Penn State’s schedule, along with the entire Big Ten, was released Saturday morning on FOX.
The Nittany Lions will open up Oct. 24 with what could be a tricky road game at Indiana.
“To start the season, weird things happen. That’s one to keep an eye on on the road,” FOX analyst Brady Quinn said.
Then, right off the bat, the Lions will host Ohio State on Oct. 31 in the marquee matchup of the season.
As the FOX analysts mentioned, there won’t be a whiteout this year for the big matchup, since fans won’t be allowed at the games.
Maryland visits Penn State in week three, Nov. 7. It was noted on TV that, even if Penn State loses to Ohio State, this Maryland game would be an opportunity for a quick bounce back victory.
The Lions travel to Nebraska in week four on Nov. 14.
Iowa visits Beaver Stadium on Nov. 21. The Hawkeyes are “always a thorn in someone’s side,” one analyst said.
Then comes a very difficult game the following week at Michigan. Playing physical games against Iowa and Michigan in back-to-back weeks is never easy.
Penn State is at Rutgers on Dec. 5.
The Lions close the eight-game regular season with a home game against Michigan State on Dec. 12.
James Franklin was on the FOX broadcast and was asked about the challenge of playing nine games in nine weeks.
“There’s no doubt it’s going to be challenging,” Franklin said.
How can PSU get to its first College Football Playoff?
“Just continuing to make plays,” Franklin said. “It’s about execution, and it’s about consistency. Putting your best players in position to make plays.”
On the possibility of linebacker Micah Parsons returning, Franklin said, “There’s healthy dialogue going on.”
“We’re still having some conversations with Micah. He’s been great. I think he’s excited about the opportunity. His situation’s a little bit more complication because he left earlier.”
2020 schedule (kickoff times released later):
Oct. 24: PSU at Indiana
Oct. 31: PSU vs. Ohio State
Nov. 7: PSU vs. Maryland
Nov. 14: PSU at Nebraska
Nov. 21: PSU vs. Iowa
Nov. 28: PSU at Michigan
Dec. 5: PSU at Rutgers
Dec. 12: PSU vs. Michigan State
Dec. 19: Plus-one game, opponent TBD
