The Big Ten announced today that Penn State's Oct. 3 trip to battle Illinois will kickoff at 2:30 CT to a national audience on ABC and ESPN.
The last time Penn State went to Illinois, it was an 11 a.m. local kick. If you've already expunged that memory from your brain, Penn State failed to wake up before the second quarter. By then it was too late. Let's hope a later kickoff will do them better.
I watched the debut of the 2009 Penn State Football Story. It's the best show in its class. But today's show had an error that I just can't let go.
Steve "The Voice of Penn State Football" Jones took a few minutes at the end of the show to go over Penn State's 2009 schedule.
"For the first time ever, eight games in Beaver Stadium," Jones said.
That's so incredibly wrong.
In 2002, my freshman year, Penn State hosted EIGHT opponents in Beaver Stadium. I remember it distinctly, as Blue Band director Richard Bundy told the band during preseason camp that it would be one of the toughest seasons ever for the Blue Band, because of the the unprecedented EIGHT home games that season.
Now, I am not picking on Jones. That's why this pisses me off so much. There has been much ado made about how amazing it is that Penn State will play eight home games this season. From the message boards, to other blogs, to bar-side conversations, no one has been able to nail down when, if ever, Penn State has played eight at home.
Well folks, this is your final word. Penn State played eight home games in 2002. I'm not making it up to pick on or mock anyone. It's fact, history.
I think I was just caught off guard by hearing it on The Penn State Football Story.
Penn State's non-conference schedule is bad this year. So bad that it's pretty much taken over the message boards and bar stools. Two MAC teams, the worst team in the Big East, and an FCS (I-AA) team will earn Penn State all the ridicule it gets. As we've heard analysts and media types call Penn State's non-conference schedule one of the worst, if not the worst, we can't help but agree. Actually, the Penn State fan base was the first to call out Tim Curley for such a weak 2010 schedule.
But is it the worst?
Matt Hayes of Sporting News doesn't think so: 1. Mississippi: at Memphis, Southeastern Louisiana, UAB, Northern Arizona
Ok, so this is nothing to be proud of. Penn State should never be in the top-anything when it comes to easy scheduling. I always felt the MAC was the Big Ten's own heavy-duty FCS, which nullified any reason to schedule non-FBS opponents. And that brings up an interesting idea: What if three of those four teams stayed, but Eastern Illinois were swapped out for a BCS opponent, even a bad one?
2. Penn State: Akron, Syracuse, Temple, Eastern Illinois
3. Rutgers: Howard, FIU, at Maryland, Texas Southern, at Army
4. Kansas State: Massachusetts, at Louisiana-Lafayette, at UCLA, Tennessee Tech
5. Indiana: Eastern Kentucky, Western Michigan, at Akron, at Virginia
We might not even be discussing this right now.
I get it. Penn State plays a creampuff non-conference schedule. But to relegate Penn State-Syracuse to the Big Ten Network? Wow. Although I must say this is a major coup for the BTN, and I respect them for getting the game. This game will generate more local buzz in the New York Metro Area than even the Ohio State -USC game (yes, I actually said that), due to Penn State's and Syracuse's HUGE alumni presence in the northeast.
More on this below the fold.GoPSUSports.com: The Nittany Lions are playing their initial four games of the season in Beaver Stadium, starting with the Sept. 5 opener with Akron. One week later, old rival Syracuse will make its first visit to Happy Valley in 19 years, followed by a visit from Temple on Sept. 19. Penn State begins Big Ten play on Sept. 26, hosting Iowa for an 8:00 p.m. kick on ABC or ESPN.
I apologize for not elaborating on this topic today. It's deadline day, so I'm pretty swamped. I just happened to check the internets and saw the kick times announcement.
With the announcement of the three season opening kickoffs, the start time for six of Penn State's contests this fall have been determined. The Nittany Lions will host Minnesota for Homecoming at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 17 on ABC/ESPN. On Oct. 31, Penn State will visit Northwestern for a 4:30 p.m. ET kick on ESPN or ESPN2.
Penn State announced today that the Nittany Lions' homecoming clash with Minnesota will kickoff at 3:30 p.m. eastern, in front of a national audience. I'm pumped for this game. I'm already thinking about making this one the very first "official" Zombie Nation tailgate ("ZombieGate?"). Of course, you and all your friends will be invited! But, that's getting a bit ahead of ourselves.
From GoPSUSports.com: Penn State's Homecoming clash with Minnesota is set for a 3:30 p.m. kick on Oct. 17 in Beaver Stadium, the Nittany Lions' third announced start time for the 2009 season.
Excited? You frickin' should be!!!
The contest with the Golden Gophers will be an ABC regional telecast, with ESPN or ESPN2 airing it in the rest of the nation.
The Nittany Lions' Sept. 26 Big Ten opener with Iowa previously had been announced for an 8:00 p.m. kickoff in Beaver Stadium on ESPN or ABC. Also, Penn State's Oct. 31 contest at Northwestern will kick at 3:30 p.m. CT/4:30 p.m. ET and air on ESPN or ESPN2.
With the success of Zombie Nation's Facebook event "Blue White Game," I thought it appropriate to create another even for this entire football season! I encourage all readers (and those not yet part of the ZN community) to head on over and get your RSVP in today!
Are you going? RSVP to 2009 Penn State football season.
◊ This is pretty self-explanatory, and totally expected. This week's poll, asking readers if they approved of the 2009 football schedule, was a landslide. The fans hate it. I have to agree. Granted, Syracuse was scheduled the year after they went 10-2, in 2001, but still having Eastern Illinois, an FCS team, is in excusable. Sure, they'll tell us that it's just part of the game today, and that it's tough to schedule better teams. Bullshit! If it's so hard, then why do other teams have dynamite schedules seemingly every year? Even when Michigan* scheduled Appalachian State, the Mountaineers were going for their third-straight national championship.
Oh well, at least next year we get Alabama on the schedule. 
*I just noticed over at MSC, that UM just inked a date with Delaware State (FCS). No, not Delaware, the team that's pretty competitive. Delaware State. This is a very disturbing trend.
◊ ZN's 2009 Penn State Football Preview - BigTen Outlook
Just as I did last week for the conference schedule, today we'll look at the BigTen's top non-conference games for 2009. Sure, there's always the duds like Michigan State vs. Montana State and Iowa vs. Northern Iowa. But there's also those fantastic marquee matchups like Ohio State vs. USC, and very good games like Iowa vs. Arizona and Illinois vs. Missouri. Which ones can we look forward to this season? Let's find out.
Sept. 5:
Missouri vs. Illinois - After the last few years, Illinois is licking its chops at the 2009 season opener. No more Chase Daniel, but Juice Williams remains, along with Arrelious Benn. The Tigers are a bit down, but they still have great talent. The Illini should be able to pull this one out in front of a national audience, which they (and the whole conference) desperately need.
Western Michigan @ Michigan - The Wolverines hit rock bottom last season when they lost to Toledo in Ann Arbor. This time, a MAC team with actual talent comes calling in the season opener. If we all tune in for no other reason, just the minute possibility of another flop will be worth staying on the couch. The BigTen really, really needs Michigan to look good in this game.
Sept. 12:
USC @ Ohio State - You would hope the TV people would tone down their "Game of the Century" talk that comes around, well, every single week of the season. But will they for this one, considering last year was such a flop? No way, Jose. You can bet your bottom this will be hyped up starting in August, and all the pressure is going on the Buckeyes. But it's really a no-win situation, as USC will be called "down" should OSU win, and if OSU loses... well, it'll be bad.
Notre Dame @ Michigan - The Irish should be better. Michigan should be better. Which one really is better? We'll find out. Notre Dame still doesn't look like a great football team, but Michigan could be going through the same exact thing the Irish did the last two seasons. This game is still worth its weight in name-brand tradition.
Purdue @ Oregon - This sounds crazy, but it's not like Oregon hasn't lost to worse teams. Indiana went into Autzen Stadium in 2004, and left with an improbable win. The Boilermakers nearly beat the Ducks last season in West Lafayette, but blew it late. Oregon is a very, very good team going into this year, while Purdue is going through a big turnover phase.
Sept. 19:
California @ Minnesota - You can't complain about Minnesota's scheduling. The Gophers open at Syracuse, host Air Force and then welcome the Cal Bears to Minneapolis. Tim Brewster has something good cooking up north, and can stick a fork in the first course with a win over this really good BCS opponent. This will be Minnesota's first chance to get their new stadium in front of a big time audience, and big time recruits.
Arizona @ Iowa - The Wildcats are hotter than the Arizona desert right now, but Iowa can douse those flames with a win. This game could come down to the quarterbacks: Iowa has one; Arizona doesn't. Iowa can set a loud tone for the rest of their season by beating a not-so-bad BCS team.
Notre Dame @ Michigan State - Ok, so just mark town all the BigTen vs. Notre Dame dates. Michigan State is one of the toughest teams in the BigTen, even if they're not the most talented. The Irish are very talented, but have lacked any sort of cohesiveness to put that talent to use. This game could give a very clear indicator as to where Michigan State is right now as a program, and how much farther they have to go.
Nov. 21:
Fresno State @ Illinois - Whatever you do, don't think this is an easy game. We all saw what the Illini did last season against Western Michigan, and it could happen again if they're not careful, really careful. Fresno loses a few key players, but they shouldn't be anything near a punching back this season. The Illini might need a big, comfy win here to secure a better bowl bid. Plus, who wants to go out on Senior Day and lose to a team like Fresno State?
Nov. 28:
Wisconsin @ Hawaii - If Wisconsin blows this one, Bret Bielema is as good as gone. But I doubt it'll happen. Hawaii may be a little better this season, but they're far, far from the 2007 BCS buster. Even with the loss of Travis Beckum and PJ Hill, Wisconsin is a talented team that should have no problem against these lower opponents. You'll watch this game, just because it's the last regular season game for the conference.
◊ So the rumor mill is starting to redline already, specifically speaking of Penn State's Oct. 10 non-conference matchup against Eastern Illinois (I-AA/FCS) possibly being replaced by a BCS conference opponent. This would be great, but we haven't heard much outside of the blogs, and one unsubstantiated bit by the Allentown Morning Call. Remember a few years ago, when Penn State was supposedly trying to schedule TCU? Yeah, how'd that turn out?
Some of the message boards this week threw around the possibility that an ACC team, North Carolina particularly, could be swapped in for EIU. That would make some sense, as it would be beneficial for both teams' recruiting along the east coast. But I was very surprised, if not baffled, to hear this from Rock M Nation today (actually, it was a 'fanshot' posted Jan. 23):"Aside from some ACC teams, the two other teams strongly speculated to be in negotiation are Utah and the Missouri Tigers."
Uh, ok... I realize this is about as credible as a message board post, but luckily the blog's author doused some of the flames: "I'd love to see it happen... but I’ve got a feeling it won’t on multiple accounts... Missouri AD Mike Alden has already said he’s pursuing an FCS team to fill the open slot in Missouri’s schedule vacated by the removal of SMU from the schedule. (RIght now, Missouri is actually sitting on 11 opponents, not 12.)... Missouri won’t go for the 2-for-1 because of the neutral site games mentioned above, which are already hurting the Columbia area enough as it is. Missouri already declined a 2-for-1 offer from Notre Dame recently, and I think the Missouri program is starting to view itself highly enough to feel it shouldn’t have to accept a 2-for-1 deal from anyone... Something tells me Nevada doesn’t want out of the home game in Reno..."
The strongest indicator that this won't happen between Mizzou and PSU, is that both teams want another home game, and you can't do both in 2009. However, you could turn that right around, and say that Penn State already has eight home games in 2009, so it wouldn't be outrageous to take the trip to Columbia, for a return trip in 2010. That would create a dynamite opening schedule that season, with a home/season opener against Missouri, followed immediately by a trip to Tuscaloosa. If that happens, that's the kind of schedule that wins big BCS points.
For now, we can't know exactly what will happen, which basically means this entire post was pointless and a waste of time. But what else is there to do right now?
◊ ZN's 2009 Penn State Football Preview - BigTen Outlook
Today we'll take a quick look into the best BigTen conference games in 2009. Can Penn State get revenge on Iowa? Will Michigan finally beat Ohio State? We won't know until the games are played, but we can get an idea of which games, off the bat, will provide tons of intrigue.
Week 1 [Sept. 26]:
Iowa @ Penn State - Think the Nittany Lions want to win this game, after the mammoth upset last season? The hype machine will be in full force during the days leading up to this one, but be wary, as it could quickly turn into a dud. Penn State will suffer some pretty big losses, but that's nothing compared to Iowa. Shonn Greene, MItch King and Matt Kroul are just some of the names gone from 2008.
Michigan State @ Wisconsin - Two key running backs from 2008 won't be around, while both teams have huge question marks at quarterback. This game could be the decider for both teams' seasons. A win in Madison could propel MSU back into the top-three of the conference, but Wisconsin could regain some swagger with a conference-opening win over a 2008 New Years Day Bowl team.
Minnesota @ Northwestern - The two biggest surprises of 2008 will have little time to prepare, as they'll meet in week 1 of conference play. Last season's matchup was an all-timer of a classic, but will this year's be as good? Minnesota is still on the rise, and can legitimize its return to conference relevancy with a win. Northwestern really pulled a rabbit out of its hat last year, but lose a good amount of talent. The winner goes to the Alamo Bowl.
Week 2 [Oct. 3]:
Penn State @ Illinois - Two seasons ago, Illinois burst onto the scene, and launched its improbable Rose Bowl campaign, with the upset over Penn State in Champaign. Can the Illini work its magic again? Penn State had some trouble with Illinois last year in Happy Valley, particularly–again–with Arrelious Benn. The Lions won comfortably, but will the trip to Memorial Stadium go as well (or, as poorly) as last time?
Michigan @ Michigan State - The Spartans haven't won two straight against the Wolverines since... ready for it... 1966-67! Michigan still looks like it's a year away from contending, while State should have enough tools to go bowling once again. This rivalry is a bit more heated on the State side, since the Spartans have always been labeled Michigan's "Little Brother." That could all change with a win.
Week 3 [Oct. 10]:
Wisconsin @ Ohio State - The Buckeyes look a bit vulnerable this season, but could put that to bed (even if they lose to USC) with a convincing win over the Badgers. Wisconsin's season really took a nose dive last year, when they failed to put away Ohio State in Madison. This looks like a must-win if the Badgers want to top 7 wins.
Week 4 [Oct. 17]:
Northwestern @ Michigan State - The Spartans cruised over the Wildcats in Evanston last year, but we can never really tell when the Cats will strike. This looks like a prime upset, and if Michigan State comes in at 6-0, it could be one for the ages. Michigan State hosts, and with a packed house, this will be a tough task for Northwestern.
Week 5 [Oct. 24]:
Penn State @ Michigan - Penn State hasn't won in Ann Arbor since Wally Richardson was under center. Yeah, that would be 12 years ago. If Michigan wants to get its program back on track, a win over what should be a top-10-ranked Penn State could spark a run at a bowl. You can never say never in this series, but this one looks a bit out of hand for the Wolverines... this year.
Illinois @ Purdue - Want to watch the Boilermakers' season come down to one game? This could be it. If Purdue comes in to this one at 4-2, a bowl bid would almost be assured with a win over the Illini. West Lafayette has never been a very intimidating place to play, but visiting teams never seem to play well in Ross-Ade Stadium. Unfortunately for Purdue, neither have they lately.
Week 6 [Oct. 31]:
Indiana @ Iowa - The Hoosiers are actually 2-1 since 2006 against the Hawkeyes, but were crushed last season. Of course, the loss was to a vastly underrated Iowa team. This will be the final season for QB Kellen Lewis, the only Indiana QB to go bowling since 1994. The trip to Iowa City will also mark Indiana's last chance for .500, with Penn State, Wisconsin and Purdue to close out the season.
Penn State @ Northwestern - The Lions are only 2-2 against the Cats in the last four meetings, and it could have been worse, if not for a miracle finish in 2005. If there was ever a good time to catch Penn State, it would be this game, as Ohio State comes to Happy Valley the next week. Northwestern HC Pat Fitzgerald has a knack for inspiriting his team at the right time, and this could be it. He remembers 1995, when the Wildcat upset catapulted them into the Rose Bowl.
Week 7 [Nov. 7]:
Ohio State @ Penn State - [ZN's 2009 Preseason Game of the Year] Penn State hasn't beaten Ohio State in two consecutive regular seasons since 1963-64. Ohio State felt they deserved the win last year, if not for one key fumble by Terrelle Pryor. While it might not come so close this season, as the game is in Happy Valley, the Buckeyes have more raw talent than any other BigTen team. It's an early toss up, and should be a fantastic game. Pryor can redeem himself, and possibly launch his Heisman candidacy, with a good game and a victory. You can bet it will be an 8 p.m. kickoff, and a full stadium White Out.
Illinois @ Minnesota - The Gophers could be 6-3 at this point, and would secure another bowl bid with a win. Illinois could also come in at 6-3. That would put this game into the "Separation Saturday" category for each team. Similar to the Minn/NW game earlier in the season, a middle of the pack-type finish is in order for the winner. Minnesota was thrust into the spotlight after last season's upset in Champaign; the Gophers can stay there with another.
Week 8 [Nov. 14]:
Iowa @ Ohio State - Regardless if the Buckeyes beat Penn State the week before, this is the trap game of all trap games for Ohio State. I know it's in Columbus, but if Iowa has anything left, they'll put all of it into this game. The Buckeyes are only 6-3 under Jim Tressel the week before Michigan, so don't think this will be automatic for the Buckeyes.
Michigan @ Wisconsin - Wisconsin is 2-0 the last two times Michigan has come to Madison, and Wisconsin blood will be boiling after last season's catastrophic meltdown in Ann Arbor. As long as Wisconsin is above .500 at this point in the season, Camp Randall will be packed. The story line all week will focus on 2008, which is the last thing Wisconsin wants to hear about.
Week 9 [Nov. 21]:
Ohio State @ Michigan - This game might not mean as much as the 2006 edition did, but sooner or later, the Wolverines have to pull one out. I get a strong feeling that this is their chance. There's no way Michigan will be as bad as 2008, while Ohio State might be down. Those are all the ingredients of an upset, with a little home-field advantage sprinkled on top.
Penn State @ Michigan State - For some reason, the Nittany Lion fanbase is still pissed off that their team blew a 24-7 third-quarter lead in 2007. Most of that was taken out on the Spartans in last season's 49-18 demolition, but there's still work to be done. Penn State is 12-4 against Michigan State since joining the BigTen in 1993, and it might not get any better for the Spartans. Penn State could be playing for a spot in the Rose Bowl, or more...
Next week, we'll look at the best 2009 BigTen non-conference games.
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See the new schedules page HERE.
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