January 2012--Penn State fans riled up to watch the Nittany Lions take on the Houston Cougars-- a New Year's tradition for many.

Luke Barnhart, 9 years old, says, "Usually i sit with these two to watch the game and cheer on the Big 10."

But this year Luke and his family will have to make other plans as NCAA sanctions block the Nittany Lions from being in a bowl game. And while the Nittany Nation is feeling the burn of a bowl ban, some fans say they won't break their game day tradition no matter what.

Michael Daughenbauch, Michigan, says, “I usually come in from Michigan to watch Penn State in the bowl game. I still decided to come into town and we'll watch other games and continue to root for the Big 10."

Fans aren't the only ones forced to change plans, local businesses are switching gears as well. Downtown State College shops that rely on bowl game apparel for an end of the year push say they're hurting. Pulling the bowl game pulled bowl gear off the shelves. Same goes for local restaurants. Home Delivery Pizza in State College is usually jam-packed with people rooting on the blue and white, but this year that won't be the case. Still, employees remain hopeful.

Kelly Swisher, Home Delivery Pizza, says, "It’s still a big day for football, so i think we'll still get people in to watch the other games."

Some fans are following suit and keeping an eye on the bright side.

Les Barnhart, Howard, says, "While of course we want to watch Penn state, we're keeping positive. This will allow Coach O’Brien to get ready. They don't have to get ready for a bowl game to get ready for the next season.”