Senior defensive lineman Edward Vesterinen has not forgotten about last year’s game against Penn State and looks to use that, as well as all the attention surrounding this year’s matchup, as motivation.
Vesterinen is originally from Finland. When researching American Football, he used to watch videos on YouTube. His experience playing college football has been all he’s hoped for so far and he looks to soak it all in during the home opener.
“This is everything I have ever dreamed about; this is everything the YouTube videos (showed). The atmosphere, the pressure, this is everything in one game,” Vesterinen said. “I am really excited about this game.”
With The Pat McAfee Show coming to Morgantown on Friday and FOX’s Big Noon KickOff crew on game day, there is no question that the atmosphere will be buzzing. However, Vesterinen also will be motivated by his experience playing at State College last season.
“This upcoming game, I need the fans to be 100%. Like I wish I wouldn’t be able to hear anything while I’m playing defense because they (Penn State) won’t hear anything,” Vesterinen said. “I wish [they’re] (fans) are going to bring all loudness, all the energy.”
Vesterinen also remembers a late touchdown by the Nittany Lions and excessive celebration. He kept reiterating that he remembers everything.
“That’s the only clip we’ve been replaying (late score) all the time. I’ve seen that clip like 100 times in the past week and it just angers me,” Vesterinen said. “I already know the one celebration they got, the one o-lineman did and I took it very personal. I hope everyone on our team took it very personal.”
In that game last season, Vesterinen had two tackles as PSU defeated West Virginia 38-15. This year, he hopes to make a more significant impact and achieve a better result.
The Mountaineers will play the No. 8-ranked Nittany Lions at noon EST on Saturday. The game will be televised on FOX.
Photo Courtesy of WVU Athletics
