First Thoughts on PSU's 2009 Schedule

Daryll Clark's legacy will be the key in 2009.

When it comes to discussing college football, the winter months that transition into spring can be pretty dry. The bowl season seems like it took place a long time ago (when it was actually about two months ago). Recruiting tidbits die down after the hoopla that is national signing day. The NFL draft is still a month away, when we find out where our favorite college players will start their professional careers.

So what better time to take a look at the 2009 schedule? Penn State looks to have a very favorable schedule ahead of them in 2009 and a Big Ten championship for a second straight year should not be out of question.

September 5 - Akron; The last time these two teams met Anthony Morelli was making his first start at Penn State, the Nittany Lions were defending Big Ten champions and Akron was the defending MAC champion. The Zips should provide the Nittany Lions with a good victory to set the tone for the season.

September 12 - Syracuse; When the home-and-home series with the Orange was originally scheduled Syracuse was coming off a trip to the Orange Bowl. Now? Well, they are not very good. Penn State dismantled them last season up in the dome. I would bet on seeing much the same results this time around.

September 19 - Temple; I continue to say that Temple is on the way up. This year should be better than last year but they are still light years away from providing a formidable threat to Penn State.

September 26 - Iowa; Talk about a revenge game. What is it about Iowa that keeps Penn State from achieving greatness? There was this and then there was this. Personally I think Iowa is becoming a good rival for Penn State, but I am not sure what Penn State ever did to Iowa to deserve such punishments. This one will be about revenge.

October 3 - @ Illinois; Penn State's first road game will be a tough one. Illinois was supposed to be a threat in the Big Ten last season. Instead they failed to make a bowl game. Which Illinois will show up this time around?

October 10 - Eastern Illinois; Much to the chagrin of Penn State fans the Nittany Lions will host FCS opponent Eastern Illinois. What is there to know about Eastern Illinois other than the fact that Tony Romo went there?

October 17 - Minnesota; Last season's surprising team was Minnesota, but they still lack a signature victory. I wouldn't expect them to get it at Penn State, but who knows...

October 24 - @ Michigan; The Wolverines figure to be better than last year, but are they ready to beat a legitimate team? We will find out. Penn State ended a losing streak to Michigan last year at home. Now they need to get that elusive road victory against Michigan.

October 31 - @ Northwestern; This game has "trap" written all over it. Should Penn State get a key victory at Michigan the week before this game should not be taken for granted. The last time PSU visited Northwestern they needed a Chafie Fields-esque miracle to win.

November 7 - Ohio State; All I want for my birthday is a Penn State victory over Ohio State.

November 14 - Indiana; The Hoosiers remain the only team in the Big Ten to not record a victory over the Nittany Lions since Penn State joined the Big Ten's football ranks in 1993. I doubt that will change this year.

November 21 - @ Michigan State; Always a tough match up for Penn State but the Spartans may not be the same team in 2009 after some graduation losses. Could the Big Ten be up for grabs this season too?


At first glance I have Penn State going 11-1, maybe 10-2. What about you?