offers many direct flights into major cities.
Harrisburg International Airport: Harrisburg is approximately 1.5 hours away from campus, but Route 322 offers beautiful scenery through the Narrows - especially as the leaves change colors.
Parking: As you might expect, parking can be hard to find around campus (and all but impossible without a parking pass on campus).
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