Looking at and predicting each game for the Penn State Nittany Lions football schedule this season.
The Penn State Nittany Lions are getting ready for a big season, starting off the Matt Campbell era. Following him from Iowa State is quarterback Rocco Becht, who will be trying to have a bounce-back season.
Playing in the Big Ten could make life tough for Penn State, but they do have a fairly favorable schedule. So what will the final record for the Nittany Lions look like?
Here is a prediction for each game on their schedule this year:
Week 1: vs Marshall, Win
Penn State gets a favorable game to open the Campbell era. There should be a ton of energy from the crowd, helping them get the season off to a good start.
Week 2: at Temple, Win
The first road game of the season is never easy, but Penn State shouldn't have trouble with Temple. I like the Nittany Lions to handle business, starting the year off well.
Week 3: vs Buffalo, Win
The Nittany Lions will look to keep the good vibes going strong here. Penn State should easily handle Buffalo, giving themselves a 3-0 start on the year.
Week 4: vs Wisconsin, Win
Penn State gets Wisconsin at home this year, giving them a chance for a nice early season Big Ten win. Badgers coach Luke Fickell will have his guys ready to go, but I like Penn State to defend home-field.
There will be no jumping around for Wisconsin here, give me the Nittany Lions.
Week 5: at Northwestern, Win
This is a trap game at its core for the Nittany Lions. Friday night road games are always tricky, and Northwestern isn't a pushover anymore.
However, I like Penn State to get the win, with them hitting a walk-off field goal.
Week 6: vs USC, Loss
This could be a potential CFP game between Penn State and USC. Both teams will want to make a statement, with Beaver Stadium rocking here.
Penn State drops this game to the Trojans, sending them back to the drawing board.
Week 7: at Michigan, Win
Penn State and Michgian could be one of the games of the year, with Becht facing off against Bryce Underwood. Both teams will want this game for a potential playoff chance.
Playing at Michigan Stadium is never easy, but give me Penn State to pull off the massive win, cementing them as a potential playoff team.
Week 8: Bye Week
Week 9: vs Purdue, Win
Coming off a bye week can be tough for any team, so Penn State will need to stay the course. Purdue could be a tricky opponent, but the Nittany Lions should be able to handle it.
Purdue keeps the game close, but Penn State pulls out the win in the end.
Week 10: at Washington, Win
This is one of the tougher games on the schedule for Penn State, with the Huskies holding a strong home-field advantage. This could be a trap for the team, but these games are why Penn State got Campbell and Becht.
Despite the challenges of going on the road, give me the Nittany Lions to squawk out a massive road win.
Week 11: vs Minnesota, Win
With the playoffs potentially on the line, Penn State faces Minnesota in what could be a good game. I like the Nittany Lions to win the game, but it will be a tight matchup throughout.
Week 12: vs Rutgers, Win
Last season, Rutgers and Penn State had a high-scoring shootout contest. But it could be tough to see this take place again.
After the strong season, Penn State gets the win to continue their quest toward a playoff berth.
Week 13: at Maryland, Win
Closing out the season, the Nittany Lions head out on the road. But against Maryland, Penn State shouldn't have much trouble.
Historically, Penn State owns a 44-3-1 record over the Terrapins all-time. Give me the Nittany Lions to end the year on a high note.
Final record prediction: 11-1, likely chance at the CFP
