Penn State is starting its Big Ten schedule on the road for the 13th time in 14 years, and Athletic Director Patrick Kraft isn’t happy.
Kraft, who Penn State hired to replace Sandy Barbour as AD in April and officially took over the position July 1, spoke out against Penn State always playing on the road weeks after he started the job.
“It stinks, it stinks,” Kraft said at this year’s Big Ten Media Days in late July. “(Penn State coach James Franklin) called me the other day (about it). I said, ‘What?’ I called the conference office and said, ‘this is unacceptable.’ So we’re addressing this right away.
“This shouldn’t happen at Penn State. We should be at home for our opener. I think it’s nine or seven years (now.) That’s crazy. That stinks.”
Now, it will be eight years
The Big Ten released its 2023 schedule Wednesday afternoon, and Penn State will be starting its conference season Week 3 at Illinois.
Penn State hasn’t opened its conference schedule at home since 2015 against Rutgers, and Kraft has already spoken out.
“It is incredibly frustrating and disappointing Penn State will be starting our Big Ten football slate next year on the road for the eighth straight season and for the 13th time in the last 14 years,” Kraft said in a statement.
More from Kraft:
"When I arrived on campus I shared with the conference staff my concerns and repeatedly referenced their failure to address this issue in the past. I have been in communication with Commissioner Warren and I am confident this issue will be addressed."— Rich Scarcella (@nittanyrich) October 26, 2022
“When I arrived on campus, I shared with the conference staff my concerns and repeatedly referenced their failure to address this issue in the past. I have been in communication with Commissioner (Kevin) Warren, and I am confident this issue will be addressed.”
