ESPN’s FPI is predicting the start of the college football season, and that includes Week 1 matchups across the country. In the B1G, Penn State will open the season with a primetime matchup against West Virginia.

That game for James Franklin’s squad will be the first for NBC’s Saturday night broadcasts of B1G football. It is also widely expected to be the first start for former 5-star recruit Drew Allar.

Heading into the season, Penn State trails only Ohio State and Michigan in the Big Ten Championship odds. The Nittany Lions have a number of key pieces back that have helped raise the expectations in Happy Valley for the season ahead.

As for the season opener against the Mountaineers, ESPN’s FPI sees Penn State as a heavy home favorite to begin the season. The Nittany Lions are given an 88.6% chance of coming away with the win and beginning the season 1-0.

The matchup does look to be a good one for Penn State compared to West Virginia’s 2022 numbers. The Mountaineers gave up 149.6 rushing yards per game a season ago while Penn State averaged just over 180 yards on the ground.

With a strong offensive line and Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen in the backfield, Penn State has the pieces to help take the early pressure off Allar in the opener. If the offense does settle in early, it could develop into a resounding win for the Nittany Lions to begin the year.