Penn State fans planning 'Joe-out' this Saturday to honor Paterno

Published Sep. 16, 2014 5:30 p.m. ET

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One of the most visually appealing traditions in college football is a Penn State "white-out" at Beaver Stadium, where more than 100,000 fans rock together and wave white towels.

This weekend against UMass, Penn State fans are planning a spin-off that will garner much more attention.

On Saturday, Nittany Lions fans plan to hold a "Joe-out" to honor late coach Joe Paterno.

It's a divisive show of support considering Paterno lost his job in November 2011 due to his role in the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal.

“We want to make an impact, as Joe would say,” Penn State grad Laurie Anne Stannell told the Centre Daily Times. From the story:

How fans do it is up to them, she said. A cardboard figure of the longtime coach, a Joe mask, a JVP hat. For many on social media, there are plans for things with the number 409, the total wins for Paterno’s coaching career before 111 victories were taken away by the NCAA as part of Penn State’s post-Sandusky penalties.

For some, it’s the kind of opportunity they have been awaiting.

“He will forever stand as a great founder of our university, shoulder to shoulder with Atherton, Beaver, Pattee, Sparks and more. There will be other coaches, other presidents, other trustees and great men in Penn State’s future, but that does not mean we should forget this one man, who made Penn State great. My family and I eagerly await the future — but we will never forget to honor Joe,” said Susan Beck Wilson.

The "Joe-out" is not sponsored or associated with Penn State University, and Stannell said there's no veiled message being sent by the fans.

“It’s honoring our past,” she told the paper. “We are Penn State. If that’s not JoePa then who?”