BREAKING NEWS: Forest fires in Gatlinburg, protest at the pipeline, riots over the president-elect, or an earthquake in Japan and a dictator is dead in Cuba. This world is full of fear and short on hope we, especially those born around 2000 or after have only ever known war, disaster, and chaos. I sit here and watching news piece after news piece about the pain and disparity going on around the globe on a daily basis and I am left wondering, where'd the hope go? Why is it that bad things and suffering get media coverage and that negative news stories sell newspapers?
The reason is because that is all the world has become accustomed to nowadays. But hope is still alive and not just alive, hope is still very much alive and well across the world and there are so many stories that are incredible and worth the time to hear. But one of the best stories of hope especially in the sports world has been the Penn State football team of 2016.
When we talk about hope this is probably one of the biggest stories of redemption and comeback for any college team ever! It started out as a tragedy in 2011 when the Sandusky scandal broke the school and its legendary football team and coach Joe Paterno were put in question and punished for the actions of one man who did not represent Penn State or their football team. The NCAA fired "Joe Pa" as he was called by many players and fans and the team was heavily sanctioned for something they as players weren't at fault for. The team's reputation was smeared through the mud and they lost a lot of high opinions and favor all around.
In the follow seasons afterward they went 8-4 in 2012 and were bowl eligible but the sanctions kept them from it. In 2013 they went 7-5 and then 7-6 in 2014 which was the same as their 2015 season. But this year was different, everyone could feel it. They came into the season as 0-2 but in week three Trace Mcsorley and the offensive line cranked it out and since then they have knocked out nine straight wins. Including Ohio State University and then last night's game against Wisconsin. Ending this season at 11-2 and with Big Ten trophy and winning the hardest division of college football this year.
This was the team no one really paid attention to in the beginning of the season and they really came in as the underdogs. But boy did they shine and now they are off to the Rose Bowl in California to face USC. This team not only proving what hard work and determination can do but also showing there is always hope. This is their first Big Ten win since the scandal and they have come back even stronger than ever almost reaching the college football playoffs.
There is not a better team to be behind right now in college football. Penn State is the story that won't be forgotten for many years to come. The team that defied the odds and took back what it means to be a Nittany Lion. WE ARE PENN STATE!! WE ARE PENN STATE!! Big Ten Champs and Rose Bowl bound! Make PA proud!
