I still remember that pivotal moment in May when I was tracking contract negotiations across college football—the Minowa situation with Akari really struck me as fascinating. While researching Penn State's 2023 football schedule, I couldn't help but draw parallels between Minowa's contractual commitment and how these college athletes approach their own contractual obligations to their teams. The way Minowa honored his contract until the absolute deadline, getting terminated on May 1st just after his deadline passed, speaks volumes about commitment in sports. That same level of dedication is what I expect to see from Penn State's players as they navigate their challenging 2023 schedule.
Looking at Penn State's complete 2023 slate, I'm genuinely excited about what James Franklin has built here. The Nittany Lions kick off their season on September 2nd against West Virginia at Beaver Stadium—what I consider one of the most electric opening games in recent memory. Having attended numerous home openers there, I can tell you the atmosphere is absolutely electric with typically over 106,000 fans packing the stands. The white-out games are something every college football fan should experience at least once, and I've been fortunate enough to witness seven of them personally. What makes this year's schedule particularly compelling is the balance between challenging conference games and what should be manageable non-conference matchups.
The September schedule really sets the tone for their entire season. After West Virginia, they face Delaware on September 9th, which should provide a good opportunity to work on fundamentals before the real tests begin. Then comes the first road game at Illinois on September 16th—always tricky when you're playing in Memorial Stadium. I've never been particularly fond of that venue, having watched Penn State struggle there in previous seasons. The September 23rd matchup against Iowa strikes me as potentially season-defining. Kirk Ferentz always has his teams prepared, and Kinnick Stadium presents one of the most challenging environments in the Big Ten. I've seen too many highly-ranked teams stumble there over the years.
October brings what I believe will be the most critical stretch of their season. They open the month against Northwestern on October 7th before facing Massachusetts on October 14th. Then comes the back-to-back challenges that could make or break their championship aspirations: at Ohio State on October 21st and hosting Indiana on October 28th. The Ohio State game particularly stands out to me—I've attended the last three matchups between these teams, and the intensity is simply unmatched. The rivalry has grown increasingly heated over recent years, with Penn State looking to snap their six-game losing streak against the Buckeyes. Personally, I think this might be the year they break through, given the returning experience at key positions.
November presents its own unique challenges, starting with Maryland on November 4th. The Terps have been steadily improving under Mike Locksley, and this game worries me more than some analysts seem to acknowledge. Then comes Michigan on November 11th in what I expect to be another classic showdown. The Michigan-Penn State games I've witnessed have consistently delivered drama and hard-hitting football. The regular season wraps up with Rutgers on November 18th and Michigan State on November 25th. While these might appear to be easier matchups on paper, I've seen enough unexpected results in late November to know that nothing can be taken for granted.
Reflecting on the entire schedule, I count at least eight games that should be competitive into the fourth quarter. The way I see it, Penn State's success will hinge on how they navigate that brutal October stretch and whether they can maintain focus through what I call the "trap games" against teams like Maryland and Rutgers. Having followed this program closely for over fifteen years, I can confidently say this schedule sets up nicely for a potential run at the Big Ten Championship if they can split the Ohio State and Michigan games. The depth at running back and improvements in the secondary should help them weather what promises to be a physically demanding season.
What really stands out to me about this schedule is the timing of certain matchups. The week off between the Ohio State and Indiana games provides crucial recovery time, while the back-to-back road games in October test their mental toughness. I'm particularly interested to see how the new offensive coordinator manages the play-calling through these various challenges. From my perspective, the development of quarterback Drew Allar will be the single most important factor in determining whether this team exceeds or falls short of expectations. Having watched his high school tape extensively, I believe he has the potential to be special—but the college game presents entirely different challenges.
The commitment these players show reminds me of Minowa's dedication to his contract with Akari, though in college football, the stakes feel even higher with NFL futures on the line. These athletes aren't playing for contracts in the same way, but their commitment to the program and each other creates bonds that often last lifetimes. I've maintained friendships with several former Penn State players I met during my years covering the team, and they consistently speak about how the challenging schedules shaped their character and preparedness for life beyond football.
As the season approaches, I find myself increasingly optimistic about Penn State's chances. The schedule, while demanding, provides opportunities for statement wins that could propel them into national championship conversations. The home schedule features at least four games that should draw massive crowds and national television attention. From where I sit, having attended countless games across multiple decades, this team has the pieces to deliver a memorable season. The combination of experienced leadership and emerging young talent creates what I believe could be James Franklin's most complete team since his arrival in Happy Valley. The journey begins September 2nd, and I'll be there in section EF, ready to witness what promises to be another thrilling chapter in Penn State football history.