Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1537537
A U G U S T 2 0 2 5 8 7 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M Penn State hasn't faced a top-10 opponent in a White Out game since falling to Ohio State, 27-26, in 2018. Its most recent White Out was against unranked Washington last November. PHOTO BY MARK SELDERS/ PENN STATE ATHLETICS will revive a tradition that fell by the wayside when the Big Ten signed its most recent media rights deal. The league's lucrative contract with FOX Sports dictated that most of its marquee games would take place at noon. As a result, Penn State had early-afternoon kickoffs for its past two home games against Ohio State and Michigan, while hosting White Out games against Auburn, Minnesota, Iowa and Washington. The forced change wasn't entirely without benefits. While Penn State went 8–8 in night White Outs before COVID, re- cent success has been undeniable. Since edging Auburn, 28- 20, in 2021, the Lions have rolled to blowout victories over the Gophers (45–17), Hawkeyes (31–0) and Huskies (35-6). Still, Franklin acknowledged the tradeoff. In fulfilling its ob- ligations to its broadcast partners, the Big Ten has diminished some parts of the stadium experience. "The fans got used to every year, it [being] pretty much Ohio State or Michigan, with some other games mixed in," Franklin said. "And as much as the networks have proven — specifically FOX — that this 12 o'clock game has been a huge win for the network and for our conference, it's still hard to sell our fans on the fact that a night game in Beaver Stadium isn't bigger." Begrudging as it might be for the Nittany Lions, they can thank Ohio State for the temporary reprieve. The reigning national champs are set to play Big Noon matchups against Texas, Michigan and Penn State, making PSU's game against the Ducks an appealing fourth choice for NBC in the pecking order. All four of those matchups landed on ESPN's list of the top 10 games to watch in 2025, and for the first time in years, Penn State and its fans will get the atmosphere they deserve. ■ S C H E D U L E S U P E R L A T I V E S B E S T H O M E O P P O N E N T Oregon The Ducks had 10 players picked in the NFL Draft, including key offensive playmakers Dillon Gabriel, Tez Johnson and Jordan James. Still, they've landed top-four recruiting classes the past two years, so the talent base is substantial, and it's been supplemented by transfers like projected starting quarterback Dante Moore, who arrived last year from UCLA. If the Ducks take a step back this season — a debatable premise to begin with — it won't be a big one. B E S T R O A D O P P O N E N T Ohio State Obviously. The Buckeyes may have lost even more players to the NFL than Oregon, with 14 members of last year's national championship squad being selected, including four first-rounders. But as long as pro- jected starting quarterback Julian Sayin can get the ball to All-America receiver Jeremiah Smith, they'll pose a threat to everyone on their sched- ule. Penn State won't have an easy time getting its first win in Columbus since 2011. B E S T O P P O S I N G O F F E N S I V E P L A Y E R Jeremiah Smith | WR | Ohio State The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Smith is coming off a stupendous freshman sea- son in which he caught 76 passes for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns and looked more than ready for the NFL. He's the only non-quarterback on the FanDuel sportsbook's list of this year's top 10 Heisman Trophy contenders, tied with his signal-caller, Sayin, at +1300. B E S T O P P O S I N G D E F E N S I V E P L A Y E R Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State Downs was named Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year in 2024, his first season with the Buckeyes after starting out at Alabama. He was a play- maker for Ohio State at every level, totaling 81 tackles, including 7.5 for loss, as well as 2 interceptions and 6 pass breakups. The 6-0, 205-pounder figures to be at least as effective as a junior this fall. B E S T O P P O S I N G S P E C I A L I S T Drew Stevens | PK | Iowa Iowa's offensive struggles have meant that Stevens has been called upon frequently, and he's usually delivered. A three-time All-Big Ten choice, he goes into his senior season with 245 points, seventh-most in program his- tory. Stevens also owns Iowa's record for most field goals of 50 or more yards with 8 in his career.