5 Games That Will Decide Penn State's 2026 Season (5. Minnesota at Penn State: Nov. 14)

[BleedGopher]

Per Mark:

5. Minnesota at Penn State: Nov. 14​

From 1999 to 2019, Minnesota has decided several promising Penn State seasons. This year's meeting, the first at Beaver Stadium since 2022, punctuated the Nittany Lions' most difficult five-game stretch.

Minnesota's preseason FPI ranking (63rd) isn't terribly intimidating, and coach P.J. Fleck might be gone by Nov. 14 if the season derails early. However, the Gophers return a good bit of their offense, and defensive end Anthony Smith is one of the Big Ten's best.

5 Games That Will Decide Penn State's 2026 Season

On a very friendly schedule, the Nittany Lions have five dates that will determine their postseason chances.

www.si.com

Go Gophers!!

 

[GoldRush]

PJ won't be gone during the season. Nonsense. They thinking of Fickell?

 

[BilldGopher]

Didn't really need it for this guy but went ahead and checked anyway...

 

[The Deliberate Stranger]

I will let one of you give me a hand job if Fleck gets fired before November 14th

 

[Ski-U-Ham]

I will let one of you give me a hand job if Fleck gets fired before November 14th

I nominate @bisonation

 

[jonnyganas]

On what planet is Fleck on the hot seat? AI slop or an idiot (or both?)

 

[gopherbadgerman]

I will let one of you give me a hand job if Fleck gets fired before November 14th

Sweet!

 

[gopherbadgerman]

I made fun of people for saying articles are lazy all the time, but this was a pretty crappy one.

 

[Arminius]

Per Mark:

5. Minnesota at Penn State: Nov. 14​

From 1999 to 2019, Minnesota has decided several promising Penn State seasons. This year's meeting, the first at Beaver Stadium since 2022, punctuated the Nittany Lions' most difficult five-game stretch.

Minnesota's preseason FPI ranking (63rd) isn't terribly intimidating, and coach P.J. Fleck might be gone by Nov. 14 if the season derails early. However, the Gophers return a good bit of their offense, and defensive end Anthony Smith is one of the Big Ten's best.

5 Games That Will Decide Penn State's 2026 Season

On a very friendly schedule, the Nittany Lions have five dates that will determine their postseason chances.

www.si.com

Go Gophers!!

I honestly think PSU has an ordinary season (compared to their historical standards) despite their schedule and the new-coach excitement.

 

[The Deliberate Stranger]

I honestly think PSU has an ordinary season (compared to their historical standards) despite their schedule and the new-coach excitement.

I'm sure they'll have a similar year as Iowa State did the last couple of years

 

[PMWinSTP]

I will let one of you give me a hand job if Fleck gets fired before November 14th

Sooo many temping response options here...

 

[GophersInIowa]

This one isn't even worthy of the Dink status after the comment about Fleck. More like stupid.

 

[gopherbadgerman]

I'm sure they'll have a similar year as Iowa State did the last couple of years

so 9.5 wins or so?

 

[caliGopher]

The only way Fleck is fired during the season is if he goes full megatongue on someone at the U. And that ain't going to happen. He'll be our coach for as long as he wants to be.

 

[GooningGopher]

I will let one of you give me a hand job if Fleck gets fired before November 14th

crazy to not put a year on such a statement

 

[gopherbadgerman]

crazy to not put a year on such a statement

Maybe, maybe not...

 

[Arminius]

so 9.5 wins or so?

Ummm...no.

This is the B10...there are no gimmes for anyone.

 

[Gopherchase]

Yeah, PJ could win two games this year and next and still probably not get fired. Coyle and he are attached at the hip.

 

[gopherbadgerman]

Yeah, PJ could win two games this year and next and still probably not get fired. Coyle and he are attached at the hip.

I think if he goes 2-10 two in a row he would be fired.

 

[GophEnEspaña]

I will let one of you give me a hand job if Fleck gets fired before November 14th

Only if they wear a Goldy costume

Also, you need Jesus. Please go to church on Sunday.

 

[IceBoxGopher]

Out of 17 games, eight have been decided by 5 points or less. It's interesting that it's the trophy I care least about yet the games are often thrilling to watch.

The PJ Fleck might be gone stuff is rather bizarre, though. Not sure what that's based on.