Introduction
Since 2004, Penn State’s annual Whiteout has grown into one of the biggest spectacles in college football and college sports overall. Two-page Sports Illustrated photo spreads, ESPN spots like this video from 2012, and viral moments like Michigan being forced to call a timeout on the first play from scrimmage in 2019, have all elevated this one-time promotional gimmick and made it the greatest college football tradition of the 21st century. But, while the hype of the Whiteout is nearly unmatched, does it give Penn State an actual advantage on the field? Are there some quantifiable, statistical signs that emerge because of the Whiteout crowd?
The Opponents & Tidbits
Before we get into the specifics, let’s take a look at the teams who’ve been schedule as Penn State’s Whiteout opponent over the years, starting with Purdue in 2004. Because of the Whiteout’s ‘circle the date’ stature, it’s no surprise that historical Big Ten heavyweights Michigan (6 Whiteout appearances) and Ohio State (5 Whiteout appearances) dominate the table below.
| Opponent | White Out Appearances (Years) |
| Michigan | 6 (2006, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019) |
| Ohio State | 5 (2005, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018) |
| Alabama | 1 (2011) |
| Illinois | 1 (2008) |
| Iowa | 1 (2009) |
| Notre Dame | 1 (2007) |
| Purdue | 1 (2004) |
Tidbits:
- Penn State is 8-8 (50%) in Whiteout games but 90-22 (80%) at home since 2004.
- Penn State is 4-2 against Michigan in Whiteouts and 2-3 against Ohio State.
- Only 2 games (2007 Notre Dame and 2011 Alabama) have been out-of-conference games. Penn State is 1-1 in these situations. The 2021 Whiteout is against Auburn.
- Penn State’s Whiteout opponents’ final records were 154-56 combined (73%) and included 9 teams that won 10+ games; only 2 teams (2007 ND and 2008 Illinois) finished with losing records.
- Whiteout Kick-off Times:
- Noon: 1 (2015 Michigan-Loss)
- Late Afternoon (3:30-6:00 PM): 5 (2-3; wins 2005 Ohio State and 2013 Michigan)
- Night (7:30 or 8:00): 10 (record: 6-4)
- Both Alabama (2011) and OSU (2014) won national championships in the years that they were the Whiteout opponents. 2012 OSU was also undefeated but ineligible for postseason play.
