Penn State Football Opens The 2024 Season On The Road
The No.8 Nittany Lions will begin the season on the road at West Virginia. Penn State will travel to Morgantown, West Virginia for the first time since October 1992. This season, both programs will be adjusting not only to new schedules, also, new programs added to each conference. Now, let’s break down each program and preview the game.
West Virginia Mountaineers
Neal Brown was a coach that was on the hot seat last season. Especially considering how WVU was performing and some meaningful games that were on the schedule early in the season. The Mountaineers ended up with a nine win season. Most would rightfully argue that they should’ve won the game against Houston which would’ve put them at ten wins. On the other hand, a week one trip to State College to face a top-25 program on the road in prime time was going to be no easy task. However, the Mountaineers answered the call.
The game was close and WVU was able to control their emotions. Subsequent to that game, West Virginia went on to win the next four games (including the backyard brawl against Pitt) before that tough loss against Houston occurred. Overall, the Mountaineers finished fourth in the Big 12 standings with a 9-4 overall record and 6-3 in Big 12 conference play.
Penn State Nittany Lions
The No. 8 Nittany Lions come into this season with a crucial season ahead. In the last traditional season of the Big Ten conference. Penn State finished third again behind Michigan and Ohio State. However, there were plenty of learning opportunities and growing pains. Last season was the first true season with Drew Allar as the starting quarterback. Furthermore, the Nittany Lions started the season off 6-0 before the Buckeyes handed the Nittany Lions their first loss of the season. Also, it was the first big game that Drew Allar had played in his young college career.
Outside of the Michigan game, Penn State won every other game during the regular season. However, against Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl, the Nittany Lions were taken down 38-25. Indeed, it was a painful loss for Penn State. However, it can assist in fueling the program this season. Besides that, the Nittany Lions bring back both running backs and experience on both sides of the ball.
Why Week One Against West Virginia Will Be Tough
Opening on the road in college football is never easy. What makes this game challenging for Penn State is they haven’t played in Morgantown in over three decades. Considering it’s not a venue that they visit frequently, that can pose challenges in regards to an environment they’re not as familiar with crowd noise wise. On the other hand, Penn State is no stranger to opening up on the road. In seasons past, they have opened up at Wisconsin and Purdue.
Last Time Against West Virginia And Kickoff
Penn State was able to garner 332 passing yards, and 146 yards on the ground. Similarly, West Virginia was able to garner 162 passing yards and 146 yards on the ground too. However, both of the touchdowns WVU scored were on the ground with quarterback Garrett Greene and running back CJ Donaldson. Likewise, Penn State got touchdowns from Nick Singleton, Beau Pribula, Malik McClain, and two from KeAndre Lambert-Smith.
Lastly, kickoff for this game will be at noon and the game will be broadcasted on Fox as part of Fox Big Noon Kickoff. Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt will have the call from Mountaineer Field at Milan Pusker Stadium in Morgantown, West Virginia.
