Circle That Saturday: Looking Ahead at Penn State's 2009 Schedule

Every college football season, a team's success can boil down to its schedule, and how that team handles said schedule. There are the cupcakes, the trap games and the marquee matchups.

Penn State has its fair share of all three in 2009. But don't believe that each one isn't important in its own way, as any championship contender will tell you that every game matters.

However, the Lions' 2009 schedule can be reduced to five essential games; games that could end up writing the script for the entire season.

Akron—Sept. 5

It might not seem like a tough game, taking on a middle-of-the-pack MAC team in the home opener.

However, for any serious conference title contender, this one should be in the bag by halftime. The Lions have to play a clean game, using every snap to gel the young offensive line and wide receivers.

The staff will really want to give true freshman quarterback Kevin Newsome some meaningful snaps before the Big Ten slate begins, which underlines the need for a fast start against the Zips and an dominant win.

Iowa—Sept. 26

If the Big Ten opener doesn't usually provide enough drama, this one against the Hawkeyes will be the revenge game of all revenge games. Last year's heartbreaking 24-23 loss in Iowa City ruined Penn State's chance to play for the BCS Championship.

This year, the Lions will have three warm-up non-conference games to prepare for Iowa.

Penn State usually plays just one home night game each season, and it probably won't be this one. That doesn't mean the atmosphere won't be electric, or rule out a Beaver Stadium "White Out."

Illinois—Oct. 3

Penn State lost the last time it traveled to Champaign, a defeat that deflated a promising 2007 campaign.

At home last year, Penn State took care of business under the lights against a reloading Illini team. This year, Illinois returns two players that were key to the 2007 upset, receiver Arrelious Benn and quarterback Juice Williams.

But now, they are two years older, and could pose more problems again for Penn State.

This will be the Lions' first test against a spread-option attack, and unless Penn State's rebuilt defense can stay disciplined and contain Williams and Benn, it could be a long day.

Ohio State—Nov. 7

Ohio State never lost to Penn State in Ohio Stadium...until 2008. In one of the season's best games, the Lions and Buckeyes battled in an all-out defensive war, and further built this rivalry into one of the marquee annual matchups.

Penn State has never beaten Ohio State in consecutive seasons since joining the Big Ten, but it could happen this year.

The Buckeyes have an uncanny ability to reload as well as any team in the nation, but with so many NFL-caliber losses on offense and defense, another BCS bowl run is not guaranteed without a win in Happy Valley.

The Big Ten championship will again run right through this rivalry.

Michigan State—Nov. 21

Don't count out tough games at Northwestern and home against Minnesota, but the Lions have to stay on target until the last regular season whistle blows in East Lansing.

The Spartans have gone a miserable 2-9 in this series, but both wins came at home, including a fantastic comeback win in 2007. In 2008, Penn State was playing to impress, blowing away Michigan State 49-18.

The Spartans, particularly a visibly upset head coach Mark D'Antonio at the end of last year's loss, will be looking to exact some payback for what they believed was a running up of the score.

Penn State has been dogged all off-season for its Charmin soft non-conference schedule, and rightly so.

That's not to say the conference slate won't pose some tough tests for the Lions. The Big Ten could see another down season before the rebuilding process is complete.

That gives Penn State a chance, even with the losses on defense and offense, to stay ahead of the pack for a repeat conference title.

If the Lions beat the teams they are favored against, and can pull off another win over the Buckeyes, look for another trip to the Land of Roses.