Social media reacts to Penn State-Michigan State matchup details

In recent weeks, we’ve learned several key details about the 2023 Penn State football schedule. The Nittany Lions will have two home night games in September – the season opener against West Virginia on September 2 and the White Out versus Iowa on September 23. But this week, the news has been centered on Penn State’s season finale against Michigan State, which will now be a primetime matchup on Black Friday at Ford Field in Detroit.

While weekday games and neutral field venues are not always popular, how this matchup came about is equally odd. And, as with most things, fans and the media had plenty to say about the game.

“Horse trading” leads to unusual matchup

In a matter of months, the Big Ten is slated to start the most lucrative TV contract in college sports history. However, recently, it became apparent that the deal may not be over the finish line.

On Sunday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that the Big Ten’s contract had not yet been finalized, and significant “horse trading” is still needed to complete the deal. This includes, among many things, negotiations around NBC’s primetime matchups each week.

Ultimately, Penn State was one of the first schools pulled in by this “horse trading.” Last weekend, news broke that the Nittany Lions’ regular season finale against Michigan State would be played on Black Friday. While no TV partner was immediately announced, speculation swirled that the game would be aired on NBC’s primetime slot. The announcement was the first shoe to drop in the clear break of the Big Ten’s long-standing prohibition against night games in November.

Wednesday, it was confirmed that the matchup would air on NBC’s Big Ten Saturday Night. However, the game won’t occur under the lights in East Lansing. Instead, both schools confirmed that the matchup will move an hour and a half east to Ford Field in Detriot.

Under the Lights in Detroit! ?️@PennStateFball at Michigan State

?️ Friday, November 24
? 7:30 PM
?️ @FordField
? Detroit, MI#WeAre pic.twitter.com/6KPWjIg0KQ

— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) May 24, 2023

Twitter reacts to Penn State-Michigan State Ford Field game

As Thamel initially reported, there has been significant pushback from the conference’s three major programs – Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State – regarding the late November night games. On top of weather-related concerns, Penn State has additional reason to be upset with being forced to play on a shortened week at the end of a long season. Ultimately, it appears that these concerns were raised, and moving the game inside to Ford Field can be seen as a “compromise.”

Moving this game to Ford Field was part of the “horse trading” with NBC and the Big Ten. Both Michigan State and Penn State made significant concessions for the good of the league. https://t.co/c9CmKRtkR0

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) May 24, 2023

While weekday games and neutral site locations have historically been unpopular with the Penn State fanbase, Nittany Lions fans seem okay with how this matchup has played out.

Yes I actually think having it at Ford Field benefits PSU as we will in all likelihood have the better team. We have seen weather be an equalizer in the PSU-Sparty series. https://t.co/DMpTeAGflj

— Hardcore Penn State Football (@HardcorePSUFB) May 24, 2023

Some in the media, including DK Pittsburgh Sports’ Cory Giger, recognized the decision as a victory for Penn State after being forced to play on a Friday night. Michigan State, on the other hand, may end up on the losing end.

Agree with this.
I mean, sure, PSU must have consented to play on a Friday.
But every other aspect of this is a win-win for Penn State. And seems like a lose-lose for Michigan State.
Sparty fans have every right to be pissed about this. https://t.co/alQYwG1WBk

— Cory Giger (@CoryGiger) May 24, 2023

However, given that the game occurs on Thanksgiving weekend, some Spartans fans believe that moving the game to Ford Field will ultimately help with fan turnout.

I think the Michigan State/Penn State game at Ford Field is a big benefit for MSU, especially for alums in the Detroit area visiting family for Thanksgiving. Going to EL takes up the whole day, and a 30 minute or less drive to downtown is quite convenient for many.

— Don Thomas (@REALDonThomas) May 25, 2023

Avoiding East Lansing in November, where Penn State has experienced many weather-related issues in recent years, seems like a win. James Franklin won’t lose out on a home game recruiting opportunity, which is also a concern for neutral site games.

At any rate, Penn State will play for a trophy indoors at the end of the season. Nittany Lions fans just hope that after battling for the Land Grant Trophy, Penn State travels to Indianapolis a week later to do it again in the Big Ten Championship game.

Ok, NBC, I know you’re new to B1G football, but this is the most important trophy of the year, and it needs to be front and center in every shot.

We’re happy to help you with some graphics for the game, too. pic.twitter.com/5KIIFgzMMJ

— Sickos Committee (@SickosCommittee) May 24, 2023

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