Penn State football finds itself with its biggest home game of the 2024 college football regular season in Week 10. The opponent is none other than the Nittany Lions' Big Ten conference rival, No. 4 Ohio State — a game that has significant implications surrounding the Big Ten championship game and College Football Playoffs.

Clash of the Titans: Penn State and Ohio State Collide in a High-Stakes Showdown

A Highly Anticipated Matchup

The upcoming clash between Penn State and Ohio State has all the makings of a classic Big Ten showdown. Both teams are ranked in the top five of the US LBM Coaches Poll, setting the stage for a thrilling battle with major conference and national title implications. While the Nittany Lions have hosted the Buckeyes for their annual White Out game five times in the past, this year's matchup will not be a White Out event.

The Reason Behind the Decision

The decision to not designate the Penn State-Ohio State game as the Nittany Lions' White Out event seems to be primarily driven by television rights and scheduling considerations. According to reports, the game was likely selected for Fox's "Big Noon Kickoff" slot, which would preclude it from being a night game and the traditional White Out setting. The network's desire to showcase this marquee matchup in the coveted noon timeslot appears to have taken precedence over the White Out tradition.

Penn State's Upcoming White Out Game

While the Ohio State game may not be the Nittany Lions' White Out event, fans can still look forward to the team's annual White Out game, which is scheduled for next week against newly named Big Ten opponent Washington. The Nittany Lions have a strong history of success in their White Out games, boasting a 9-6 record in full-stadium White Outs and an 11-8 overall record (including student section-only White Outs).

A Renewed Rivalry with Washington

The upcoming White Out game against Washington will mark the first meeting between the two programs since the 2017 Fiesta Bowl, when Penn State emerged victorious with a 35-28 win over the Huskies. The Nittany Lions hold a 3-0 advantage in the all-time series, and the matchup is sure to generate excitement among the Penn State faithful as they pack Beaver Stadium in their white attire.

Anticipation Builds for a Potential Playoff Showdown

Despite the absence of a White Out designation, the Penn State-Ohio State game is still poised to be a highly anticipated and impactful contest. With both teams ranked in the top five and vying for conference and national supremacy, the outcome of this matchup could have significant implications for the Big Ten championship race and the College Football Playoff picture. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see which team emerges victorious in this clash of Big Ten titans.