Penn State Football: ranking the biggest games on the 2022 schedule

Ranking the biggest games on the 2022 Penn State Football schedule

STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Keyvone Lee #24 of the Penn State Nittany Lions carries the ball against Rod Moore #19 of the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Beaver Stadium on November 13, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 27: The Michigan State Spartans and Penn State Nittany Lions face off at Spartan Stadium on November 27, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

5. Penn State Football vs Michigan State (11/26)

There are two main reasons why Sparty is ahead of their in-state rivals on this list, the first of which is that this is a home game. Defending the home turf inside Beaver Stadium is a big deal for the Nittany Lions, as well as the fanbase.

The second reason is that, on paper, Penn State is a more talented team than Michigan State, making this a game that they should win, whereas – at least based on recent recruiting rankings – Michigan is a slightly better team than Penn State.

The Wolverines have had a higher ranked recruiting class than the Nittany Lions in three of the last four cycles, with 2022 being the lone exception.

So, defending home the home field is important, as well as “winning games they are supposed to win”, which has been an issue lately for Penn State Football, and will be a theme that you’ll see throughout this list.

Oh, and the Land-Grant Trophy will be on the line in this one too, which does nothing but adds to the importance and excitement.

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