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Penn State Football’s 2021 schedule: Ranking Nittany Lions’ toughest games

By Lawrence Santa Maria

Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates with Brenton Strange #86(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates with Brenton Strange #86(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford (Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports) /

9. Ball State

Ball State may be a surprise here for some even being this high on the list, ahead of two Big Ten teams, however the Cardinals are not a team for Penn State Football to sleep on, especially in this spot.

Yes, this is the home opener, hopefully in front of some type of live crowd and not cardboard cutouts. However, in week 2, it is smack dab in the middle of a trip to Wisconsin to open the season, and a visit from Auburn the following week.

Regardless of the situation, Ball State is a good football team, and the reigning MAC champs after they upset Buffalo in the championship game last season. The Cardinals finished the season 7-1 after blowing out San Jose State in their bowl game and were ranked 23rd in both the final AP Poll and Coaches Polls.

Ball State will be returning 20 of 22 starters, including their quarterback Drew Pitt who starred in the MAC championship game, and may have a case at being ranked at the beginning of the 2021 season and when they make the trip to Happy Valley.

Penn State Football has the better athletes and should handle the Cardinals. However, in a tricky spot if they come out sleep walking for maybe a noon start, things could get interesting.

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