Penn State football owns the most navigable 2023 schedule possible — one conducive for a run to its first College Football Playoff appearance.
The beginning (at Illinois; White Out vs. Iowa) is challenging but not too heavy. The middle isn't nearly as formidable as last season. And the Lions get troublesome Michigan State indoors at the end, avoiding ugly, game-shifting weather and distractions.
One sticking point: Could the Nittany Lions be blessed with too big of a runway (Northwestern, bye, Massachusetts) leading to their defining test in Columbus? They need to stay sharp and motivated more than they need the break.