This morning, Joe Paterno was pronounced dead at the age of 85 after losing his battle with lung cancer. He was in the hospital since January 13th, and reports yesterday were swirling that he was in serious condition. CBS falsely reported last night that he had died, but Paterno’s sons took to Twitter to deny the reports. Today, the Twittersphere is mourning the loss of not only a coach, but a legend.

His family released this statement: ”He died as he lived. He fought hard until the end, stayed positive, thought only of others and constantly reminded everyone of how blessed his life had been. His ambitions were far reaching, but he never believed he had to leave this Happy Valley to achieve them. He was a man devoted to his family, his university, his players and his community.”

Joe Paterno had been the head coach at Penn State since 1966, and his legacy as the winningest coach in football history with 409 victories lives on despite the past few months. The Penn State family has been through a lot regarding the Jerry Sandusky scandal and continue to face it everyday. Paterno said in an interview with The Washington Post that ”I didn’t know exactly how to handle it and I was afraid to do something that might jeopardize what the university procedure was. So I backed away and turned it over to some other people, people I thought would have a little more expertise than I did. It didn’t work out that way.” It’s truly devastating what happened, and there are many unanswered questions regarding it. But take a moment to remember his legacy in football.

I remember two years ago when Penn State came to Bryant-Denny Stadium to play. There were no boos when that man stepped out on the field, but instead the entire stadium was chanting “JOE PA!” It was a pretty cool sight seeing that little old man walk across our field and shake Nick Saban’s hand. That’s what I’m going to remember about him.

Caitlin is a senior at the University of Alabama who has an obsession with cupcakes, coffee, and Harry Potter. She always has random fun facts on reserve and aspires to be a professional blogger,social media bug, and/or James Franco’s assistant. Follow her fabulous life @caitlincorsetti. You’re welcome!

Image taken by Eric Weiss

Disgust.

I can not think of another word to describe the constant gut-wrenching feeling I have had in the pit of my stomach since Saturday morning when the alleged sexual assault case involving former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky became national news.

First, and foremost, I am disgusted that my university — a place that I spent the best four years of my life learning and growing and maturing into the person I am today — would let this one man ruin the reputation we have worked so hard to build. Members of our administration were informed of Sandusky’s actions that occurred NINE years years ago (and on OUR CAMPUS no less) and felt the proper course of action was to cover this up. And then when confronted, they continue to do something; to say nothing. Not even to apologize to the victims and their families that had the strength to come forward after all of these years of abuse and turmoil. Pure and utter disgust.

I have continued to be disgusted by the national media who has made this about Joe Paterno (a man has not even been formally charged with anything and followed protocol according to the Pennsylvania attorney general). Instead of asking for the resignations of our Athletic Director Tim Curley and Gary Schultz, the Senior Vice President of Finance and Business and the overseer of the University Police (who are both charged with perjury and failure to report), they went for the sensationalism. Go after the octogenarian who has spent the last 46 seasons building and rebuilding Penn State football, who has placed such an emphasis on academics in State College that the library is named after him, who has been a leader, a role model for athletes and students alike. Do I believe Joe could have done more? Yes, absolutely. The man has even admitted this himself. We all knew that even Paterno could not survive this scandal unscathed. But do I believe he earned a better ending to his career than being fired OVER THE PHONE by the Board of Trustees? You bet your ass I do. And that disgusts me.

I am even more disgusted with the hundreds of current Penn State students who used last night as a way to misrepresent the entire study body and alumni association. Instead of every present news outlet focusing on the respectful, somber demonstrations at the Paterno statue near Beaver Stadium or the football players gathering together at the Lasch building or the candelight vigils being held for the victims of Sandusky’s abuse, I was watching CNN broadcast students flipping over a local news van and tear down lamp posts on a street I was proud to call my home for two years. You continued to embarrass the Penn State name. May no act of ours bring shame? You brought not only shame; you brought me disgust.

It will be a long time before Penn State recovers from this scandal. There will be even more firing and resigning as new facts continue to unfold and further action is taken to ensure everyone involved in this scandal is removed from our University. This is not an easy path and these are some of our darkest hours. But I know my university and I know we will not let the actions of a few men define the phrase “We Are… Penn State.” This feeling of disgust will pass. We will continue to remind the world that we are bigger than this. We will continue to remind people to focus on the victims and we will never let something of this nature happen on our campus ever again. We will continue to bleed blue and white.

Fight On, State.

Ariel Abramowitz is a recent graduate of the Penn State College of Communications, as well as a former writer for OnwardState.com. She has some very strong opinions but they are all her own. Feel free to let her know what you think by commenting or tweeting her @arielsam924.

Possibly.

Rumors about the next NFL Super Bowl becoming a Monster Ball have officially been squashed: who in music can upstage Lady Gaga at the Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show? Madonna, that’s who. After two dead-end attempts in the past to headline the halftime act, Madge has been confirmed to perform five songs from her new album at February 5^th’s football game.

And one of those songs may be the track that also includes M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj.

Awesome. I’m so watching the game this year. Hopefully they find someone who knows the words to the National Anthem this time. (Just kidding, Xtina, love you forever and ever!)

More guest artists will be announced in the coming weeks—who do you want to see?

Not all things were meant for the deep fryer

Football season just got a lot more interesting

The youngest celebrity moms

Some interesting findings from the masturbation study

Is this the next It royal?

Model trends you can pull off

We can’t wait for Lauren Conrad’s Fall collection from Kohl’s

Robert Pattinson wants to design clothes?!

Taylor Swift has an upskirt moment

Happy 4th of July ladies!

I hope you enjoy this holiday and appreciate the day off. Whether you’re spending it at the beach, watching fireworks, or firing up that grill, July 4th is a day to celebrate. It’s a day to reflect on how we got here and remember the people that made this country so great. It’s a day to appreciate our country and everything it has to offer us, whether it be the big things or the little things.

Today though, today I’m going to focus on the little things…

10.  Driving. On the right side of the road that is. I don’t have much experience abroad, and I have absolutely no experience driving abroad but I can tell you this much: I don’t think it would work out to well for me. So yes, I’m thankful to have my Jeep, and my license, and my ability to drive on the right side.

9. Red, White, and Blue. Primary colors often get a bad rep. But there’s something  great about red, white and blue- when the three are thrown together, whether that be on the American flag, or an Uncle Sam outfit.

8. BBQs. Nothing says America quite like a good old hot dog or hamburger right off the grill. (The fact that neither hot dogs nor hamburgers were invented here is completely irrelevant.)

7. Football. I know other countries have football as well, but their football is actually our soccer. Which makes sense because in soccer you actually use your feet. I don’t know why we call it football, but I love the sport all the same. And I appreciate the irony.

6. Thanksgiving. A holiday dedicated to, amongst other less materialistic things, eating so much food that we bust the buttons on our jeans? Dedicated to turkey and stuffing and sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie? Yes, please.

5. Our Youth. Not so much American teenagers on their own, but rather our collective youth. As a country. 235 years old may not seem too young but in comparison to most well-established countries, we’re spring chickens. Yes. I  did just say “spring chickens.”

4. Apple Pie. Why apple pie is such an American tradition I’m not so sure. I just know that it is. And I appreciate that. In fact, I appreciate it even more when it’s pipping hot and topped with vanilla ice cream.

3. Jeans. When I went to London in my junior year I was shocked and appalled by the lack of denim. I know America invented blue jeans and because of that we embrace it wholeheartedly, but it wasn’t until then that I realized other countries had not. I’d never survive.

2. American Authors. I know that when most people think of the classics they think of British Literature, but  America has some pretty amazing author as well. Fitzgerald. Twain. O’Connors. McCullers. Hemingway. Dickinson. Whitman. Just to name a few…

1. The Melting Pot. Yes, there’s an overlying “American” culture but part of what defines that culture is the diversity of our country. There is no one way to be an American, and that’s all sorts of freeing.

Time to turn this into a  love fest. What are the reasons you love the U.S. of A? 

But autumn isn’t all bad, and here’s why.

1. The Weather. Here on the east coast, we broke records with the sweltering summer heat. And I’m not going to lie; I took full advantage of that warm weather. But sitting in class in weather that’s meant for the beach? Like I’d ever be able to pay attention. I’m eternally grateful that the temperatures dropped just as I’m forced to hit the books. Plus, it gives you an excuse to buy that cute fall jacket you’ve been eying since July.

2. The Pumpkin Spice Lattes. They’re back. Yesterday’s trip to my friendly neighborhood Starbucks confirmed as much. Starbucks has also introduced the Toffee Mocha, along with the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin and the Pumpkin Scone. Its fall food at its best. But if you’re not quite as caffeine crazed  as I am, you could always try an old standby. Caramel Corn. Pumpkin Pie. Apple Pie. Caramel Apples. Apple Cider. Take your pick.

3. The New TV. I love a good reality TV meltdown as much as the next girl, but by the time August rolls around I’m ready for some good old fashion scripted drama. From Glee to Gossip Girl, your old favorites are returning. Don’t you want to watch the new cast of Dancing with the Stars make complete and total fools of themselves? Or find out if Derek actually recovers from the Seattle Grace shooting? Your wait is almost over.

4. The Leaves. On an entirely superficial note, autumn is a pretty season. The leaves change colors, from green to orange and red, yellow and brown, the perfect autumn color palate. So maybe they’re annoying to rake, but they’re great to look at, and provide excellent cushioning if you feel like taking a dive into a pile. You know you want to.

5. The Fashion. The boots. The bags. The boyfriend sweaters. That perfect fall weather? It’s perfect for all your favorite fall accessories. Jean Jackets. Knit Hats. Scarves of every fabric and color combination you could imagine. Fashion Week is in September for a reason. Make the most of it.

6. The Football. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just in it for the tailgating every college student has to attend at least one football game a year. The face paint. The school colors. The goofy mascot. The matching Homecoming 2010 t-shirts with the ridiculous slogans across the back. And, oh yeah, the actual sport.

7. The Holiday Season. It starts with Fall Break, and although Columbus Day isn’t a holiday that people really celebrate, it’s still the perfect excuse to cancel classes. From there it’s only a few weeks until Halloween, which is so a holiday. Or the holiday.. Then it’s about a month to Thanksgiving, and by then the Christmas commercials have already started. So really, if you think about it like that, you might as well call Labor Day weekend the start of the holiday season.

8. The Activities. Apple picking. Pumpkin picking. Football games. Corn mazes. Fall festivals. Outdoor concerts. Hayrides. Fall is the perfect time to embrace your inner five-year-old. Just make sure you don’t accidentally encounter a patch of poison ivy when reaching for that apple way up at the top of the tree.

9. The Perfect Excuse for Snuggling. Remember that fall weather I mentioned? And all those fun fall activities? What better way to end a day of pumpkin picking than to curl up on the couch with your guy. Wrap yourselves up in a warm wool blanket, grab a few cups of hot cocoa and unwind. Still feeling chilly? I can think of a few very ways to warm up….

10. The New Start. Most people make their yearly resolutions in January, but September is just as good a time to start fresh, if not better. For us college girls, the fall is the start of a new year. Don’t turn in any assignments late. No sweatpants in class. Invest in a planner. Use it. Start making the changes now, and if they don’t stick, you can try again in January.

Ever feel like you’re the only one sitting on the couch, mindlessly staring at the TV with no idea what’s going on? Are phrases like “point conversion”, “fumble” and “fourth down” completely foreign to you? Well have no fear, here are a few simple things to keep in mind so that you can keep your head afloat during College Football Saturdays. Grab the chips and dip, and prep yourself for kickoff!

To start off, here are some fun facts about football. The field is measured in yards, 100 yards long, but 120 including both end-zones. The Pittsburgh Steelers have won more Super Bowls than another other team in the history of the NFL. The ’72 Miami Dolphins are the only team to achieve a “perfect season” (meaning no losses throughout the entire time), though the New England Patriots had a perfect regular season (their only game loss was in the Super Bowl itself) in 2007. It began based on the rules of rugby and soccer combined, but the first real football game (the way we know football now in the USA) was played between Princeton and Rutgers in 1869 (Rutgers has since commemorated the game field by making it a big, beautiful… parking lot). I could go on and on with boring stats and scores that are floating in my head, but I promise that I’ll spare you.

Unfortunately, there isn’t any technology to translate exactly what John Madden is muttering about while he comments on the game, but if you’re lucky enough that he lets someone else get a word in edgewise, here are some basic terms that can help you navigate the game like a pro.

Coin Toss: This is a literal coin toss used to decide which team starts on which side of the field. The home team captain gets to call head or tails and they can pick whether or not they would like possession of the ball first or whether they want to have a choice on their side of the field.

Kickoff: This occurs (at a minimum) twice throughout the game, once after the coin toss and once after half time. Each team brings out their special team and kicker to begin the half of the game. It also occurs after touchdowns or field goals are scored.

Touchdown: A touchdown occurs when a player carries the ball over the end line into the end zone. It is worth 6 points without a conversion.

Point Conversion: A point conversion occurs after a touchdown is scored. The team who just scored has one play to either kick the ball into the uprights (for an additional point) or run the ball over the end line again for an additional two points.

Interception: When one team is throwing a pass to one of their teammates and someone from the opposite team snatches it instead.

Fumble: No, it’s not what your boyfriend does when he’s drunk and trying to find the bathroom (well, at least in this instance). It’s when somebody drops a pass they just caught or when the ball isn’t in “reasonable control.” This can result in an incomplete pass or an interception.

Foul: There are many types of fouls in football, so I’m not going to try to even explain. Just know that most fouls are created to keep the game safe and fair. Most penalties just mean that the football needs to be moved back a certain amount of yards (determined by the ref). Penalties like “offsides” or “out-of-bounds” are the most common.

End Zone: The ten yards of glory at the end of each field. Everyone wants to get there and have their ten seconds of fame (or ten decades if you’re Brett Favre).

Down: A down is kind of like an attempt. When you hear the words “first down!” or “second down” it means that it’s the teams first/second/third/fourth attempt to move the ball in the direction in which they’re trying to score. It can get a little bit complicated, but based on where the team starts with the ball, they need to move ten yards from that spot in four tries (or “downs”) in order to keep possession.

Offense/Defense: Like any other sport, the offense is trying to score and the defense is trying to make sure they don’t!

Punt: The difference between a punt and a kick is that a punt is when a player drops the ball and kicks it while a kick if off of a stand.

Upright: The big metal poles in each End Zone. Field goals and kicked point conversions are scored through these.

Field Goal: A kicker is brought onto the field in order to score a field goal. Each field goal is worth three points.

Positions: Everyone’s got their specialty; a quarterback throws, runningback runs with the ball, linebacker blocks for the quarterback, a kicker kicks, a punter punts, a receiver receives catches and so on… There are a few more but those are some of the key spots.

There are many, many, many complicated rules to football (and even more for attending a college football game). There are a bajillion types of fouls (okay, that might be an exaggeration) and lots of complicated details about each position, but you’ve got a basic grasp. Now that you’re prepared to be Tony Romo’s or Tom Brady’s next side-line girlfriend, share your knowledge with your friends!

To help you do it right, we’ve got some advice for your first tailgate. So follow the guidelines below and get ready to party hardy.

Stick With a Crew

It’s always a good idea for girls to stay with a group of friends when they go out. When it comes to tailgating, multiply a party’s noise level by 20 and the guest list by 100. Try and keep track of each other so you don’t find yourself alone in a sea of school spirit and booze.

Plan Ahead

While I’m all for spontaneity, a tailgate day is one of those times that calls for a little preparation. Know what time you’re meeting up with your friends and what time you’re heading to the tailgate. And even if you skip breakfast every other day, make an exception on this day because drinking on an empty stomach will really screw you over. If you really want to be a champ and go out at night too, leave some time to nap. Trust me, you’ll need it.

Dress Comfortably

At a tailgate, you’ll be in a huge crowd and on your feet for a few hours, so keep the outfit simple. Denim shorts, a school t-shirt, and flats or sandals are a perfect go-to. Go all out with face paint, ribbons, and beads in your school colors and you’ll be good to go.

And Wear Your Sunscreen

Even if your school colors are red and white, let your clothes show your support, not your precious skin.

Heads Up

For some reason, some people feel the need to throw cups or beer cans when they get drunk. So keep an eye out. Go ahead and laugh at this advice, but don’t come crying to me when you’re nearly decapitated by a Natty Light.

Don’t Be a Hot Mess

You gotta go big or go home when it comes to day drinking. But be careful not to cross that line from “feel good” drunk to “it’s a really good idea to dance on the hood of this car” drunk. Most of the student body will be at the tailgate, and they will remember your drunken antics if you make a fool of yourself. Even worse, you could end up passed out in your room (or on a sidewalk somewhere) before the game even starts! For your own safety and dignity, keep your intoxication within limits.

I must admit, I did get swept up in this year’s World Cup. What’s so wrong about cheering for the U.S. as if I actually understand what’s going on? So what if I hesitated each time before saying “score!” because I wasn’t sure if it was the correct terminology in soccer.

One thing’s for sure: even for someone who doesn’t quite understand sports (ahem, myself), it sure is fun watching those sexy men run up and down a field (court? stadium?). So here are my top reasons why athletes are a particular breed of mouth-watering man candy.

They sweat
Something about a guy getting all hot and steamy is just irresistible. Sure wouldn’t mind hitting the showers with them after the game… Okay, I’m getting carried away here, but seriously, it must be some kind of primal attraction that draws us to perspiration.

They show their badass side
When opposing team members get all up in each others’ space, penalties are called, yellow cards tossed out, a whole bunch of other sports jargon I don’t know, it is just plain exciting. Who doesn’t have just a little bit of a weakness for guys opposing authority and getting into trouble?

They have muscles
And lots of them. Especially in the abs region. Anyone want to join my organization to make all sports shirtless?

They are a package deal
Most spectator sports are played in teams. Teams mean hoards of attractive men in one place. A bunch of guys, even only somewhat good-looking guys, become instantly hotter when they are together. Simple as that.

They are successful
Alright, now I don’t mean this in a gold-digging, materialistic way, but an athlete’s celeb status really only adds to his appeal. We can’t deny our love for male celebrities, and athletes just take it a step further with their sporty skills.

They are passionate
You know if a guy is playing a sport professionally, he’s gotta be in love with the game. Just think of how devoted he could be to some lucky lady (namely, me). Knowing a guy is determined in one aspect of his life makes a gal confident he’s that hard-working in a relationship.

So keep ogling those athletes; it’s the most exciting part of watching a game anyway.

Week after week (after week after week…), CollegeCandy and our pal John bring you some of the weirdest, funniest, and saddest things he hears on his college campus. And we know he’s not the only one who hears this stuff. Join the Overheard revolution! Listen in on some weirdos’ conversations and share them in the comments or send ‘em over. You know there’s a lot of funny things to be heard on your campus, so take off those (faux) Burberry ear muffs and tune in.

(Girl, yelling, in a bar bathroom.)

Girl: … I’m NOT PREGNANT!

(Two guys, walking in an apartment parking lot.)

Guy 1: Dude, look at that cat. Is that cat drunk?

Guy 2: No, man, everyone knows cats don’t drink.

(Two girls, walking)

Girl 1: OK, we take this to the grave.

Girl 2: Yeah, no one can find out.

Girl 1: Kinda like the time I cried in the Lizzie McGuire movie.

Girl 2: Or when you peed on Stacie’s boots.

(Girl, guy, playing Wii in the lounge.)

Girl: Ughh! Oh my God! I need some Viagra for video games!

(Guy, girl, in the lunchroom kitchen.)

Guy: Aah! I destroy everything I touch!

Girl: Wait, are you breaking up with me?

Guy: No. Broke a plate.

(Girl, watching TV in the lounge.)

Girl: Oh. I get it. Suddenly it makes sense. Football players are all virgins.

(Two guys, waiting to get into a concert.)

Guy 1: You know what it means to f— a duck, right?

Guy 2: What? Uh, no.

Guy 1: Uh, geez. F— a duck. You know, like … that thing?

Guy 2: I dunno, dude.

Guy 1: Man. Just f— a duck.

(Professor, teaching a communications class.)

Professor: But, you’d never do that. It’d be like … a dozen people, sitting in a room in silence, watching a pair of lips on TV. It would be very European.

(Girls, talking at breakfast.)

Girl 1: I need to purge this pizza from my body.

Girl 2: Uh …

Girl 1: Yup. Exactly as gross as you think.

(Guys, outside a campus wings restaurant.)

Guy: Ughhh. I ate so much. It feels like I just got kicked in the stomach. And their shoe got stuck there.

(Girls, sitting around in the study lounge.)

Girl 1: What’s a fun game?

Girl 2: I have this game called “Loot.” It’s, like, a pirate card game.

Girl 1: Like, cuttin’ throats and swingin’ on rigging. And stabbing people’s eyes, so they bleed everywhere like a bloody duck’s butt.