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Fansided

The 30 Most Loyal Groups of Fans in College Football

By Zach Bigalke

Sep 10, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles fans cheer prior to the game against Charleston Southern at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles fans cheer prior to the game against Charleston Southern at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lion fans cheer during the fourth quarter against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Kent State 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Sep 3, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lion fans cheer during the fourth quarter against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Kent State 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /

20. Penn State Nittany Lions

Average Home Attendance 2006-2015: 103,215 (96.5% of capacity)
Average Season Winning Percentage: .663
Seasons Under 90% Capacity: 0
Seasons Over 100% Capacity: 3

Wherever one stands on how Joe Paterno should be remembered, it is impossible to say that Penn State fans have been anything but loyal in the wake of the scandal that led to the beloved coach’s downfall. The question is whether they have been loyal to the program or to Paterno’s legacy. In actuality that expression of loyalty has been tempered by the gradual tapering off of attendance at Beaver Stadium.

Attendance was already beginning to fall off in Happy Valley before the sex abuse scandal rocked the university in 2011. The two years under Bill O’Brien saw fans turn away from regular attendance, and the season averages came dangerously close to falling under 90 percent of capacity. The NCAA’s punishment certainly played some role in diluting fan interest, but even after the sanctions were reduced and James Franklin took over the program has yet to fully rebound.

Penn State fans suffer on as one of the most conflicted groups of supporters in college football. Even as they cling to memories of a troubled legacy, Nittany Lions fans continue to show up in their blue and white every Saturday hoping for better times to come.

Next: 19. Auburn

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