NBC analyst chimes in on Michigan football vs. Penn State scheduling

During the 2023 offseason, one of the major college football storylines was the future scheduling of the Big Ten. In 2024, when USC and UCLA are added to the conference, divisions will be dropped, leaving the 16-team conference with just a few annual games. For Michigan football, Ohio State and Michigan State are considered “protected rivalries,” but for Penn State, there are no such rivalries. Consequently, the Nittany Lions will avoid facing the Wolverines and Buckeyes on a yearly basis — something that a top NBC analyst has a few thoughts on.

Penn State no longer has to play Michigan football, Ohio State annually

James Franklin is undoubtedly a great head coach — he took over a struggling Penn State program back in 2014, and within three seasons (some of which he was still under sanctions), he had the Nittany Lions crowned as Big Ten champions. That said, he has faced some fair criticism for underperforming with incredibly talented teams and failing to secure a conference title since the 2016 season.

Perhaps James Franklin’s biggest challenge as a head coach in the Big Ten thus far has been being in the same division as Michigan football and Ohio State — the two giants in the conference. So far, he holds a record of 4-14 against the Wolverines and Buckeyes and is heading into the new season with losing streaks against both teams. However, his shortcomings against these two blue-blood programs may no longer be as significant of an issue.

NBC analyst Todd Blackledge chimes in

In 2024, Penn State will no longer have to face Michigan football and Ohio State annually, which could open the door to a potential Big Ten title run, especially since Ohio State and Michigan will continue to play each other every season. Here is what NBC analyst Todd Blackledge has to say about it.

“Maybe not being locked into playing them every year ends up being a good thing for Penn State,” Blackledge said of the Penn State-Ohio State-Michigan football schedule. “It still feels like (Penn State) would never ever compete or compare with Ohio State-Michigan. Some Penn State fans are saying, those have been the two sledgehammers in the league, and since James has been there, they are 4-14 against Ohio State and Michigan. They have to find a way to get over the hump.”

Additionally, according to Penn State captain and potential first-round NFL Draft pick, Olu Fashanu, the gap between Michigan football, Ohio State, and Penn State is not as big as some may think.

“I don’t really think there is a gap at all with Ohio State, Michigan and ourselves,” Fashanu said. “I think we’re at the level of college football where the differences in the game can come down to a few plays.”

Last season, those few plays resulted in a 41-17 loss at Michigan and a 44-31 loss against Ohio State, something that the Penn State Nittany Lions will be looking to avenge this fall.

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