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Penn State set to face Michigan State on Black Friday

Mug-Shot 4x4by:Ryan Snyder•05/21/23•

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Cornerback Daequan Hardy makes an interception during Penn State's last visit to East Lansing in 2021. (Credit: Steve Manuel/BWI)

Penn State’s 2023 schedule has already featured a handful of notable announcements following the updated television contract the Big Ten signed this past summer. Two night games have already been announced, both of which will take place on new television networks; NBC and CBS.

Now another wrinkle to the upcoming schedule has come to the forefront. On Sunday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Penn State’s season-finale against Michigan State is set to be moved up a day to Nov. 24, which is Black Friday. Blue White Illustrated has also confirmed that this is expected to take place.

The Nittany Lions have traditionally played Michigan State at 3:30 p.m. on the last week of the season, with Michigan vs. Ohio State traditionally starting at Noon ET. It’s unclear which network will broadcast this year’s game, as well as what time the game will take place. The 2023 matchup will take place in East Lansing.

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“Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan State recently agreed to concessions to make short-term sacrifices to help the league make up for some lost revenue from the NBC deal,” Thamel wrote.

“Penn State will play on the road in a short week on Black Friday against Michigan State, a game that was scheduled before Penn State agreed to it. Ohio State will host Michigan State on Nov. 11, the latest-ever home night game in Ohio State history, which is viewed as another concession to help the league through this moment.

“‘This is what he’s walking into right now,’ another industry source said of [new Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti]. ‘Tony is trying to save it, and what Penn State and Ohio State are doing is actually trying to minimize the losses.'”

Penn State and Michigan State have a competitive rivalry, with both teams combing to go 18-18-1 over the years. The Nittany Lions have won three of the last four against the Spartans, including a 35-16 win over Michigan State at home this past season. However, James Franklin and his team did lose their last trip to East Lansing in 2021, 30-27.

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