In what might be considered the worst-kept secret of the offseason, the news came down early today that Penn State would be traveling to Iowa City for an 8 PM start, and that’s this year’s home night game, presumably the White Out game, will be October 30th, Halloween eve, against Michigan.  Adjust your calendars accordingly.

It was ESPN who released those two game times, as part of six finalized games within the Big Ten.  The other major matchup

s within the conference feature Ohio State at Wisconsin, a primetime affair scheduled for October 16th, and Ohio State’s showdown with Miami, a 3:30 start on September 11th.

But for Penn State, these announcements were widely expected.  Though Michigan may well struggle again in 2010 as they did in 2009 and 2008, they’re still a hated rival with major name recognition.  And if not them…Northwestern?  Penn State’s home schedule is pretty poor this season, though it will be more than balanced out by the epicness that 2011 should be, as Alabama, Iowa, Ohio State, and Wisconsin come to Happy Valley.

With the big week two matchup against Alabama potentially a night game as well, Penn State could be playing three games in front of a primetime national audience.  They benefit from the extension of the schedule until after Thanksgiving, as the Nittany Lions visit to Columbus falls on November 13th, and no Big Ten games can be played at night during the month of November.

The last time Penn State traveled to Iowa City, we all remember what happened. Fuck you, Daniel Murray.  And Michigan was the opponent for 2006′s night game, when the Wolverines knocked out both Anthony Morelli and Daryll Clark, forcing Paul Cianciolo into duty. He managed to throw a touchdown pass in a 17-10 beating.