Part of the appeal behind Penn State football has always been the allure of a home in Happy Valley.

But just like everybody else, Nittany Lions have to leave home and tomorrow, after Penn State's eight and final home game of the season, the seniors that spearheaded the team's resurgence this season, will get the boot from the nest.

While senior day is always a big deal for the program, Penn State football coach Joe Paterno thinks this year's group of departures will be particularly poignant.

"They got together and said, 'Hey look, we are going to change it,' "Paterno said. " 'We owe it to ourselves and we don't want to leave a bunch of losers, but as a good Penn State football team.' I admire them."

A big part of that admiration stems from the fact that this is one of the few Penn State classes that have not been molded by those that came before them. Instead, after watching two classes that have been described by both players and coach as prone to infighting and giving less than full effort, the senior leaders for the Lions had to establish there own, new tradition. A tradition that more closely resembled what Penn State football under Joe Paterno used to be about: winning.

According to left guard Tyler Lenda, the two losing seasons with no bowl appearances were a big reason why the current seniors decided last spring that they would be different kind of leaders, ones that would lead the Lions back into national polls. After winning eight games, with the possibility for a ninth tomorrow against Michigan State, the seniors feel confident they'll leave with their mark intact.

"If we can be the class that helped bring Penn State back into the mix as far as the top contenders in the country, if we work ourselves into the top 10 or so by the end of the year, it would be a great legacy," Lenda said.

While the team knew all along this day was coming, the gravity of the situation has yet to hit home .

"It's not real right now, this doesn't seem like its my last game," Lenda said. "I don't think it will hit me until after the game is over or until after I'm out there."

"It's not real right now, this doesn't seem like its my last game," Lenda said. "I don't think it will hit me until after the game is over or until after I'm out there."

However, there is still football to be played and emotions will be running high when 22 of the Lions play their final game at Beaver Stadium.

For the last few weeks, the seniors have been ribbing one another about who would be the first to break down and cry on the field. While most Lions have been busy denying they'll be the first to spurt, at least one big guy isn't putting up any false fronts.

"I think I'm going to be emotional," said defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy, who passed up a chance to go pro last season to finish out the Penn State career. "I'm not going to hide the tears."