but what really sparked the late season surge, and that goal-line stand that led into the glory of 2005? Was it simply the players feeling that enough was enough? Better coaching? Underclassmen stepping up?

We may never know for sure. However, it's possible the team took some much needed inspiration, and a lesson on the consequences of dissing PSU from a group you'd least expect.

I present to you - Cheerleaders with Attitude:

http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/photogallery/adventures-in-cheerleading.html?curPhoto=4

I don't remember hearing about any of this (which doesn't mean it wasn't well known by the rest of you folks).

I love it - as long as the cheerleaders involved were of the female gender. Were they? The story doesn't really say.  PLEASE tell me it was our hot women kickin' some PSU-mocking ass!