White Out (Penn State)

In 2004, to try and draw extra excitement for the team in what was a down year for the program, the Penn State Athletic Department asked students to wear white to the upcoming game against Purdue. Over 20,000 students participated and, despite losing the game, it was deemed a marginal success. Students were again asked to wear white to the following game against Iowa in what is considered to be one of the program's worst outings. While the "wear white" participation was about the same as it was in the previous game, the crushing 6-4 loss resulted in a drop in popularity of the event.[2] A final attempt was made for the final game of the season against Michigan State. This time, however, the Athletic Department decided to change strategy with a "Code Blue" dress code and extended it to all fans in the stadium. Students were sent from dorm to dorm to spread the word to maximize participation. Penn State would win 37-13 thanks to a 28-point third quarter off the back of a plethora of Spartan interceptions. However, despite finally getting a win, the Code Blue tradition did not stick and students went back to wearing white the following season. Even though the 2004 season had three games with dress codes, only the game against Purdue is counted as an official White Out.[1]

The White Out would be cemented in 2005 with an upset win over rival Ohio State. The crowd was the second largest in Beaver Stadium history at the time, which many believe helped Penn State win.

For the 2007 game against Notre Dame, the all-white dress code would be officially extended to all spectators, not just the student section.[1] This was the first of only two White Outs to feature a non-conference opponent, with the other being Alabama in 2011. From 2012 on, the game has always alternated between Ohio State or Michigan.

The Penn State Bookstore began selling official White Out shirts for the 2008 game, a tradition that holds to this day. The shirts are designed and chosen by students.

The 2013 and 2014 editions featured the only two White Outs to go to overtime. In 2013, Penn State upset Michigan, 43-40. The Nittany Lions tied the game after a touchdown with only 27 seconds remaining, and the Wolverines missed a field goal short on the ensuing drive to end regulation. After both missing field goals in the first overtime and a matching pair in the second, Penn State fumbled the ball on the first play of the third. However, Michigan missed a potential game winning field goal on the following drive. The Wolverines opened the fourth overtime with a field goal, putting the pressure on the Nittany Lions. After a defensive pass interference call in the endzone, the ball was placed on the one-yard line. Penn State ran the ball for a touchdown on the next play to finish the game, making it the longest in Big Ten history. In 2014, Penn State lost to Ohio State in double overtime, 31-24. Despite being predicted to get blown out prior to kickoff, the Nittany Lions played a tough, close game and lead the Buckeyes at various points. The loss is controversial, though, as many college football observers thought was marred by questionable officiating, specifically with two blatant missed calls.

Perhaps the most influential White Out was Penn State's 24-21 upset win over No. 2 Ohio State in 2016, which is regarded by many as the best game in Penn State football history.[3] The pivotal play, Grant Haley's blocked field goal return in the 4th quarter, was voted as the best Penn State play of the century.[4] The game's aftermath included fans storming the field at Beaver Stadium and celebratory riots in downtown State College.

ESPN College Gameday has attended five White Out games since the inception of the tradition. 2005 marked their first White Out visit, followed by the 2009 loss to Iowa. The show has been at every White Out since 2017 and were among the first to try the Penn State Creamery's new "White Out" ice cream.

The White Out has influenced other teams in the Big Ten. For example, Maryland celebrated a "Black Out" in 2019 during their home game against Penn State.[5] Penn State emerged victorious, however, by a score of 59-0.

The next White Out is scheduled for October 24, 2020 against Ohio State.[6]

Source:[1]