Indiana vs. Penn State 2012: Michael Mauti injury puts damper on Nittany Lions' win

Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Michael Mauti was carted off the field in the team's 45-22 win over the Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday, putting a damper on an otherwise celebratory event. Mauti may have torn his ACL, which would be the third such injury in four years for the senior.

Black Shoe Diaries' Devon Edwards sums up his feelings on Michael Mauti, the player:

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 solid college career, on a sour note. If that's the case, BSD says a tough goodbye to a guy who meant the world to the Penn State community, on and off the field:

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.