Penn State football offers another thrilling season planned for 2010, and Penn State enthusiasts already are gearing up for gameday trips to Happy Valley and road trips to opponent stadiums. Obviously while every PSU football season provides great expectations and wishes, each one has its own own personality depending on the teams about the schedule, and often that is shaped through the non-conference opponents slated to play the Nittany Lions.
Penn State’s Big Ten opponents are pretty consistent, and while some move on and off the schedule each year, and the home and away components flip, you can generally count on great Big 10 matchups. For example, in 2010, Penn State will have thrilling match ups with Michigan and Ohio State on the road and (both will be very tough games, despite the fact that Michigan is down), and home games against Michigan State, Northwestern, and Illinois. Virtually all these games will be competitive, and tickets are going to be sold out.
The actual out-of-conference schedule is a different story. These clubs move about the schedule pretty much new each year, and the games can be classic big team match ups or romps over small schools. Most years you get a little of both.
In 2010, this really is certainly the case, as Penn State includes a classic match-up with Alabama. Penn State vs Alabama tickets in Tuscaloosa will be in high demand, and this won't be the best game on the Penn State schedule in 2010, but among the best match ups in college football for the whole year. Here is the kind of game that you simply spend the whole off season looking forward to.
However to go with Alabama, Penn State offers match ups with Youngstown State (season opener), Kent State, and Temple. Not one of those are competitive games, and while Youngstown State is an extremely good program, it isn’t even a I-A college (it's I-AA). Are you in the market to purchase Penn State vs Youngstown St football tickets or Penn State vs Temple football tickets?
You could argue that Temple can give Penn State a good game. In the end, they did make it to a bowl game last year and are much improved under Al Golden. However does anybody think they’ll be competitive in Happy Valley? Penn State will probably be a 3 touchdown favorite.
Therefore because it is with many non-conference schedules, you need to take the great with the bad. Usually, I would like to see Penn State schedule 2 competitive games to go with 2 simple ones. Preferably the 2 competitive games will be against BCS conference opponents. Nevertheless this year, provided the caliber of the PSU vs Alabama match-up, I would have to give this particular non-conference schedule a good passing grade in general.
Regardless, football season in State College is a unique time, so enjoy!
Looking for Penn State Tickets for either a Penn State Football or Basketball game? Or are you looking for a great Penn State Jersey, Sweatshirt, or “White Out” Merchandise? Check out www.PennStateCentral.com, the All Nittany Lion Sports and Fan Store.
Leave a Reply