How to watch Penn State-Northwestern; pregame info, weather, TV, start time, more: Gameday Central

STATE COLLEGE — Penn State is back in Beaver Stadium today for a Big Ten clash with Northwestern. The Nittany Lions (3-2) are aiming to erase a two-game losing streak. The Wildcats are looking to win their third consecutive game in as many weeks. The home side will likely receive a frosty reception from the fans now that their College Football Playoff hopes are bleak. PSU is aiming to look passed that, though, and instead give ‘Nittany Nation’ something to cheer about from the start.

“We try to control the things that we can control,” James Franklin said Wednesday night. “We’ve had this in the past. I obviously don’t want it. Nobody wants it. I want the players to have a great experience. Want the coaches to have a great experience. I want the fans to feel good and be excited. And I know that we impact their mood for the week and the year. So, I get it.

“Do I like it? Am I happy about it? No, but I get it. This is a place that’s got high expectations and high standards. I get it. But again, it’s outside of our control, and we try to pour all of our energy on the things that we can control.”

GameDay Central gets you ready for kickoff below.

Game time, TV channel, how to watch: Northwestern at Penn State

Venue: Beaver Stadium in State College, Pa.

Kick time: 3:30 p.m. ET

TV: FS1

On the call: Connor Onion (play-by-play) and Mark Helfrich(color commentator).

Penn State radio: Steve Jones, Jack Ham, and Brian Tripp will call the Penn State Sports Network radio broadcast on Saturday. It airs on 99.5 & 103.7 FM/1450 AM locally and at GoPSUSports.com online.

Series facts: This marks the 21st meeting between the two schools. Penn State holds a 16-5 all-time edge. It is also amid a three-game winning streak that dates back to 2017.

Become part of the Penn State community with Blue-White Illustrated. Start for $1 a week and get a complimentary year of The Athletic included with your membership.

What is the Penn State-Northwestern spread?

BetMGM calls Penn State a 21.5-point favorite. The over/under betting total is 47.5 points.

Blue-White Illustrated predictions

Nate Bauer: PSU: 24, Northwestern: 10
Sean Fitz: PSU: 31, Northwestern: 13
Thomas Frank Carr: PSU: 27, Northwestern: 13
Matt Herb: PSU: 27, Northwestern: 17
Greg Pickel: PSU: 38, Northwestern: 14
Ryan Snyder: PSU: 27, Northwestern: 20

Weather report

A nice day looks to be on the horizon for pre- and postgame tailgating plus the actual game itself. Per Weather.com, the forecast is as follows: “Sun and clouds mixed. High 66F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.”

Penn State-Northwestern pregame reading

Penn State coaches and commits emphasize culture amid struggles

James Franklin details key Penn State personnel, scheme notes

Want to see Penn State use some of its younger players more? Here’s what must happen for that to take place

PSU practice observations: Key defenders, vibes, more

Point-Counterpoint – Which Penn State position group needs to make the biggest strides?