Does Penn State need to schedule Pitt ever again? Zach Seyko and Joe Smeltzer say absolutely not — and explain why the rivalry is outdated, irrelevant, and unnecessary for a national brand like PSU.
Then, they break down Penn State’s biggest potential trap games for 2025, including dangerous matchups at Iowa, UCLA, and East Lansing. Even with national title aspirations, the Nittany Lions can’t afford to overlook anyone.
Plus, the debate over noon kickoffs vs. primetime rages on. Do early games ruin the atmosphere in Beaver Stadium? Should fans just accept FOX’s strategy? This episode dives into all of it.
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00:00 – Intro: Pitt Is Not a Rival Anymore
01:30 – Why Penn State Gains Nothing by Playing Pitt
04:00 – What Makes a Real Rivalry? (Spoiler: Pitt Isn’t It)
06:30 – PSU’s National Brand Makes Pitt Irrelevant
09:00 – Why PSU Fans Should Stop Wanting Pitt Back
12:30 – Noon Kickoffs: Blessing or Curse?
14:00 – FOX’s Ratings Strategy & Why Night Games Are Better
17:00 – Trap Games: The Schedule’s Sneaky Landmines
19:00 – UCLA After Oregon = Danger Zone?
21:00 – Don’t Sleep on Nebraska, Indiana, Michigan State
23:00 – Why Iowa at Night = Nightmare Fuel
27:00 – Kinnick Curse? Or Just History?
28:30 – Final Thoughts + Wrap-Up