Following a difficult off-season in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal, Penn State students and alumni reunited for the season opener, but left disappointed after the team lost 14-24 to Ohio University.

Thousands of fans lined the south tunnel into Beaver Stadium to welcome the team Saturday morning, many were greeted with high-fives and hugs. 

“It’s perfect, it’s what the team needs,” said Sandy Hazeltine of New Hampshire. “Go Penn State, we love you.”

Matt McGloin’s family brought along a huge cardboard cutout of the quarterback’s head so they would stand out when he and his teammates arrived. 

“It’s brand new. We did have it when he was in high school and we did make another one for this year to surprise him. He doesn’t know it’s here.”

Tyrone native Kayla Patton told 6News that she was relieved that the NCAA sanctions levied against Penn State didn’t include the death penalty and that she her classmates could keep the tailgating tradition alive.

"It's awesome. This is what I love, being back. We're so close, everything else going on doesn't matter,” said Patton. “It's just how close students are, it's just really awesome to be back.”

Penn State graduate Jake Gluckman told 6News that he and other alumni are ready to turn a new chapter  after the fallout on and off campus following the abuse allegations and trial of Sandusky, which led to the firing of legendary head football coach Joe Paterno, who died as a result of complications from lung cancer in January. 

"What came, we didn't expect. But were going to move past it, band together because that's what Penn State does,” said Gluckman. “We band together, we move forward."