Penn State, West Virginia Reportedly Close to Finalizing Home-and-Home Series

College football will soon have another non-conference matchup to get excited over once the details are finalized. West Virginia and Penn State are close to scheduling a home-and-home series that could begin in 2020 or a little later, according to Jeremy Fowler of CBS Sports.

Sources told Fowler that the two programs discussed the possibility of playing as early as 2018, but those plans are unlikely to happen due to scheduling conflicts. West Virginia has most of its non-conference schedule filled up until 2017, while Penn State can be a little more flexible.

Regardless of when these games are played, they are certainly going to draw a lot of attention.

There is quite a bit of history between these two schools, as they have played each other 59 times in the past, with the first meeting taking place in 1904. The last meeting was in 1992 when Penn State won 40-26, extending its winning streak over West Virginia to four straight games.

Penn State leads the series in convincing fashion, 48-9-2.

Still, times have changed and the current matchups are sure to be a lot more competitive.

When these meetings take place, Penn State will be done with its NCAA sanctions and free to compete for conference titles and national championships. Assuming Bill O'Brien is still the head coach of the Nittany Lions, they will remain a tough group that won't go down quietly.

West Virginia has earned its stripes over the years and made some noise in its first season in the Big 12 last season. Head coach Dana Holgorsen has the program on the right track and should continue to help it take steps forward.

Throw in the fact that less than 200 miles separates both schools and Mountaineer Field and Beaver Stadium are two of the most intimidating places to play.

These are pair of games you will want to circle on your calendar several years in advance.

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