Penn State Travels to USC Earlier

As the college football season approaches, Penn State is gearing up for a highly anticipated "White Out" game, a unique tradition that allows one opponent each year to experience the electrifying atmosphere at Beaver Stadium. Athletic Director Patrick Kraft emphasized the significance of this event, highlighting the university's move to the Big Ten as a means to engage in such thrilling environments. The preparation for this season involves extensive data collection and sharing of best practices among schools to enhance the experience for student-athletes and coaches alike. The Nittany Lions are set to log an impressive 8,602 miles this season, ranking sixth in the Big Ten for travel distance. This includes a challenging trip to USC in October, which will require the team to depart from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a day earlier than usual. Kraft noted that the logistics of travel can be complex, especially given the limitations of the State College Regional Airport, which is not equipped to handle larger aircraft. Teams like UCLA and Washington are also facing similar travel challenges, as they prepare for their games at Penn State. Washington, for instance, is considering using two planes for their journey to State College, depending on the game schedule. Chun, the athletic director, acknowledged that each week will present unique hurdles, particularly regarding travel timing and logistics. Ultimately, the focus remains on ensuring that student-athletes are well-prepared for the competitive environment, regardless of the complexities involved in reaching their destination.