It was supposed to be an epic battle. It was supposed to live up to its billing as a game between two powerhouse football programs.

Instead Penn State fans might be tempted to demand their money back for false advertising.

Scalpers were selling tickets for about $250 apiece on game day, while you would've had to dish out $425 on eBay in the weeks leading up to the game.

Talk about a rip-off.

We, the media, created loads of hype (we're sorry). And no one ever predicted what happened Saturday. How could they?

Each team had history on its side. Penn State was No. 4 on the all-time win percentage list, and Notre Dame was No. 2. Still, tradition probably served as little consolation for the Penn State faithful who made the eight-hour journey from Happy Valley.

Sure, Notre Dame has been called the "Mecca of college football." And, sure, the Fighting Irish boast such landmarks as The Grotto, Basilica and the Golden Dome.

But, then again, maybe it was a bad omen watching Penn State fans mill around Touchdown Jesus -- Miller Lite in hand. That may not have helped matters.

But neither did the excitable 80,795 fans, many Notre Dame students of which donned "Smile. Your mother chose life" T-shirts.

In the words of one friend after Saturday's loss: "I wish she didn't."

You couldn't even find an empty seat 20 minutes before kickoff -- which was somewhat surprising, considering the tailgating going on in the parking lot.

No matter what would've happened, though, it would've been difficult to live up to expectations. Nothing short of a fourth quarter, last-second effort would've satisfied some onlookers -- like the last time the two teams met in 1992.

Remember that? It was way back when the words "Rick Mirer" and "bust" weren't yet synonymous with one another. Mirer led the Fighting Irish to a 17-16 victory after a two-point conversion with 20 seconds left in the game.

Fans should've stayed home and popped in that tape. Sure, the Lions lost that one -- but it would've been less painful than dishing out $1,000 for a hotel room, gas money, food and tickets only to see Anthony Morelli trying to option to the ghost of Knute Rockne.

In retrospect, though, the loss isn't as bad as it seems. It didn't hurt the Lions nearly as much as a loss to Ohio State or Michigan would.

The Big Ten champion automatically receives a BCS Bowl berth, and non-conference games don't count toward the Big Ten standings. The loss only hurts Penn State's chances at an at-large berth and greatly lessens the prospect of a national championship.

Some critics still might not pick PSU to receive a major bowl berth even in their wildest dreams, but like the team, fans should bounce back. To quote Pete from Rudy:

"Well, you know what my dad always said. Having dreams is what makes life tolerable."

Well, that, and heavy drinking.

Josh Moyer is a xx majoring in journalism and a Collegian football writer. His email address is jjm454@psu.edu.