### Penn State vs. Ohio State: Why This Year's Showdown Isn’t a White Out Game

Penn State football is gearing up for its most significant home game of the 2024 college football regular season in Week 10. The Nittany Lions will host their Big Ten conference rival, No. 4 Ohio State, in a game that carries heavy implications for the Big Ten championship and the College Football Playoffs. Despite both teams being ranked in the top five of the US LBM Coaches Poll, this highly anticipated matchup will not be Penn State's annual White Out game.

Historically, Penn State has hosted Ohio State for its White Out game five times, where fans famously create an intimidating atmosphere by wearing all white. However, this year, the game against the Buckeyes will not feature this tradition. This deviation appears to be due to TV rights, with Fox’s "Big Noon Kickoff" taking precedence.

Last week, it was revealed that the game would be aired as Fox's marquee noon matchup, rather than CBS's 3:30 p.m. ET game or NBC's 7:30 p.m. ET game. Mike Mulvihill, Fox's president of insight and analytics, explained that the game’s selection was part of a "Network College Football Draft" process, indicating that the broadcasters prioritized audience reach and exposure for the schools involved.

While the noon kickoff won’t feature the iconic White Out, Penn State fans have been vocal about their desire for the game to carry the electric atmosphere typically reserved for the annual tradition. Despite their preferences, Penn State officials have set the White Out for the next week's game against new Big Ten member Washington. This match has yet to have its time and broadcast details determined but promises to be another thrilling event for the Nittany Lions.

In previous seasons, Penn State has utilized the White Out to make Beaver Stadium a formidable venue for visiting teams. Despite this year's slightly altered setup, the fervor and passion from Penn State supporters are expected to remain undiminished. The Nittany Lions enter the contest against Ohio State with an undefeated season on the line, amplifying the stakes even further.

Looking ahead, the Nittany Lions preparing to face Washington in what will be their first encounter since the 2017 Fiesta Bowl. This upcoming game, announced back in July alongside other game day themes, will continue Penn State's tradition of selecting a high-profile matchup for its White Out event.

With a rich history of White Out games adding to Beaver Stadium's reputation as one of the toughest environments in college football, fans eagerly await a decisive clash where history and tradition blend seamlessly with the drive for championship glory.