Penn State coach grateful for chance at bowl game; proud students celebrate

More than 1000 students rally outside the Old Main administration building at Penn State, in State College, Pa. on Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. The NCAA on Monday lifted the on-the-field sanctions placed on the Penn State football team for the Jerry Sandusky scandal, including immediately eliminating the postseason ban that had two more seasons left and restoring scholarships next season. (AP Photo/John Beale) (The Associated Press)

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Penn State coach James Franklin says his football team appreciates that they'll have a chance to play a bowl game this season.

The NCAA lifted the rest of the sanctions placed on Penn State for the Jerry Sandusky scandal, including immediately eliminating the postseason ban.

Penn State was halfway through a four-year postseason ban handed down during the summer of 2012. Penn State also will be allowed to have the full complement of football scholarships in 2015.

Franklin said Tuesday there are 49 players who could have left when the sanctions hit. They were all given a standing ovation at a team meeting Monday night.

Penn State students turned campus into the site of a peaceful and jubilant celebration after the lifting was announced.