Penn State football Big Ten opener set for primetime kickoff

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.

Kickoff time next week!

vs. Illinois
7:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.#WeAre pic.twitter.com/7nA7t7dyxZ

— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) September 16, 2024

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.

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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