Get ready for another thrilling season of Penn State Football! The Nittany Lions are poised to make a run for the College Football Playoff in 2024, and their schedule is packed with exciting matchups. In this article, we will take a closer look at Penn State’s 2024 football schedule, highlighting key games and providing expert analysis. Join us as we break down each contest and discuss what to expect from the Nittany Lions this upcoming season.

The 2024 Penn State football schedule is set to feature a diverse mix of opponents, including traditional rivals, non-conference powerhouses, and up-and-coming programs. The Nittany Lions will open their season with a home game against a yet-to-be-announced opponent, followed by a road trip to face a challenging ACC opponent. The non-conference slate also includes a matchup with an SEC powerhouse and a perennial Group of Five contender. In Big Ten play, Penn State will face its usual slate of East Division foes, as well as a few crossover games against West Division opponents.

Penn State Football Schedule 2024

Here are six important points about Penn State’s 2024 football schedule:

• Home opener against FCS opponent
• Road trip to ACC powerhouse
• Matchup with SEC powerhouse
• Crossover games against West Division foes
• Rivalry game against Ohio State
• Potential College Football Playoff berth

The Nittany Lions’ 2024 schedule is a challenging one, but it also presents plenty of opportunities for the team to prove its worth. With a talented roster and a favorable home schedule, Penn State is poised to make a run for the College Football Playoff in 2024.

Home opener against FCS opponent

Penn State’s 2024 football season will kick off with a home game against an FCS opponent. This is a common practice for many FBS teams, as it allows them to ease into the season against a lower-level opponent. The FCS, formerly known as Division I-AA, is the second-highest level of college football in the United States, below the FBS (formerly Division I-A). FCS teams are typically smaller schools with smaller budgets and fewer resources than FBS teams. However, there have been a number of FCS teams that have upset FBS teams in recent years, so Penn State will need to be careful not to overlook their FCS opponent.

The identity of Penn State’s FCS opponent for the 2024 season has not yet been announced. However, it is likely to be a team from the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic region, such as Delaware, Villanova, or Fordham. These teams are all within a reasonable driving distance of State College, which will make it easy for Penn State fans to attend the game. It is also possible that Penn State could schedule a game against an FCS team from another region, such as North Dakota State or James Madison. These teams are both perennial FCS powerhouses, and a game against either of them would be a good test for Penn State early in the season.

Regardless of who Penn State’s FCS opponent is, the home opener is always a special event for the Nittany Lions and their fans. Beaver Stadium will be packed with a sellout crowd, and the atmosphere will be electric. Penn State will be looking to start the season off on the right foot with a convincing victory over their FCS opponent.

The home opener against an FCS opponent is also a good opportunity for Penn State to get its younger players some valuable playing time. With the game likely to be a blowout, the Nittany Lions can afford to rest their starters and give their backups a chance to shine. This can be especially helpful for developing depth at key positions, which can be crucial for a team’s success later in the season.

Road trip to ACC powerhouse

One of the highlights of Penn State’s 2024 football schedule is a road trip to face an ACC powerhouse. The ACC is one of the top conferences in college football, and Penn State will have its work cut out for them when they travel to take on one of the conference’s top teams.

The identity of Penn State’s ACC opponent for the 2024 season has not yet been announced. However, there are a number of potential opponents that would make for a great matchup. Some possibilities include Clemson, Florida State, Louisville, and Miami. All of these teams have been ranked among the top 25 teams in the country in recent years, and they all have passionate fan bases that will create a hostile environment for Penn State.

Regardless of who Penn State’s ACC opponent is, the road trip will be a tough test for the Nittany Lions. They will need to be at their best in order to pull off an upset victory. However, if they can win this game, it will send a strong message to the rest of the country that Penn State is a team to be reckoned with.

The road trip to face an ACC powerhouse is also a great opportunity for Penn State to learn and grow as a team. Playing against a top-tier opponent in a hostile environment will help the Nittany Lions identify their weaknesses and areas where they need to improve. This experience will be invaluable as they prepare for the rest of the season, especially for the Big Ten Championship Game and a potential berth in the College Football Playoff.

Matchup with SEC powerhouse

Another highly anticipated matchup on Penn State’s 2024 football schedule is their game against an SEC powerhouse. The SEC is the other top conference in college football, and Penn State will have a chance to prove themselves against one of the best teams in the country.

• Challenging opponent: The SEC is home to some of the best college football teams in the country, so Penn State will need to be at their best to pull off a victory.
  

  This game will be a great opportunity for Penn State to test themselves against one of the top teams in the country. If they can win this game, it will send a strong message to the rest of the country that they are a legitimate contender for the College Football Playoff.

• Hostile environment: SEC stadiums are known for their passionate fan bases and hostile environments. Penn State will need to be prepared for a tough atmosphere on the road.
  

  Playing in a hostile environment will be a good test for Penn State’s mental toughness. If they can handle the pressure and come away with a victory, it will be a major boost to their confidence.

• National exposure: A matchup between Penn State and an SEC powerhouse is sure to draw a large television audience. This is a great opportunity for Penn State to showcase their program to a national audience.
  

  The national exposure from this game will be invaluable for Penn State’s recruiting efforts. It will also help to raise the profile of the program and make it more attractive to potential recruits.

• Potential Playoff implications: A win over an SEC powerhouse could have a major impact on Penn State’s College Football Playoff hopes. The Playoff selection committee loves to see wins over quality opponents, and a victory over an SEC team would certainly boost Penn State’s resume.
  

  A win over an SEC powerhouse would be a major statement victory for Penn State. It would show that they are one of the best teams in the country and that they are capable of competing for a national championship.

The matchup with an SEC powerhouse is one of the most important games on Penn State’s 2024 football schedule. It is a chance for the Nittany Lions to prove themselves against one of the best teams in the country and to make a statement to the rest of the nation. If Penn State can win this game, it will be a major boost to their College Football Playoff hopes and will send a message that they are a team to be reckoned with.

Crossover games against West Division foes

As a member of the Big Ten East Division, Penn State will play six games against its divisional opponents each season. In addition, the Nittany Lions will also play two crossover games against teams from the Big Ten West Division.

• New and exciting matchups: The crossover games provide an opportunity for Penn State to face teams that they don’t normally play. This can lead to some new and exciting matchups that fans may not have seen before.
  

  The crossover games can also help to create new rivalries between Penn State and teams from the West Division. For example, Penn State’s annual crossover game against Michigan State has become a heated rivalry in recent years.

• Strength of schedule: The Big Ten West Division is typically one of the stronger divisions in college football. Playing two crossover games against West Division opponents will help to strengthen Penn State’s schedule and make them more competitive in the College Football Playoff rankings.
  

  A strong schedule is important for Penn State’s College Football Playoff hopes. The selection committee loves to see teams that have played a challenging schedule, and wins over West Division opponents will certainly boost Penn State’s resume.

• Home-field advantage: Penn State will host one of its two crossover games each season. This is a major advantage for the Nittany Lions, as they have one of the best home-field advantages in college football.
  

  Playing at home in front of their passionate fans will give Penn State a big boost in the crossover games. It will also help them to improve their overall record and make them more attractive to the College Football Playoff selection committee.

• Potential Playoff implications: The crossover games could have a major impact on Penn State’s College Football Playoff hopes. If the Nittany Lions can win both of their crossover games, it will give them a major boost in the rankings and make them a strong contender for a Playoff berth.
  

  Winning the crossover games is especially important if Penn State is trying to win the Big Ten Championship. A win over a West Division opponent can give Penn State the tiebreaker they need to win the East Division and advance to the Big Ten Championship Game.

The crossover games against West Division foes are an important part of Penn State’s football schedule. They provide an opportunity for the Nittany Lions to face new and exciting opponents, strengthen their schedule, and improve their chances of making the College Football Playoff.

Rivalry game against Ohio State

One of the most anticipated games on Penn State’s 2024 football schedule is their annual rivalry game against Ohio State. The Nittany Lions and Buckeyes have been playing each other since 1912, and the rivalry is one of the most heated in college football.

• Historic rivalry: The Penn State-Ohio State rivalry is one of the oldest and most storied in college football. The two teams have played each other 99 times, with Ohio State holding a slight 54-42-6 advantage.
  

  The rivalry has been filled with memorable moments over the years, including the “Snow Bowl” in 1968 and the “Game of the Century” in 2016. These games have helped to create a deep-seated hatred between the two schools and their fan bases.

• National implications: The Penn State-Ohio State game is often played with major national implications. Both teams are consistently ranked among the top teams in the country, and the winner of the game often has a chance to play for the Big Ten Championship and the College Football Playoff.
  

  The 2024 Penn State-Ohio State game is sure to have a major impact on the College Football Playoff race. Both teams are expected to be contenders for the national championship, and the winner of the game will have a major boost in their Playoff hopes.

• Sellout crowd: The Penn State-Ohio State game is always a sellout, with over 100,000 fans packing into Beaver Stadium. The atmosphere is electric, and the game is one of the most exciting in college football.
  

  The Penn State-Ohio State game is a must-see event for any college football fan. The atmosphere is incredible, and the game is always played at a high level. It is sure to be one of the most memorable games of the 2024 college football season.

• Potential Playoff implications: As mentioned above, the Penn State-Ohio State game often has major implications for the College Football Playoff. Both teams are expected to be contenders for the national championship in 2024, and the winner of the game will have a major boost in their Playoff hopes.
  

  A win over Ohio State would be a huge statement victory for Penn State. It would show that they are one of the best teams in the country and that they are capable of competing for a national championship.

The rivalry game against Ohio State is one of the most important games on Penn State’s 2024 football schedule. It is a chance for the Nittany Lions to prove themselves against one of the best teams in the country and to make a statement to the rest of the nation. If Penn State can win this game, it will be a major boost to their College Football Playoff hopes and will send a message that they are a team to be reckoned with.

Potential College Football Playoff berth

Penn State’s ultimate goal for the 2024 season is to earn a berth in the College Football Playoff. The Playoff is a four-team tournament that determines the national champion in college football. Penn State has never won a national championship, and they are hungry to make a run at the title in 2024.

• Strong schedule: Penn State’s 2024 football schedule is one of the toughest in the country. The Nittany Lions will face a number of ranked opponents, including Ohio State, Michigan, and an SEC powerhouse. This challenging schedule will help Penn State to improve its strength of schedule ranking, which is a key factor in the College Football Playoff selection process.
  

  A strong schedule is important for Penn State’s College Football Playoff hopes. The selection committee loves to see teams that have played a challenging schedule, and wins over ranked opponents will certainly boost Penn State’s resume.

• Home-field advantage: Penn State has one of the best home-field advantages in college football. Beaver Stadium is a notoriously difficult place for opposing teams to play, and the Nittany Lions have a strong home record.
  

  Penn State’s home-field advantage will be a major factor in their College Football Playoff hopes. If the Nittany Lions can win their home games, they will be in a good position to earn a Playoff berth.

• Experienced team: Penn State will have a lot of experienced players returning in 2024. The Nittany Lions have a strong core of starters on both offense and defense, and they will be looking to build on their success from the 2023 season.
  

  Penn State’s experienced team will be a major asset in their quest for a College Football Playoff berth. The Nittany Lions will be able to rely on their veteran players to make big plays and lead the team to victory.

• Favorable Big Ten schedule: Penn State has a favorable Big Ten schedule in 2024. The Nittany Lions will avoid playing Michigan and Ohio State in the regular season. This will give them a better chance of winning the Big Ten East Division and earning a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game.
  

  A favorable Big Ten schedule will help Penn State’s College Football Playoff hopes. The Nittany Lions will have a better chance of winning the Big Ten East Division and earning a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game. This will give them a chance to earn a Playoff berth.

Penn State has all the pieces in place to make a run at the College Football Playoff in 2024. They have a strong schedule, a home-field advantage, an experienced team, and a favorable Big Ten schedule. If the Nittany Lions can stay healthy and play to their potential, they have a good chance of earning a Playoff berth and competing for a national championship.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Penn State Football Schedule 2024:

Question 1: When is Penn State’s first game in 2024?

Answer 1: Penn State’s first game in 2024 is scheduled for September 7th, 2024. The Nittany Lions will host an FCS opponent at Beaver Stadium.

Question 2: Who are Penn State’s biggest rivals in 2024?

Answer 2: Penn State’s biggest rivals in 2024 are Ohio State, Michigan, and Michigan State. The Nittany Lions will play all three of these teams at home in 2024.

Question 3: How many home games does Penn State have in 2024?

Answer 3: Penn State has seven home games in 2024. The Nittany Lions will host an FCS opponent, two ACC opponents, two Big Ten West Division opponents, and their three biggest rivals (Ohio State, Michigan, and Michigan State).

Question 4: How many away games does Penn State have in 2024?

Answer 4: Penn State has five away games in 2024. The Nittany Lions will travel to face an SEC opponent, two ACC opponents, and two Big Ten West Division opponents.

Question 5: When is the Penn State-Ohio State game in 2024?

Answer 5: The Penn State-Ohio State game in 2024 is scheduled for November 9th, 2024. The game will be played at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania.

Question 6: How can I purchase tickets for Penn State football games in 2024?

Answer 6: Tickets for Penn State football games in 2024 will go on sale to the general public in the spring of 2024. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or at the Beaver Stadium ticket office.

Question 7: What are the Penn State Football Ticket Prices for the 2024 season?

Answer 7: Penn State Football Ticket Prices for 2024 are not yet available. They will be released in the spring of 2024.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the Penn State Football Schedule 2024. For more information, please visit the Penn State Athletics website or contact the Penn State Ticket Office.

Now that you know more about the Penn State Football Schedule 2024, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience:

Tips

Here are four tips to help you make the most of your Penn State Football experience in 2024:

Tip 1: Purchase tickets early.

Penn State football tickets are always in high demand, so it is important to purchase your tickets early. Tickets typically go on sale to the general public in the spring of 2024. You can purchase tickets online, by phone, or at the Beaver Stadium ticket office.

Tip 2: Arrive early.

Beaver Stadium is a large stadium, and it can take some time to get to your seat. It is a good idea to arrive early so that you have plenty of time to find your seat and get settled before the game starts.

Tip 3: Wear comfortable shoes.

You will be doing a lot of walking on game day, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes. You will also be standing for most of the game, so make sure your shoes provide good support.

Tip 4: Be prepared for the weather.

Penn State football games are played outdoors, so it is important to be prepared for the weather. Check the forecast before you leave home and dress accordingly. If it is raining or snowing, bring a poncho or umbrella. If it is cold, wear layers of clothing so that you can adjust to the changing temperatures.

Tip 5: Be respectful of other fans.

Penn State football games are a great place to have fun and cheer on your team. However, it is important to be respectful of other fans, even if they are cheering for the opposing team. Be courteous and avoid using foul language or making offensive gestures.

Tip 6: Enjoy the experience!

Penn State football games are a special experience. Take some time to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the game. Cheer on the Nittany Lions and have a great time!

Closing Paragraph for Tips:

By following these tips, you can make the most of your Penn State Football experience in 2024. So get your tickets early, arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, be prepared for the weather, be respectful of other fans, and most importantly, enjoy the experience!

Now that you know how to make the most of your Penn State Football experience in 2024, it’s time to start planning your trip to State College. Book your hotel, purchase your tickets, and start counting down the days until the season begins!

Conclusion

The 2024 Penn State football season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. The Nittany Lions have a challenging schedule, but they also have a talented roster and a favorable home schedule. With a little luck, Penn State could make a run at the College Football Playoff in 2024.

Here is a summary of the main points discussed in this article:

• Penn State will open the 2024 season with a home game against an FCS opponent.
• The Nittany Lions will also face a road trip to an ACC powerhouse and a matchup with an SEC powerhouse.
• Penn State will have two crossover games against Big Ten West Division opponents.
• The annual rivalry game against Ohio State is always one of the most anticipated games on the Penn State schedule.
• Penn State has a chance to earn a berth in the College Football Playoff in 2024.

The 2024 Penn State football season is sure to be filled with excitement and drama. The Nittany Lions have a chance to do something special, and they are looking forward to the challenge.

Closing Message:

Thanks for reading our article about the Penn State Football Schedule 2024. We hope you found it informative and helpful. Be sure to check back for more updates as the season approaches.

We hope to see you in Beaver Stadium in 2024!