I was once a proud graduate of Penn State; one that bragged about how great the students were and how fantastic our student section is on Saturdays. After this past weekend's victory over Illinois, I have come to realize what a disgrace many of these students have become. There is only one word to describe the kids that stand in the student section: savages. Pushing, shoving, cursing and hitting.

As I tried to protect my sister from the thousands forcing their way to their seats, she was in tears as we feared for our safety. Two of her friends were punched in the face. I saw ZERO police or event staff from the time we entered the stadium until we got to the stands. When we got to our seats, we were greeted by a plume of smoke as four kids refused to stop smoking cigarettes for the entire first half. Have things really changed that much? The administration should be embarrassed and so should the students.

Blake Berson

Class of 2005

I'm a University of Illinois alumn, and had been looking forward to the game vs. Penn State for months. My parents, also Illini grads, brother and other friends and their parents met in State College for nine hours of tailgating culminating in the game.

I don't know if it is the fact that it was a night game and people had been drinking too long, but we encountered some nasty Penn State fans. In our tailgate area, most of the PSU fans we met were nice and thanked us for coming out. When we trekked up to the stadium is when it turned ugly. PSU fans spit on my friend's mom and cursed us left and right. I was really terrified walking through the mobs. I am appalled that PSU fans treated us this way. When I went to the game at State College two years ago, people were friendly. This last game left a bad taste in my mouth and I will not be returning. I recognize that this is not how all fans are, but that is the worst experience I have had at a game.

Leigh Dowdle

University of Illinois Class of 2002