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The Penn State Nittany Lions' 45-22 blowout victory over the Indiana Hoosiers came at a cost, as senior linebacker Michael Mauti went down with what may be his third ACL tear in four years. Black Shoe Diaries' Devon Edwards had some nice parting words for the star defender:
In this game, you get four years to leave a legacy that'll last far, far longer, and it's less about the plays you make than the way you go about doing it. Michael Mauti was the rare player who made us fell in love with the way he did both.
The Mandeville, La. native registered his 95th tackle of the season before the injury, which may have ended a great season and a solid college career on a sour note. If that's the case, BSD says a tough goodbye to a player who meant the world to the Penn State community:
He wasn't just the heart and soul of a defense and a football team that needed his leadership more than ever this year, he was the rallying point of a university and a community that so desperately sought something to believe in. And Mike, you never let us down.
Penn State head coach Bill O'Brien hasn't ruled Mauti out for the season finale against the Wisconsin Badgers. The Nittany Lions have a chance at an eight-win season if they can beat the Badgers.