Penn State seniors put on one final show at Beaver Stadium

STATE COLLEGE — Some of them pledged to Penn State without ever visiting the place.

They wanted to be here so badly they came without a scholarship.

Still others came because of one head coach and stayed for another.

These Penn State seniors who played their final game in Beaver Stadium Saturday were James Franklin's first players here — the ones who helped rocket the program back to national prominence.

These 23 seniors were announced in a raw rain and received the biggest ovations from the diehards who showed up to watch their Nittany Lions wash away a dispirited Nebraska team, 56-44.

To start, they each carried a bouquet of white roses as they jogged out of the stadium tunnel, giving Franklin a hug before finding their parents. 

Then they went out and washed away the fading Cornhuskers, somehow rolling up 439 yards of offense by halftime

"So these guys came at a time that was a challenging time for all of us at Penn State. These guys believed in Penn State. They believed in this community," Franklin said. "They believed in our coaching staff. They believed in their teammates and felt like we could do something special here."

More:Saquon Barkley's positive attitude, leadership shines even as Penn State offense struggles

More:A doctor or minister? For now, Brandon Smith leads Linebacker U. like no other

They weren't the ones who kept the program together after the Jerry Sandusky scandal broke and the NCAA crushed it with sanctions. They weren't necessarily the builders who did the heavy lifting when Bill O'Brien left and Franklin arrived.

Rather, they have provided the next crucial step, one playing out more quickly than most could have predicted.

They led Penn State to the surprising Big Ten title last year. They've won 18 of their past 21 games. 

Their success is helping Franklin and his staff recruit even more highly rated recruits.

They come with so many stories, from those who struggled mightily before turning into stars (tight end Mike Gesicki, receiver DaeSean Hamilton) to high-achieving walk-ons (linebacker Brandon Smith) to far-away kids who took Franklin's word about all to come (cornerbacks Christian Campbell and Grant Haley, defensive tackle Parker Cothren).

Some have even started games for all four of Franklin's seasons (safety Marcus Allen).

Take Smith, the non-scholarship hero from Lewisburg, Pa. He came to Penn State under O'Brien as a fullback. It took him a couple of years to convince the coaching staff to move him to linebacker, a couple of more to get serious playing time.

He became a most unlikely standout last year because of injuries to others. He faded into the background this fall, only to emerge again in last week's victory over Rutgers, earning a rare start.

He made 10 tackles.

He's the only married player on the team. He's an Academic All-America candidate and plans on attending medical school.

"I don't even know if I'll remember actually playing in games," Smith said. "But I think just the team and the locker room and things like that.

"I think this year, more than any, has been the most meaningful to me. I've just been really appreciative of this opportunity and who my teammates are ... all these big-name guys that I've gotten to play with them and live with them in the locker room. I think those are things that are going to mean the most to me."

Smith played his final game in Beaver Stadium along with fellow linebacker Jason Cabinda, the heart and soul of the defense. Same for Cothren and fellow defensive tackle Curtis Cothran, who received little credit for their tough work inside.

As for Smith, "he kept telling us he was ready, and we kind of kept shoving him away," Franklin said, describing his beginnings at Penn State.

"(But) he kept coming back. Instead of sulking, he just worked harder. Then he gets his opportunity and he's been put on scholarship. He's played a significant role on defense. He's played a significant role on special teams. He starts last week. He has 10 tackles. He's the player of the game. He brings so much maturity."

Saturday also marked the potential final home game for junior tailback Saquon Barkley. The expected Top 10 NFL draft pick in the spring finally busted loose on Saturday. He averaged 10 yards a carry before halftime, piling up 142 on the ground