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Penn State football Big Ten opener set for primetime kickoff

Just announced, Penn State football will open Big Ten play against the Illinois Fighting Illini under the lights in primetime.

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Penn State football, Illinois, Big Ten
Oct 22, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin celebrates with running back Nicholas Singleton (10) after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Minnesota 45-17. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

The bright lights are returning to Happy Valley. Penn State football will open Big Ten conference play against Illinois in primetime, it was announced on Monday. 

The Nittany Lions and Fighting Illini will kick off their Week 5 matchup at either 7 or 7:30 p.m. on a network still to be determined. The September 28 matchup will serve as Penn State’s annual homecoming game.

Illinois is currently 3-0 and ranked No. 24 in the country. The Fighting Illini already have one ranked win, defeating then-No. 19 Kansas 23-17 in Week 2. Penn State football dropped to No. 10 in the AP Poll during its bye week. 

James Franklin and the Nittany Lions earned a 30-13 victory when these two programs met in Champaign last September. The Penn State defense was dominant, with the unit forcing five turnovers in a game for the first time in seven years. Offensively, Drew Allar went 16-33 with 208 yards, while Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen each rushed for touchdowns.

Penn State football, Illinois, Big Ten

Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Nittany Lions now lead the all-time series 21-6 and are 4-2 against the Fighting Illini under James Franklin. The program is 17-14 in Big Ten openers.

Penn State football returns to action this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. against Kent State.

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Matt is a co-owner and Editor of Basic Blues Nation. Launched in 2022, Basic Blues Nation is one of the fastest-growing websites covering all Penn State athletics. Matt is also a credentialed member of the Penn State football beat, and is a member of the Football Writers Association of America.

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