Also keep in mind Penn State opted to have no protected conference rivals ...

Posted on August 13, 2026 at 11:53:13 AM by Cutter

If Penn State had opted to have one or even two high end protected rivals (ex. Ohio State or USC), then the uneven scheduling problem might not exist.

But their scheduling policies--both conference and OOC--appear to be pretty clear. To be frank, Indiana under Cignetti isn't really much different, with the exception of the annual Purdue match up.

Just to expand a bit, I have little doubt Michigan would be willing to make Notre Dame UM's third protected B1G rival if the Irish were to join the conference.

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Thread:

It’s not so much that I mind having a tough schedule, but then you look at Penn State and realize… - By Craig August 13, 2026 at 11:10:02 AM
- Going back to Delany when PSU joined. They got scheduling breaks*** - By FleetwoodDiner August 13, 2026 at 12:21:31 PM
- Also keep in mind Penn State opted to have no protected conference rivals ... - By Cutter August 13, 2026 at 11:53:13 AM
- there is no great way to make schedules with football conferences these large and so few conference games - By DoctorD August 13, 2026 at 11:11:50 AM
  - Exactly - this is just another of countless reasons why massive conference expansion has been bad for the sport* - By syrfan August 13, 2026 at 11:18:55 AM
  - Agree. Although I couldn’t care less if we don’t play Wisconsin, or Oregon, or even Michigan State… - By Craig August 13, 2026 at 11:15:36 AM
    - there are definitely competing viewpoints in regards to schedule that we never had to worry about with smaller conferences* - By DoctorD August 13, 2026 at 11:27:58 AM
    - I'd be fine with MSU no longer being scheduled* - By el fuego August 13, 2026 at 11:18:17 AM

The Victors

Also keep in mind Penn State opted to have no protected conference rivals ...