First Look: Penn State Vs. West Virginia

The Lions host their long-lost rival in a splashy prime-time opener at Beaver Stadium.

Penn State begins Year 10 of the James Franklin era in one of the splashiest ways possible: a theme night at Beaver Stadium, against a long-lost rival, with a brand new Big Ten media rights partner whose lead analyst is a Lions legend. Not to mention the most anticipated Penn State quarterback debut in a decade.

The Lions host West Virginia on Saturday night, embracing the past while heralding the future. The Mountaineers are making their first appearance at Beaver Stadium since 1991, when the Lions won by 46 points before a then-record crowd of 96,445 (Notre Dame broke the record two weeks later). Perhaps 10,000 more fans will be on hand for West Virginia's return, which will feature a variation of the White Out (known as the helmet stripe) and Todd Blackledge on NBC's Big Ten Saturday Night broadcast.

So much to unpack in this game, so let's get started.

Penn State vs. West Virginia

When: 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday

Where: Beaver Stadium

TV: NBC

Streaming: FuboTV (start your free trial)

Betting Line: Penn State is a 20.5-point favorite, per SI Sportsbook

Series History: Penn State leads 48-9-2

Last Meeting: Penn State 40-26 in 1992

About the Lions: Let the debate begin: Which Penn State season carried higher preseason expectations, 2023 or 2017? Both teams opened the season in the AP top-10 after Rose Bowl appearances and with exceptional offensive talent. Is the Nicholas Singleton-Kaytron Allen combination actually better than Saquon Barkley-Miles Sanders? That will be a fascinating comparison to monitor. As will the development of sophomore Drew Allar, Penn State's most-anticipated quarterback since Christian Hackenberg started as a freshman in 2013. The yin-yang of Penn State's offensive and defensive units could produce electric results. This just might be the best defense Franklin has ever roster, with Many Diaz as its second-year coordinator. But as Franklin reminds constantly, consistency will be the imperative. The Lions could roll past West Virginia by 30 points and still have consistency issues to address before opening Big Ten play later in September. Still, this roster could explode out of the gate, launching expectations even higher.

About the Mountaineers: Penn State hasn't hosted a Power 5 team for a home-opener (2020 aside) since Miami's ill-fated visit in 2001. The Hurricanes won 33-7 on their way to the national championship. West Virginia, though, hardly is a title contender. The Mountaineers went 5-7 last season, ranking dismally low nationally in defensive categories such as points allowed (119th), yards per point (117th), passing yards per game (118th) and turnovers gained (127th). West Virginia returns some defensive talent, notably end Sean Martin and safety Aubrey Burks, but might not be ready for Penn State's multi-tiered offense. Quarterback Garrett Greene plays the dual-threat role, which will test Penn State's pass-rush discipline. And he has some skill around him, notably a veteran offensive line and running back CJ Donaldson. Having lost their top three receivers, the Mountaineers likely will run behind Greene, Donaldson and that line. But freshman receiver Rodney Gallagher III, a Uniontown native who crossed the recruiting border to attend West Virginia, could give the Lions fits downfield.

More on Penn State

Penn State Football on SI.com

For Penn State's receivers, expectation and uncertainty entering 2023

Penn State has 'legitimate' playoff hopes, Mike Golic Jr. says

How James Franklin could have become a pretzel mogul

Breaking down Penn State's 2023 schedule

Is this the year Penn State and James Franklin win at Ohio State?

Ahead of the 2023 season, the Lions' Chop Robinson says, 'I feel unstoppable'

How New England's Bill Belichick could help shape Penn State's 2023 season

Expectations are high for Penn State in 2023. But are they realistic?

AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.