How Penn State Began the Healing Process After Jerry Sandusky [PHOTOS]

Penn State began picking up the pieces as a university Friday and Saturday from the fallout of the sex abuse scandal of Jerry Sandusky, its former defensive coordinator.

Penn State students rioted Wednesday night after legendary head coach Joe Paterno was fired, and it drew stern reaction from many media outlets. On Friday night, though, students lined campus for a different and more peaceful reason — a candlelight vigil for the victims of sexual abuse.

The vigil, in front of the Old Main administration building, drew thousands of students, professors, alumni and administration.

Junior Leah Blasko told Fox Sports of the contrast between the student body's respose after Paterno's firing and the vigil on Friday night.

Having that taken away from us made us feel lost, Blasko, of Pittsburgh, said of Paterno's dismissal. Tonight really gave us a place to put ourselves back together.

And on Saturday, they gathered for the ritual of Penn State football. The Nittany Lions lost to Nebraska, 17-14, but the outcome didn't matter. People displayed various emotions throughout the game, many of which reflected on signs brought to Beaver Stadium.

It's therapy, Dave Young, a lifelong Penn State fan, said before the game. I love Penn State football, always will love Penn State football. Tough week, cried in my office a couple times when I had moments to myself.

But now it's time to release and watch the football game and enjoy it.

Here's a look at some of the photos from Friday and Saturday.