Penn State Football Schedule: A Season Preview

The Penn State Nittany Lions are gearing up for what they hope will be a memorable 2024 football season. Coach James Franklin is under pressure to deliver a championship-caliber team, and the schedule presents both opportunities and challenges.

Non-Conference Slate

The season kicks off with a trio of non-conference games, offering a chance to build momentum. They start at West Virginia on August 31, then host Akron on September 7 and Kent State on September 14. These matchups provide valuable experience for younger players and allow the team to fine-tune their strategies before diving into the Big Ten gauntlet. While victory is expected in these games, the coaching staff will be looking for clean execution and minimal injuries.

Big Ten Conference Battles

Conference play begins with a trip to Illinois on September 21. Road games in the Big Ten are always tough, and Illinois is looking to improve. After that they return to Beaver Stadium to host UCLA on September 28, adding a new Big Ten foe to the schedule. The Bruins come in after some recent struggles. The Lions then hit the road again, traveling to USC on October 5. This will be a marquee matchup on the national stage. USC and Penn State have a limited history, and this game will add to the intrigue as the Trojans look to solidify their place in the Big Ten landscape. The highly anticipated clash against Ohio State follows on October 26 in State College. The Buckeyes are always a tough opponent, and a win here would be a significant boost for Penn State’s Big Ten title aspirations.

November brings a challenging stretch. Penn State travels to Washington on November 2. Back home to play Purdue on November 9 before heading to Minnesota on November 16. These late-season road games are crucial for maintaining momentum and securing a strong finish. The regular season concludes at Beaver Stadium against Maryland on November 23.

Key Games and Potential Pitfalls

The Ohio State game is undoubtedly the highlight of the schedule. A win against the Buckeyes would significantly improve Penn State’s chances of making the College Football Playoff. The road games against West Virginia, USC and Washington also pose significant challenges. Navigating these tough road environments will be key to Penn State’s success. The early season matchup against UCLA will be interesting because it is a new Big Ten matchup.

Expectations and Projections

Many analysts predict Penn State to contend for a Big Ten Championship and potentially earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. A strong running game, coupled with an improved passing attack, will be essential. The defense will need to maintain its traditionally high level of play. Ultimately, the team’s success will hinge on consistent performance, avoiding key injuries, and winning those crucial conference matchups.