So Saturday's football game wasn't quite the spectacle that the win against Ohio State was last year.

Sure the outcome was different, and this edition of the Nittany Lions is not the same team that helped to push the 110,000 Penn State faithful into a frenzy that still resonates throughout Beaver Stadium.

Even so, the second-largest home crowd in Penn State history was just as intense and supportive as ever.

Although the Wolverines were in control for most of the game, it did not stop the fans from staying until the final whistle.

In fact, many stayed to see the Lions off the field in a collective act of respect.

One last "We are ... Penn State" chant as the team exited the field was proof that a disappointing loss does not necessarily equate a loss of support for the football team.

The student section followed through with the White Out, showed up early, filled its seats and was nearly as loud as ever, showing why it has been garnering a reputation as one of the best sections in the nation.

During a season already seeing its share of adversity, the Lions could use all the fan support they can get.

Even with Paternoville being limited by the administration, students showed up -- early, of course -- to wait for a spot to camp out before the game.

With both starting quarterback Anthony Morelli being knocked out of the game by a relentless Michigan pass rush defense, and backup Daryll Clark suffering a much similar fate later in the game, the fans relentlessly backed their signal caller.

Third-string Paul Cianciolo came in to lead the Lions to potentially tie the game as time was winding down in the fourth quarter.

With the game on his shoulders, Cianciolo had the crowd behind him.

In what could have been a great night, comparable to last season's clash with the Buckeyes, fans were met with somewhat of a disappointment.

Those fans, however, were anything but.