Penn State now knows when it will kick off its next road test.
The Nittany Lions are set to travel to Ann Arbor next week to face Michigan at 3:30 p.m. The television network for the game has not yet been announced.
It’s a matchup between two teams that have stumbled early in the first season for their new head coaches. Penn State and Michigan are both 3-2 overall and 0-2 in Big Ten play.
Michigan’s season opened with plenty of drama. The Wolverines edged Western Michigan 13-12 after a second was added back onto the clock in the final moments, creating enough time for one last Hail Mary that turned into the winning touchdown.
They then beat Oklahoma and UTEP at home, but things have gone the other way since. Iowa beat them on a walk-off touchdown, and Minnesota followed with a 20-14 win.
Penn State has had its own rough stretch after opening 3-0 outside the conference. The Nittany Lions blew a 17-0 lead against Wisconsin and fell 24-20 in their homecoming game, then struggled again against Northwestern. On Friday night, in the first game at the new Ryan Field, Northwestern beat Penn State 34-13 and left the Nittany Lions in a dangerous spot.
Michigan will have the benefit of a bye week to regroup after the Minnesota loss. Penn State, meanwhile, will look to stop the slide at home against USC in Beaver Stadium in the White Out. That game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and will air on NBC.
In Other News...
Penn State Faces Two Big Concerns Before White Out Vs USC
Penn State spent part of the week clearing the air before a White Out showdown with USC, and the messaging from the podium was pointed enough to show where the pressure points are. A press conference with head coach Matt Campbell, defensive coordinator DAnton Lynn, quarterback Rocco Becht, offensive guard Cooper Cousins and linebacker Cael Brezina gave the usual game-week mix of injury updates and self-scouting, with receiver Koby Howards status drawing attention as the Nittany Lions continue to manage their depth.
Just as notable was the tone around the offense and defense after the Northwestern game, where the conversation turned to quarterback play, overall offensive struggles and what this teams identity needs to look like going forward. On the other side of the ball, the defense is still sorting through challenges that were exposed in that recent trip, and with USC coming into a White Out atmosphere, Penn State does not have much margin for lingering issues to linger much longer. [Read more 🡒]
Penn State White Out Just Became A Snapshot Of This Teams Pressure
The White Out is still one of the biggest scenes in college football, but this years version at Beaver Stadium is carrying an unusual edge. Resale prices have dropped sharply in recent days, reflecting how quickly the mood has shifted around Penn State after an 0-2 start in Big Ten play and a pair of recent losses. What is usually a premium ticket has become a barometer for the pressure building around a team that entered the season with much different expectations.
Matt Campbell acknowledged the struggle and said the focus has to be on growth and improvement, even as the program leans on the same fan base that has made the White Out a signature event. The contrast is hard to miss: a national showcase still capable of drawing attention, paired with a season that suddenly feels more fragile than it did a few weeks ago. How Penn State responds on that stage will say a lot about where this team is headed next. [Read more 🡒]
Penn State Alumni Are Making Early NFL Noise For Multiple Teams
Penn States NFL footprint was hard to miss in the latest round of games, with several former Nittany Lions turning up in key moments for their new teams. Jahan Dotson found the end zone for the Atlanta Falcons, Pat Freiermuth hauled in a touchdown for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Mike Gesicki scored for the Cincinnati Bengals, giving the program another reminder that its alumni keep showing up on Sundays.
The defense joined the party, too, as Odafe Oweh delivered a sack and forced fumble for the Washington Commanders. Tyler Warren emerged as one of the Indianapolis Colts top targets, while Theo Johnson added a touchdown for the New York Giants, a spread of production that reflects how widely Penn State talent is already being trusted across the league. [Read more 🡒]