Akron opener official

Penn State has officially announced its football schedule for the coming season. It was essentially set in stone, but the first game against Akron was still up in the air. There was some talk that Fran Ganter, who handles the schedule, was looking to switch that game or the Eastern Illinois game for a more attractive opponent. North Carolina was one team discussed. But that idea has obviously been tabled.

Too bad. What remains is of the cupcake variety. If the Lions don't finish with at least nine wins, next season would have to be deemed a disaster. Here's the full schedule. Times are to be announced. I'll be back later to break it down game by game.

Sept. 5 Akron
Sept. 12 Syracuse
Sept. 19 Temple
Sept. 26 Iowa (1)
Oct. 3 at Illinois
Oct. 10 Eastern Illinois
Oct. 17 Minnesota (2)
Oct. 24 at Michigan
Oct. 31 at Northwestern
Nov. 7 Ohio State
Nov. 14 Indiana
Nov. 21 at Michigan State

(1) All-University/Varsity "S" Day
(2) Homecoming