STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- The Big Ten's scheduling system didn't work in Penn State's favor this season as the Nittany Lions are beginning a brutal three-game stretch against No. 19 Michigan, No. 6 Ohio State and No. 18 Michigan State, but the 2018 season will have a different quirk.
Next season's away game against Illinois, initially slated for Saturday, Sept. 22, will be pushed to Friday, Sept. 21, the Big Ten announced Friday. It's one of five 2018 games that's been moved.
The move comes as the Big Ten continues to push for more teams to play in Friday games, something Penn State avoided this season. While the decision is out of Penn State's hands, since it's up to the conference and it's one way for the Big Ten to gain more television exposure, the silver lining is that at least the Lions aren't surrendering a home game to do so.
That is one thing Penn State has not been willing to do, adding that it would create logistical challenges for high school prospects, take away from the game day environment and potentially cost the school money should attendance dip, as fans would likely be hard pressed to get to central Pa. on a Friday night.
While Penn State isn't in favor of giving up a Saturday home game, one way to lessen the blow in the future could potentially be a home game that's played the day after Thanksgiving. That idea was one James Franklin mentioned in the past.
The Illinois road game means the Lions will be operating on a short practice week following the team's Week 3 game against Kent State, but fans likely will be happy to know that the Friday game then gives the Lions an extra day to rest and prepare for their Week 5 matchup against Ohio State.
Naturally, one of the arguments made about Friday games is the impact it will have on the players, being that they are, after all, student-athletes. This move means players would likely miss classes on Thursday and Friday as the Lions hit the road next season.