The Penn State Nittany Lions football team has released its 2024 schedule, which features a challenging mix of opponents both in-conference and out-of-conference. The Nittany Lions will open the season at home against the Ohio Bobcats on August 31, 2024.
After a bye week, Penn State will travel to East Lansing to face the Michigan State Spartans on September 14. The Nittany Lions will then return home to host the Indiana Hoosiers on September 21. Penn State will then travel to Madison to face the Wisconsin Badgers on September 28.
The Nittany Lions will open their Big Ten Conference schedule on October 5 at home against the Maryland Terrapins. Penn State will then travel to Columbus to face the Ohio State Buckeyes on October 12. The Nittany Lions will then return home to host the Minnesota Golden Gophers on October 19.
Psu 2024 Football Schedule
Packed with exciting matchups, here are 5 key points about Penn State’s 2024 football schedule:
- Season Opener: Ohio Bobcats at Home
- Big Ten Matchups: Home Games Against Maryland, Minnesota; Away Games at Ohio State, Wisconsin
- Rivalry Renewed: Annual Rivalry Game Against Michigan State
- Homecoming Highlight: Indiana Hoosiers Visit Happy Valley
- Regular Season Finale: Battle for the Land Grant Trophy at Rutgers
With a balanced mix of home and away games, the Nittany Lions will look to build on their success in the 2023 season and make a run at the Big Ten Championship in 2024.
Season Opener: Ohio Bobcats at Home
The Penn State Nittany Lions will kick off their 2024 football season at home against the Ohio Bobcats on August 31, 2024. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two teams.
The Bobcats, who compete in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), are coming off a successful 2023 season in which they finished 9-5 overall and 6-2 in conference play. They were led by quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who passed for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. Rourke is expected to be back for the 2024 season, which will be his final year of eligibility.
The Nittany Lions, on the other hand, are coming off a disappointing 2023 season in which they finished 7-6 overall and 4-5 in conference play. They were led by quarterback Sean Clifford, who passed for over 3,000 yards and 22 touchdowns. Clifford has graduated, so the Nittany Lions will have a new starting quarterback in 2024. The leading candidates for the job are Drew Allar, a five-star recruit who is considered to be one of the best quarterback prospects in the country, and Christian Veilleux, a redshirt sophomore who has shown promise in limited playing time.
The Nittany Lions will be favored to win the season opener against the Bobcats, but they will need to be careful not to overlook their opponent. The Bobcats have a lot of talent on their roster, and they are capable of pulling off an upset if the Nittany Lions are not fully focused.
The season opener will be a great opportunity for the Nittany Lions to get off to a good start in 2024. A win over the Bobcats would give them momentum heading into their tough Big Ten schedule.
Big Ten Matchups: Home Games Against Maryland, Minnesota; Away Games at Ohio State, Wisconsin
The Penn State Nittany Lions will have a challenging Big Ten schedule in 2024, with home games against Maryland and Minnesota and away games at Ohio State and Wisconsin.
The Nittany Lions will open their Big Ten schedule on October 5 at home against the Maryland Terrapins. Maryland is coming off a disappointing 2023 season in which they finished 5-7 overall and 2-7 in conference play. However, the Terrapins have a lot of talent on their roster, and they are expected to be much improved in 2024. The Nittany Lions will need to be careful not to overlook Maryland, as the Terrapins are capable of pulling off an upset if the Nittany Lions are not fully focused.
The Nittany Lions will then travel to Columbus to face the Ohio State Buckeyes on October 12. Ohio State is one of the top teams in the country, and they will be a tough opponent for the Nittany Lions. The Buckeyes are led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, who is considered to be one of the best quarterbacks in the country. The Nittany Lions will need to play their best game of the season if they want to beat the Buckeyes.
The Nittany Lions will then return home to host the Minnesota Golden Gophers on October 19. Minnesota is coming off a successful 2023 season in which they finished 9-4 overall and 6-3 in conference play. The Golden Gophers are led by running back Mohamed Ibrahim, who is one of the best running backs in the country. The Nittany Lions will need to find a way to stop Ibrahim if they want to beat the Golden Gophers.
The Nittany Lions will finish their Big Ten schedule with a road game at Wisconsin on November 9. Wisconsin is a tough opponent, and they are always a contender in the Big Ten West Division. The Badgers are led by running back Braelon Allen, who is one of the best running backs in the country. The Nittany Lions will need to find a way to stop Allen if they want to beat the Badgers.
Rivalry Renewed: Annual Rivalry Game Against Michigan State
The Penn State Nittany Lions and the Michigan State Spartans have a long and storied rivalry, with the two teams first meeting in 1896. The teams have played each other 35 times overall, with Michigan State holding a slight 18-16-1 advantage in the series. The rivalry has been especially heated in recent years, with the two teams playing each other in nine of the past 10 seasons.
The rivalry will be renewed in 2024 when the Nittany Lions travel to East Lansing to face the Spartans on September 14. This will be the first time that the two teams have played each other in East Lansing since 2021. The Spartans won that game 30-27 in double overtime.
The Nittany Lions will be looking to avenge that loss in 2024. They will also be looking to snap a two-game losing streak to the Spartans. The Spartans won 21-17 in Happy Valley in 2022, and they also won 39-24 in East Lansing in 2020.
The 2024 matchup between the Nittany Lions and the Spartans is sure to be a close and exciting game. Both teams are expected to be contenders in the Big Ten East Division in 2024, and the winner of this game could have a big say in who wins the division.
The rivalry between the Nittany Lions and the Spartans is one of the most intense and passionate rivalries in college football. The two teams always play each other tough, and the games are always close. The 2024 matchup is sure to be no different.
Homecoming Highlight: Indiana Hoosiers Visit Happy Valley
The Penn State Nittany Lions will host the Indiana Hoosiers for their annual Homecoming game on September 21, 2024. This will be the first time that the two teams have played each other in Happy Valley since 2021. The Nittany Lions won that game 24-0.
- Historic Rivalry: The Nittany Lions and the Hoosiers have a long and storied rivalry, dating back to 1899. The two teams have played each other 61 times overall, with the Nittany Lions holding a 48-12-1 advantage in the series.
- Recent Dominance: The Nittany Lions have dominated the series in recent years, winning the last nine meetings between the two teams. The Hoosiers’ last win over the Nittany Lions came in 2013.
- Hoosiers on the Rise: The Hoosiers are coming off a successful 2023 season in which they finished 8-5 overall and 5-4 in conference play. They were led by quarterback Connor Bazelak, who passed for over 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns. Bazelak is expected to be back for the 2024 season, and he will be looking to lead the Hoosiers to an upset win over the Nittany Lions.
- Homecoming Atmosphere: The Homecoming game is always a special event in Happy Valley. The campus is buzzing with excitement, and the stadium is packed with fans. The Nittany Lions will be looking to feed off the energy of the crowd and put on a show for their fans.
The Homecoming game against the Indiana Hoosiers is sure to be a memorable event. The Nittany Lions will be looking to extend their winning streak against the Hoosiers and give their fans a special victory in Happy Valley.
Regular Season Finale: Battle for the Land Grant Trophy at Rutgers
The Penn State Nittany Lions will travel to Piscataway, New Jersey to face the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the regular season finale on November 23, 2024. This will be the first time that the two teams have played each other since 2021. The Nittany Lions won that game 28-0.
- Land Grant Trophy: The winner of the annual matchup between Penn State and Rutgers is awarded the Land Grant Trophy. The trophy was first awarded in 2016, and the Nittany Lions have won it in each of the seven years that it has been awarded.
- Rivalry Renewed: The Penn State-Rutgers rivalry is a relatively new one, but it has quickly become one of the most heated rivalries in the Big Ten. The two schools are located just a few hours apart, and their fans are always eager to see their teams compete against each other.
- Scarlet Knights on the Rise: The Scarlet Knights are coming off a successful 2023 season in which they finished 7-6 overall and 4-5 in conference play. They were led by quarterback Gavin Wimsatt, who passed for over 2,500 yards and 15 touchdowns. Wimsatt is expected to be back for the 2024 season, and he will be looking to lead the Scarlet Knights to an upset win over the Nittany Lions.
- Senior Day: The regular season finale will also be Senior Day for the Nittany Lions. The team will honor its graduating seniors in a pre-game ceremony, and the fans will have a chance to say goodbye to some of their favorite players.
The regular season finale against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights is sure to be a memorable event. The Nittany Lions will be looking to win the Land Grant Trophy for the eighth consecutive year and send their seniors out on a high note.
FAQ
Got questions about the Penn State Nittany Lions 2024 football schedule? We’ve got answers. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Nittany Lions’ upcoming season:
Question 1: When does the 2024 Penn State football season start?
Answer: The Nittany Lions will kick off their 2024 season on August 31, 2024, when they host the Ohio Bobcats at Beaver Stadium.
Question 2: Who are the Nittany Lions’ biggest rivals in 2024?
Answer: The Nittany Lions have several big rivals in 2024, including Michigan State, Ohio State, and Wisconsin. They will also face Indiana in their annual Homecoming game.
Question 3: Where can I watch Penn State football games in 2024?
Answer: Penn State football games will be broadcast on a variety of networks in 2024, including FOX, CBS, NBC, and ESPN. You can also stream the games online through services like BTN+ and fuboTV.
Question 4: How can I get tickets to Penn State football games in 2024?
Answer: Tickets for Penn State football games can be purchased through the Penn State Athletics website or through a variety of ticket brokers. Prices for tickets vary depending on the game and the seat location.
Question 5: What are the Nittany Lions’ chances of winning the Big Ten Championship in 2024?
Answer: The Nittany Lions have a good chance of winning the Big Ten Championship in 2024. They have a talented roster and a favorable schedule. However, they will need to stay healthy and avoid injuries if they want to reach their goal.
Question 6: What are the Nittany Lions’ goals for the 2024 season?
Answer: The Nittany Lions have several goals for the 2024 season, including winning the Big Ten Championship, playing in a New Year’s Six bowl game, and finishing the season ranked among the top 10 teams in the country.
Question 7: Who are some of the Nittany Lions’ key players to watch in 2024?
Answer: The Nittany Lions have several key players to watch in 2024, including quarterback Drew Allar, running back Nick Singleton, wide receiver Parker Washington, and defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton.
Closing: We hope this FAQ has answered your questions about the Penn State Nittany Lions 2024 football schedule. For more information, please visit the Penn State Athletics website.
In addition to the FAQ, here are a few tips for Penn State football fans in 2024:
- Buy your tickets early. Tickets for Penn State football games tend to sell out quickly, so it’s best to purchase your tickets as early as possible.
- Arrive at the stadium early. Beaver Stadium is a large stadium, and it can take some time to get to your seat. It’s best to arrive early to avoid missing any of the game.
- Be prepared for the weather. Penn State is located in a cold-weather climate, so it’s important to be prepared for the weather. Dress in layers and bring a raincoat or umbrella if there’s a chance of rain.
- Be respectful of other fans. Penn State football games are a great place to have fun, but it’s important to be respectful of other fans. Don’t be disruptive or abusive, and clean up your trash after the game.
Tips
Looking for ways to make the most of the Penn State Nittany Lions 2024 football season? Here are a few tips:
Tip 1: Plan Your Game Day Experience in Advance
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable game day experience, plan your trip to Beaver Stadium in advance. This includes purchasing tickets, parking passes, and any other necessary items. You should also familiarize yourself with the stadium’s policies and procedures, such as the clear bag policy.
Tip 2: Arrive Early and Take a Stadium Tour
Beaver Stadium is a massive and impressive venue, so it’s worth arriving early to take a tour. The stadium offers guided tours on game days, which gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the facility and its history. You can also visit the Penn State All-Sports Museum, which is located inside the stadium.
Tip 3: Pack for the Weather and Bring Essentials
Penn State is located in a cold-weather climate, so it’s important to pack accordingly for game day. Dress in layers so you can adjust to the changing temperatures. You should also bring essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, a raincoat, and a hat. It’s also a good idea to bring a camera to capture all the memories.
Tip 4: Be Respectful and Show Good Sportsmanship
Penn State football games are a great place to have fun and cheer on your team, but it’s important to be respectful of other fans. Don’t be disruptive or abusive, and clean up your trash after the game. Remember, we’re all there to enjoy the game and support our teams.
Closing: By following these tips, you can make sure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience at the Penn State Nittany Lions 2024 football games.
Whether you’re a lifelong Penn State fan or just looking for a great day out, the 2024 football season is sure to be one to remember. So mark your calendars, get your tickets, and start planning your game day experience today!
Conclusion
The Penn State Nittany Lions have a challenging but exciting schedule in 2024. They will face a number of tough opponents, both in-conference and out-of-conference. However, the Nittany Lions have a talented roster and a favorable home schedule. If they can stay healthy and avoid injuries, they have a good chance of winning the Big Ten Championship and reaching the College Football Playoff.
Here is a summary of the main points:
- The Nittany Lions will open the season at home against the Ohio Bobcats.
- They will have tough road games at Michigan State, Ohio State, and Wisconsin.
- They will host Maryland, Minnesota, Indiana, and Rutgers at home.
- The annual rivalry game against Michigan State will be played in East Lansing.
- The Homecoming game against Indiana will be played in Happy Valley.
- The regular season finale against Rutgers will be played in Piscataway, New Jersey.
The 2024 Penn State football season is sure to be one to remember. The Nittany Lions have a chance to do something special, and their fans are excited to see what the season has in store.
Closing Message: We hope you enjoyed this preview of the Penn State Nittany Lions 2024 football schedule. For more information, please visit the Penn State Athletics website.