In looking at the 2022 schedule, there were three very distinct portions to the schedule:
- The first 5 games of the season, leading into the bye week, which included road contests at Purdue and Auburn
- The middle 3 games of the season, following the bye, against Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio State
- The final 4 games of the season, with Penn State closing the season hoping for a good postseason destination
In looking at the schedule prior to the season starting, it became very clear very quickly that the month of October would likely define the 2022 season.