Annual Blue and White Game this Saturday at 3 p.m.
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Annual Blue and White Game this Saturday at 3 p.m.

Penn State Football fans, rejoice! You survived the long, cold, football-less winter and have emerged on the sunny side, with Penn State’s annual spring scrimmage just days away. This year, fans will enjoy a standard 3 p.m. kickoff time for the Blue and White Game in Beaver Stadium.

Parking

The parking situation is a little bit different this year, with 2016 season ticket holders being offered a 2017 Blue and White parking pass, while non-ticket holders will have to pay $20 for parking. While this may be frustrating to those who have attended in the past, when there was free parking for all, the parking fees directly help Penn State Athletics maintain the programs and events that fans have come to know and love. Instead of looking at it as a parking fee, look at it as a perfect donation to Penn State Football - your contribution to the team’s imminent success in 2017.

Players to Watch

The Blue and White Game is traditionally a way for both the coaches and fans alike to get a sense of who may be on the cusp of a breakout season. This year, multiple names have come up in conversations with Head Coach James Franklin. Captain Nick Scott (Fairfax, Va.), a safety, is likely to be a player to watch in 2017 after diligently filling out his role and quietly sustaining multiple Penn State wins in 2016. Grant Haley (Atlanta, Ga.) and Christian Campbell (Phenix City, Ala.) will dominate the cornerback role, while fans can expect the usual lanky Mike Gesicki (Manahawkin, N.J.) to make multiple major plays at tight end.

Offensive Coordinator Joe Moorhead has made some predictions as well. Obviously starting quarterback Trace McSorley (Ashburn, Va.) will continue to be one of the players most poised for success this year. Last season, McSorley’s scrappy and fearless way of playing made him the quintessential “college quarterback,” but McSorley is ready to take things up a notch this year. Moorhead also praised sophomore offensive lineman Michal Menet (Birdsboro, Pa.) for stepping up his game in spring practices. Fans can expect to see more of Menet in the 2017 season.

Defensive Line Coach Sean Spencer, known for his crew of “Wild Dogs,” added his two cents about who fans should be aware of as the 2017 season draws near. Shareef Miller (Philadelphia, Pa.), a defensive end, saw playing time in 14 games last season, making 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. Miller looks to make an even bigger impact this season. Curtis Cothran (Newtown, Pa.), who fans may also remember from select 2016 games, is becoming a leader as a defensive tackle.

Grab your tailgating tents, pack some food, and bring your friends and family out to Beaver Stadium this weekend as we kick off the 2017 season in Blue and White style!