O'Brien asks fans to unite for Penn State finish

O'Brien doesn't agree with McGloin or anyone else who propagates the notion there is a conspiracy against the Lions in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child sex-abuse scandal. Penn State already is dealing with crippling NCAA sanctions this season and the next three.

O'Brien is calling for unity as the Lions (6-4, 4-2 Big Ten) finish the season with two home games.

"I would just say to the fans of Penn State that this is a very... even though it is not an undefeated team, it is a very special team with kids that are working hard," he said. "We don't feel like anyone is out to get us.

"We are just trying to figure out how to score on offense, and stop people on defense, and be good on special teams. We need the fans of Penn State to stick with us. This football team stuck with Penn State, and we need the fans of Penn State to stick with us at the Indiana game and the Wisconsin game."

The call that stuck in the Lions' craw occurred on what they thought was a 3-yard touchdown by tight end Matt Lehman.

Lehman caught a pass and headed toward the goal line. Linebacker David Santos met him there, with Lehman stretching the ball in front of him in an attempt to get it over the line.

The ball popped loose and Nebraska recovered. Officials on the field ruled that Lehman fumbled before the ball crossed the line. The video replay official didn't see enough evidence to overturn the ruling, so Nebraska took possession on the touchback.

Fox officiating analyst Mike Pereira tweeted that he would have called it a touchdown for Penn State. Most folks wearing blue and white would agree.