Chris Himler and Justin Storey have been waiting their entire college careers for the Philadelphia Eagles to make it past the NFC Championship game.

For the Eagles, the fourth time proved to be a charm as they defeated the Atlanta Falcons, 27-10, yesterday at Lincoln Financial Field.

"I've been waiting for four years," Himler, (senior-kinesiology) said. "It's insane. I cannot believe it. The Eagles are going all the way."

While about 200 Eagles fans gathered in Beaver Canyon following their victory over the Atlanta Falcons, not a single Steelers jersey roamed Beaver Avenue after the football team's loss to the New England Patriots.

State College Police Sgt. Keith Robb said extra police officers patrolled the area to maintain crowd control.

"We're letting [the Eagles fans] enjoy the moment," he said. "We just don't want them to take to the streets."

Eagles fan Justin Drechsler (junior-advertising and public relations) said he came to Beaver Canyon because of the cheering crowds.

"I love them, they're just out to have a good time," he said "They all have one thing in common and they support it."

After about 15 minutes of celebration, State College police dispersed the crowd that had gathered in front of Canyon Pizza, 260 E. Beaver Ave.

Penn State Police Officer Sam Ricciotti said past events, such as the Penn State basketball team playing in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament, have resulted in extra police presence.

"There were some additional people brought in on overtime. This might be what happens for Super Bowl Sunday," he said.

Steelers fans Danielle Baldige (senior-psychology) and Nicole Bender (senior-communication sciences and disorders) could barely express their disappointment.

"It's sad because they had such a good season," Baldige said. "It should have had a better ending. We didn't think it would end this way."

Both Baldige and Bender still plan on watching the Super Bowl, but said they will have trouble rooting for anyone.

"If I do root for someone, it'll be for the Patriots because I have a lot of friends who are Eagles fans," Bender said. "I don't want to see the Eagles win."

Storey (senior-economics), a West Philadelphia native, said people should not have counted the Eagles out because of wide receiver Terrell Owens' injury.

"He's going to play in the Super Bowl," Storey said. "He was jumping up and down on the sidelines during the game."

Ashley Thompson (sophomore-human development and family studies) said Owens' absence was a weakness.

"Obviously, we could have used him, but we kept it up without him, and even if he doesn't play, we'll keep doing that," Thompson said. "One player doesn't make or break a team

Milton Newberry III (senior- wildlife, and fishery science) was at the Sports Café, 244 W. College Ave., for the Steelers and Patriots game and feels good about the Eagles chances in the Super Bowl.

"We have a stronger secondary and our run defense has really stepped it up," Newberry said. "Everybody except the Eagles fans was counting us out, even in State College."

Storey had an idea about how Penn State should celebrate the Eagles win.

"I think we should have school off because it's going to be crazy," he said. "It's going to be like the Arts Fest in sub-zero temperatures."