It seems so long ago, doesn't it? Penn State opening the season with a completely overmatched Indiana State team. Redd was an unproven sophomore who had shown flashes of pure brilliance. Matt McGloin was coming off that dismal 5-interception performance against Florida, and Rob Bolden was trying to reintegrate himself with a program and a fanbase who he had try to spurn in the off-season. As always, the defense looked great, led by Seniors D'Anton Lynn and Devin Still. And Joe Paterno was looking to become the winningest coach in NCAA Division I history. The team was full of promise and the skies were blue and white all over Happy Valley. That was then. More after the jump....

Looking back at that beautiful fall day in September, here's a look at who started that game.

QB-Rob Bolden; RB-Silas Redd, FB-Joe Suhey, WR1-Derek Moye, WR2-Justin Brown, WR3-Shawney Kersey, LT-Quinn Barham, LG-Johnnie Troutman, C-Matt Stankiewich, RG-Deontae Pannell, RT-Chima Okoli.

LE-Sean Stanley, LT-Jordan Hill, RT-Devon Still, RE-Jack Crawford, SLB-Gerald Hodges, MLB-Glenn Carson, FLB-Michael Mauti, SCB-D'Anton Lynn, FS-Nick Sukay, H-Drew Astorino, WCB-Chaz Powell

Through either transfer or graduation, Penn State will return only two offensive starters from that game against Indiana State--Stankiewich and Kersey. Defensively, things aren't as sparse, where five starters return, including all three linebackers. But think about this, Penn State will have lost 4 of their five offensive linemen, their starting quarterback, their starting tailback, and their top two wide receivers. This is the context in which the 2012 season opens when Ohio University comes to town.

We cannot allow this team to lose heart. We must support them through thick and thin this season. If you're a student, shake their hand and say "thank you for believing in us." If you're alumni, buy tickets, listen on the radio or watch them on tv. And if you're a professor, treat them like every other student--no better, no worse.

We will not let this thing tear us apart. We can do better. We will do better. We still are.. and always will be... Penn State.