Lions to play Georgia State under the lights

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- While most didn't see the Nittany Lions kicking off against Ohio State next season at 3:30 p.m., count a 7:30 p.m. kick in Beaver Stadium against Georgia State among the latest surprises to Penn State's schedule.

Penn State plays Georgia State on Sept. 16 and the game will be carried by the Big Ten Network, the conference announced Tuesday. It's the sixth known start time for next season and the team's first announced night game. This gives the Lions a noon start, 3:30 p.m. kick and a 7:30 p.m. start in the first three weeks.



Remaining start times for games at Iowa, vs. Indiana, vs. Michigan, at Michigan State, vs. Nebraska and at Maryland have yet to be announced. Penn State's Oct. 21 home game against Michigan is the team's White Out and could be a front runner for a prime-time kick. FOX's potential World Series plans have the Penn State vs. Ohio State game starting earlier than expected.

Still, an early-season game with a late start likely will be well received by fans looking to soak up the late summer weather at tailgates as the Lions close out the non-conference slate.

Penn State's 2017 schedule:

Sept. 2, vs. Akron, Noon, ABC

Sept. 9, vs. Pitt, 3:30 p.m., ABC

Sept. 16 vs. Georgia State, 7:30 p.m., BTN

Sept. 23 at Iowa, TBA

Sept. 30 vs. Indiana, TBA

Oct. 7 at Northwestern, Noon

Oct. 21 vs. Michigan, TBA

Oct. 28 at Ohio State, 3:30 p.m., FOX

Nov. 4 at Michigan State, TBA

Nov. 11 vs. Rutgers, Noon,

Nov. 18 vs. Nebraska, TBA

Nov. 25 at Maryland, TBA