Penn State football jerseys a blast from the past vs Northwestern

It’ll be a blast from the past for those showing up for today’s Penn State football clash against Northwestern.

Nittany Lions fans will see nameless jerseys for the first time since 2011.

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Then-head coach Bill O’Brien offered insight on the matter of last names finding their way onto the dark blue fabric back in 2012 in a news release:

"“We want our fans to know and recognize these young men. They have stuck together during tough times, and I commend them for the leadership they have shown. Moving forward, I’m deeply committed to honoring Penn State’s traditions, while building a bright future for our football program.”"

What happens after this Saturday, though? Obviously fans and boosters alike are going to have fond memories of seeing the jerseys that had remained nameless for 125 years.

It seems like the potential’s there for James Franklin’s office to be met with torches and pitchforks come Sunday.

The removal of Joe Paterno’s presence from the university, not to mention the Big Ten football championship trophy, is a wound that still festers.

If the Penn State faithful can enjoy one day of reminiscence, then return to present day, fantastic.

However, the culture that saturates College Station runs deep. I can certainly appreciate the sentiment, but I have to question if this tip of the cap to the past was entirely thought through.

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