Michael T. Mondak speaks: Small Battles, Big Victories Chapter 6: The Heart of the Season

It was in the last post I talked about Military Appreciation Day at Beaver Stadium against the Air Force Falcons.  Now in this post, Big Ten conference play begins.  Jackson Pryts and the Nittany Lions are about to pick up steam, and Cassie is watching from her hospital bed at Sharon Regional Medical Center.

The leaves in Happy Valley were turning, deep golds and fiery reds blanketing the hills beyond Beaver Stadium. The first chill of autumn carried with it the scent of tailgates, grilled food, and anticipation. Penn State was hitting its stride — and Cassie Day, watching from her hospital room at Sharon Regional Medical Center, felt that same pulse of energy beating in her own fragile heart.

The Hawkeyes of Iowa were first. It was a night game at Kinnick Stadium — one of those places where sound seems to press down on you, where every snap feels like a battle of will. Under the ABC lights, Bob Wischusen’s voice crackled through Cassie’s hospital television speakers. “Penn State ball — third and goal…”

Jackson Pryts, redshirt junior linebacker and team captain, had already forced a turnover earlier. But now it was the offense’s turn to finish it. The Nittany Lions punched it in late, sealing a narrow, hard-fought road win. Cassie cheered weakly, clutching her stuffed lion as the camera showed Jackson celebrating under the black-and-gold lights.

A week later came the one everyone circled — the trip to Columbus to face evil Ohio State. Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt called the game for FOX, and from the first drive, it was clear this was different. The Buckeyes came in confident, undefeated, with fireworks set to explode over Ohio Stadium when the final whistle blew.

But those fireworks would never be launched.

Penn State shocked the Horseshoe. Jackson led the defense like a general — every tackle, every blitz, every roar captured by Johnson’s booming voice. “JACKSON PRYTS, THE HERMITAGE HAMMER!  THE CAPTAIN MAKES THE STOP! GAME OVER! AND THE 100,000 DENIZENS AT THE HORSESHOE ARE SPEECHLESS!” The final score flashed, the crowd silenced. On the TV, Cassie’s reflection glimmered against the image of her hero.

Then came Homecoming in Happy Valley. Michigan State arrived with the Land Grant Trophy on the line, and the whole town seemed to vibrate with meaning. ABC carried the primetime broadcast, Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit narrating the showdown under the lights. Cassie’s parents brought her a small tray of cupcakes and blue-and-white confetti to celebrate from afar. When the final whistle blew, Penn State had taken the trophy — and with it, bowl eligibility. But in the locker room, the man they called “The Hermitage Hammer” said quietly to a sideline reporter named Sam Ponder, “We’re not done yet.”

The next weekend brought a shift in mood — and in dominance. UCLA came east to Beaver Stadium, and from the first series, the Nittany Lions unleashed fury. It was a statement game, a complete dismantling. The score was never close. ESPN2’s Beth Mowins and Joey Galloway called the game with growing awe as the Lions ran wild.

“Another touchdown for Penn State,” called Beth, “and this time it is the true freshman wide receiver out of I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, Virginia, Matt Outten on a wide receiver screen pass from Ethan Grunkemeyer!”

"WOW!” exclaimed Joey Galloway after the tenth Penn State touchdown of the day. “I have not seen Penn State put this kind of shellacking on an opponent at home since they dismantled Idaho 79-7 in the 2019 home opener!”

Cassie, now feeling stronger after a round of treatment, watched from her hospital bed. For the first time in weeks, she laughed — not just smiled, but laughed — when Jackson’s teammates lifted him onto their shoulders after a fourth-quarter interception. “That’s my guy,” she whispered.  The final score:  Penn State 87, UCLA 0.  The 87 points were the most Penn State scored in one single home game.

In the Penn State locker room, Coach Terry Smith was lit after the big victory.  “THAT WASN’T A FOOTBALL GAME!” he bellowed.  “THAT WAS A STATEMENT!”  The players howled and ate it up!

The cameras panned across a sea of waving white towels. The roar of 107,000 fans thundered through the speakers and echoed faintly in Cassie’s quiet room.

Outside her window, the October air had turned crisp. She couldn’t yet know how deeply this season — and the people in it — would shape the rest of her life.

But that night, having watched Penn State dominate UCLA that afternoon, Cassie Day felt something simple and profound: hope.