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‘Frustrating and Disappointing’: PSU AD Kraft Upset With Big Ten

Could Pat Kraft and company be on the verge of bringing a new DC to Penn State?
Penn State's Next Athletic Director, Dr. Patrick Kraft, Speaks with Reporters at His Introductory Press Conference Friday, April 29, 2022 (photo courtesy of Penn State Athletics)

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. 

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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.


“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.”

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