PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Today’s Penn State-Nebraska game will bring the eyes of the nation upon State College, and for ESPN — the network carrying the game — it’ll be a balancing act.

ESPN’s broadcast of the Penn State Nebraska game had been scheduled long before the Sandusky scandal broke. But in light of the controversy, coverage of the game promises to be unlike any other. ESPN officials did not respond to our call seeking comment, but in a podcast posted on the network’s website, Executive Vice President Norby Williamson said it will be a challenge balancing the game itself against the human tragedy surrounding it.

“It’s a horrific situation, where there are victims. And in no way do you want to ever equate a meaningless, insignificant football game to the human, horrific crimes that have allegedly taken place here.”

But focusing on the x’s and o’s must be done, Williamson said. “I think its going to be a balance. You’re going to have to balance the game, and balance the issues surrounding the game.”

As he put it, “If they’re going to play the game, we have an obligation to cover the game.”

Reported by City Hall Bureau Chief Mike Dunn, KYW Newsradio 1060