Penn State Football Schedule: Dates, Times & TV Info
Hey there, Nittany Lions fans! Are you ready for another exciting season of Penn State football? I know I am! To help you plan your fall weekends, here's the complete Penn State football schedule for the upcoming season, including dates, times, TV information, and some key matchups to watch. Let's dive in!
2024 Penn State Football Schedule
Okay, guys, let's get right into the nitty-gritty. Knowing the Penn State schedule is crucial, whether you're planning a tailgate, trying to snag tickets, or just figuring out when you can catch the game on TV. Here's a breakdown of the entire season:
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August 31: vs. West Virginia - Beaver Stadium is going to be rocking for this one! Opening the season against a Big 12 opponent is always a great way to set the tone. We need to show WVU what real football is all about. Keep an eye on the time and TV details, those will be released closer to the game, but expect a HUGE crowd.
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September 7: vs. Akron - A chance to see the Nittany Lions dominate at home. This should be a good opportunity for Penn State to fine-tune their game and get some younger players valuable experience. Plus, nothing beats a September Saturday in Happy Valley!
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September 14: vs. Delaware - Another home game! Delaware will come to Happy Valley, giving the Nittany Lions another chance to impress at home.
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September 21: vs. Illinois - Big Ten play begins! Illinois is always a tough, physical team, and this game will be a good early test for Penn State. This one could be closer than some people think, so the team needs to be ready to bring their A-game.
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September 28: vs. Washington - It's time to show what we are made of. The Nittany Lions are going to dominate in Happy Valley. This is going to be one for the books.
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October 5: at Wisconsin - A trip to Madison is never easy. Camp Randall Stadium is one of the toughest environments in college football, and Wisconsin is always a tough, physical team. This is a crucial Big Ten game that could have major implications for the conference standings. The team will need to be prepared for a hostile crowd and a hard-fought game.
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October 12: vs. UCLA - Back home to face a tough UCLA team! This is another Big Ten matchup that will test Penn State's mettle. UCLA always brings a lot of talent to the field, so this will be a great opportunity to see how the Nittany Lions stack up against some of the best in the conference.
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October 26: vs. Northwestern - After a week off, Penn State returns home to take on Northwestern. By this point in the season, the team will need to be firing on all cylinders as they push toward the end of the schedule.
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November 2: at Indiana - A road trip to Bloomington. Indiana has been improving in recent years, and they always play Penn State tough. This is a game that the Nittany Lions can't afford to overlook, especially on the road.
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November 9: vs. Iowa - Another HUGE Big Ten game at Beaver Stadium. Iowa is known for their tough defense and strong running game, so this will be a classic Big Ten battle. Expect a low-scoring, physical game that goes down to the wire. The atmosphere in Happy Valley for this one will be electric!
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November 16: at Oregon - A tough road game against what is sure to be a highly ranked Oregon team. Autzen Stadium is another incredibly difficult place to play, and Oregon's offense is always explosive. This will be a major test for Penn State's defense, and a win here would be a HUGE statement.
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November 23: vs. Maryland - The final home game of the season! Let's send the seniors out with a victory! Maryland has been improving under Coach Locksley, so this won't be a walk in the park, but it's a game that Penn State should be able to win at home.
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November 30: at Rutgers - The regular season concludes with a road trip to Rutgers. Rutgers has been building their program, and they'll be looking to end their season on a high note. Penn State will need to be focused and ready to play their best football to secure a victory on the road.
Game times and TV networks will be announced at a later date. Be sure to check back for updates! I'll keep this page updated as soon as I have more information.
Key Matchups to Watch
Alright, now that we have the complete Penn State football schedule, let's highlight some of the games that are circled on my calendar (and probably yours too!). These are the games that could define Penn State's season and have major implications for the Big Ten and College Football Playoff picture.
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West Virginia (August 31): Opening the season with a rivalry game at home? Sign me up! This game is always intense, and it's a great opportunity for Penn State to start the season with a big win. The atmosphere in Beaver Stadium will be insane, and the team will be fired up to perform in front of the home crowd. Winning this game is crucial for building momentum and confidence early in the season.
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at Wisconsin (October 5): As I mentioned earlier, a road game at Wisconsin is never easy. This is a crucial Big Ten game that could have major implications for the conference standings. Penn State will need to be prepared for a hostile environment and a tough, physical game. This is the kind of game that championship teams find a way to win.
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Iowa (November 9): This late-season matchup against Iowa could be a pivotal game for Penn State's Big Ten title hopes. Iowa's defense is always stout, and their offense is efficient. This game will likely be a hard-fought, low-scoring affair, and the team that makes the fewest mistakes will likely come out on top. The Nittany Lions will need to be disciplined and execute their game plan perfectly to secure a victory.
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at Oregon (November 16): This game has the potential to be a College Football Playoff elimination game. Oregon is expected to be one of the top teams in the Pac-12 (soon to be Big Ten), and a road win against them would be a HUGE resume booster for Penn State. This game will be a major test for Penn State's defense, as Oregon's offense is typically high-powered. The Nittany Lions will need to bring their A-game on both sides of the ball to pull out a victory in Eugene.
How to Get Tickets
Okay, so you're pumped for the Penn State schedule and ready to cheer on the Nittany Lions in person. Now, how do you actually get tickets? Here are a few options:
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Penn State Ticket Office: This is the official source for tickets. You can visit their website or call their ticket office to inquire about season tickets, single-game tickets, and student tickets. Be warned, though, that tickets for popular games can be difficult to come by, especially if you're not a season ticket holder. It's always a good idea to plan ahead and purchase your tickets as early as possible.
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Secondary Market: Websites like StubHub, Ticketmaster, and SeatGeek offer a secondary market where you can buy and sell tickets from other fans. This can be a good option if you're looking for tickets to a sold-out game, but be prepared to pay a premium, especially for high-demand matchups. Always be sure to buy tickets from reputable sellers to avoid scams.
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Student Ticket Exchange: If you're a Penn State student, you can often find tickets for sale through the student ticket exchange. This can be a good way to get a discounted ticket from another student who can't make the game. Check with your student organizations and online forums for more information.
Tailgating Tips
No Penn State football schedule is complete without tailgating! Happy Valley is known for its legendary tailgating scene, and it's an essential part of the game day experience. Here are a few tips to make your tailgate a success:
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Plan Ahead: Tailgating spots can fill up quickly, so it's important to arrive early to secure your spot. Coordinate with your friends and bring plenty of food, drinks, and games to keep everyone entertained. Don't forget the essentials like tables, chairs, and a grill.
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Be Responsible: While tailgating is a lot of fun, it's important to be responsible and follow the rules. Don't drink and drive, and be respectful of your fellow tailgaters. Clean up your area before you leave and dispose of your trash properly.
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Show Your Pride: Wear your Penn State gear and show your support for the Nittany Lions! Decorate your tailgate with Penn State flags and banners, and be ready to cheer on the team to victory. The more spirited you are, the more fun you'll have!
Stay Updated
The Penn State football schedule is subject to change, so it's important to stay updated with the latest information. Follow Penn State Athletics on social media and check their website regularly for updates on game times, TV networks, and other important announcements. I'll also be updating this page as new information becomes available, so be sure to bookmark it and check back often.
Alright, Nittany Lions fans, that's your complete guide to the Penn State football schedule! Get ready for another exciting season of Penn State football! WE ARE...PENN STATE!