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UNIVERSITY PARK -- The Michigan Wolverines' sign stealing allegations have been the biggest story in college football over the past few weeks, and the timing of the story honestly couldn't be any better.
It gave the Penn State faithful the perfect costume idea as fans showed up early to the Nittany Lions' game with Indiana, wearing Michigan shirts and holding binoculars under some Penn State-themed overalls.
Nittany Lions fans don't need scandalous headlines to get fired up for the Michigan game. "This year, the Michigan cheating scandal adds even more intrigue," said long-time Penn State fan Marc Attivo, of Lewistown before today's big Big Ten game at Beaver Stadium.
"Jim Harbaugh is an easy coach to root against," he added of the Michigan head coach. "I'll be there, and I can't wait!"
Penn State and Michigan have become one of the marquee matchups on the Big Ten calendar every football season. It might be hard to believe but the Nittany Lions and Wolverines did not play each other until Penn State joined the Big Ten in 1993.
Since then, they have played some great games, including these which could be considered among the Top 5 moments in the rivalry's history:
5. Penn State 31, Michigan 24
Oct. 15, 1994 -- Ann Arbor, Mich.
Unbeaten Penn State took a 16-0 lead until Michigan responded with 17 unanswered points. Kerry Collins hit Jon Witman with a nine-yard touchdown pass and then completed a toss to Freddie Scott for the two-point conversion as Penn State went back on top. The Wolverines tied the game with a one-yard Tim Biakabutuka touchdown run with 11:37 to play. Collins then hit Bobby Engram with a 16-yard touchdown pass to take a 31-24 lead with 2:53 to go, and Brian Miller picked off Michigan quarterback Todd Collins for the win. Penn State finished the season undefeated but was ranked second behind Nebraska.
"That was a dandy," die-hard Penn State fan Brian Heckert, of Reedsville, said. "First time in the 'Big House'" For both Heckert and the Nittany Lions.
4. Michigan 31, Penn State 27
Nov. 13, 1999 -- University Park
Having been upset by Illinois the week before, the Nittany Lions stumbled early, committing two turnovers, and Michigan took a 10-0 lead. However, Penn State pulled ahead 27-17 with 9:44 left in the fourth quarter when Blawoh Jue intercepted Tom Brady's pass and returned it 46 yards for a score. Brady then responded with two touchdown drives in the final four minutes to put the Wolverines up 31-27. Michigan linebacker Ian Thompson then forced Penn State quarterback Kevin Thompson to fumble, which sealed the win.
"Kevin Thompson was the QB in '99, I think he was drafted by Cleveland," said Brian Rothrock, of Lewistown, of the memorable game.
Close enough. Thompson signed with the Browns as a free agent and played there one season. Following training camp, he earned a roster spot as a backup to quarterback Tim Couch. A December 2000 ankle injury ended his season as he was placed on injured reserve. He bounced NFL Europe, Arena Football League and four NFL teams' practice squads - Bengals, Vikings, Giants and Bills - before hanging up his cleats in 2007.
3. Michigan 27, Penn State 24
Oct. 12, 2002 -- Ann Arbor, Mich.
Tied 7-7 for the first 42 minutes, the teams combined for 28 points in the final minutes of regulation. Michigan quarterback John Navarre hit Braylon Edwards in the end zone with 3:24 left to send it into the first overtime at Michigan Stadium. Penn State got the ball first and settled for a field goal. The Wolverines drove down to the three-yard line, where Chris Perry ran in for the game-winning score.
"For years, Penn State hasn't been able to get over the hump that is Ohio State and Michigan," Attivo added. "Though, we've done better against Michigan ..." Not on this particular day nearly a quarter century ago.
2. Penn State 43, Michigan 40
Oct. 12, 2013 -- University Park
In a game with seven lead changes, the Wolverines led 34-24 with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter. Penn State's Sam Ficken kicked a 45-yard field goal, and Christian Hackenberg powered his way in from one-yard out to force overtime. After a scoreless first overtime, the teams traded field goals in the second and were scoreless again in the third. In the fourth, the Wolverines had to settle for a field goal. On Penn State's possession, rushes by Bill Belton and a Michigan pass interference penalty powered Penn State into the end zone for the win.
Heckert also recalled a key catch by Nittany Lion receiver Allen Robinson "late in the game, sending it to OT," he said.
1. Michigan 27, Penn State 25
Oct. 15, 2005 -- Ann Arbor, Mich.
Michigan led 10-3 going into the fourth quarter when Penn State scored 15 points in a span of 20 seconds. First, Michael Robinson rushed for four yards for a score. Then, Alan Zemaitis stripped the ball from Wolverine quarterback Chad Henne and returned it 35 yards for a TD. The extra-point attempt was botched, but kicker Kevin Kelly picked up the ball to rush in for the two-point conversion to take an 18-10 lead. Henne responded with a 33-yard touchdown pass and Garrett Rivas' field goal gave Michigan a 21-18 lead with 3:45 to play. Robinson responded with a four-yard TD run to put Penn State up 25-21 with 53 seconds remaining only to see Henne find Mario Manningham in the end zone as time expired.
Nittany Lion fans also remain bitter as officials put two seconds back on the clock. "There are many Penn State fans that still disagree with that to this day," said Penn State fan Ray Hoppel, of Lewistown. "That would have made the difference between an undefeated season and ending up number three in the country."