The last time Penn State defeated Michigan, most of the university's current students were puttering around the halls of their grade school.
This year, however, with Michigan struggling to its worst six-game start since 1967, Penn State appears to be poised to reclaim the top spot in the rivalry during this weekend's Homecoming game -- a fact that has both Penn State and State College Police gearing up for the weekend's festivities.
Penn State Police Capt. Bill Moerschbacher said police are keeping a lookout for overzealous fans that might try to rush the field at the game.
"Michigan is down this year. I think everybody expects a victory," Moerschbacher said. "But we don't want people climbing over the fence."
The last time fans rushed the field, after the game against Ohio State in 2005, many students in the front rows were crushed and injured, he said.
Police pepper-sprayed students as they jumped onto the field during the game in 2005.
"If people do get on the field they face arrest for trespass," Moerschbacher said.
There are many factors coming to a head this weekend that could lead to a busy few days, said State College Police Officer Greg Koehle.
"The combination of weather, Homecoming and Penn State's record -- it has potential to be very busy," Koehle said.
The team has lost nine straight games to Michigan, but this year Penn State is ranked third in the nation and Michigan is coming off of a loss to the University of Toledo.
"We understand that people are going to do their fair share of partying with Penn State being undefeated," Koehle said. "But No. 1, we want everybody to be safe."
State College police are employing additional staff and horse patrol in anticipation of a busy weekend, the State College Police Department said.
"The true issue is the population influx," Koehle said. "A lot of people come downtown after the game."
Koehle also said the 4:30 p.m. kickoff time presents some problems for police.
"With a noon kick, there is more of a delay. But the 4:30 kick abuts with 10 [o'clock], right around the time people start going out," Koehle said.
After last year's Homecoming game win against the University of Wisconsin there were several reports of criminal mischief and public drunkenness.
Throughout Homecoming weekend 2007, university police reported six acts of criminal mischief, seven instances of disorderly conduct, 10 reports of public drunkenness and 15 reports of underage drinking on campus.
Pennsylvania State Police recorded 12 arrests for underage drinking in the vicinity of Beaver Stadium.
Along with alcohol-related crimes, police are also keeping a lookout for counterfeit ticket sales, Moerschbacher said.
"As we get into these bigger Big Ten games with people with greater interest there is more of a concern," he said.
Moerschbacher said Penn State Police has undercover officers patrolling the area around Beaver Stadium on the lookout for illegal ticket scalping.
"Unless you buy from a credible source or Penn State," he said, "you just don't know what you are buying."
