Penn State football schedule 2019: Game-by-game predictions

Week-by-week predictions

Game 1: vs. Idaho

While Penn State almost lost an opener to Appalachian State last year, they should avoid any worries here and take care of Idaho handily.

Result: Win

Game 2: vs. Buffalo

Another week, another relatively comfortable win for the Nittany Lions as they should be able to take down Buffalo with ease.

Result: Win

Game 3: vs. Pittsburgh

This will certainly be a heated game between in-state rivals that almost always deliver a hard-fought game. Having said that, even a vastly different Penn State team has the advantage in this contest.

Result: Win

Game 4: at Maryland

Starting their Big Ten schedule on the road against a Maryland team with explosive offensive playmakers isn’t a gift by any means. Even still, Franklin’s team should start strong and pick up the victory here.

Result: Win

Game 5: vs. Purdue

Purdue once again has the chance to be a troublemaker in this conference and put some good teams on the ropes. They’ll likely do that here against Penn State but the home team should escape with a 5-0 record intact.

Result: Win

Game 6: at Iowa

While it’s right to be dubious about Iowa’s top-end potential given the way the Hawkeyes have performed when expectations are on them, this is still a highly talented football team. And with the Nittany Lions on the road, they take their first loss of 2019 here.

Result: Loss

Game 7: vs. Michigan

Coming off of their first loss of the season, PSU doesn’t get any break, even if they are in Happy Valley. Michigan has a chance to be the best they’ve been under Jim Harbaugh and that spells bad news for the home team in this game.

Result: Loss

Game 8: at Michigan State

After two-straight losses, there’s no question that the Nittany Lions will be looking to notch a high-profile win. They’re able to do just that as they go on the road to East Lansing and topple the Spartans in a likely close matchup.

Result: Win

Game 9: at Minnesota

While P.J. Fleck has talent in Minnesota and is a good coach, they don’t have the talent to match up with Penn State in this game, even if Franklin’s team has to go on the road for this contest.

Result: Win

Game 10: vs. Indiana

My feeling is still that Indiana could cause plenty of teams in the Big Ten trouble in 2019 and they could give a scare here. At home, though, the Nittany Lions should come out with the victory.

Result: Win

Game 11: at Ohio State

The Nittany Lions have the misfortune of one of the toughest schedules in the Big Ten and facing Ohio State in Columbus caps that off. James Franklin’s offense likely can’t match the effort the Buckeyes will put forth here.

Result: Loss

Game 12: vs. Rutgers

Finishing the season off with a matchup against Rutgers is a blessing for Penn State. The Scarlet Knights are the bottom-feeders in the Big Ten, which should make for an easy win to finish the year.

Result: Win

Final Record: 9-3 (6-3 in Big Ten)