Across the wide range of sports that Penn State offers, fans are always eager to cheer for the Nittany Lions, no matter the sport. However, with the active schedule that college students have day-in and day-out, supporters can’t make it out to every game of every team.

Along with fan availability, there are some games against middling opponents which should result in blowouts in Penn State’s favor. So to help those who can’t make every game, or those who only want to attend the big matches, we’ve compiled a list of games during the fall season that Penn State fans shouldn’t miss.

Football

Sept. 19 – vs. Rutgers, 8 p.m. 

I know what you’re thinking: “Why should we care about Rutgers? Are they even a Division 1 team?” As it turns out, they are, and here’s why you should care. Rutgers believes that we’re rivals, so that means they’ll be coming to Happy Valley with the goal to humiliate us on primetime television.

They’ll be the toughest competition of the five-game home stand early in the season. If playing Rucking Futgers isn’t enough of a reason to come out, the game will be the first ever Stripe Out at Beaver Stadium, and the atmosphere is sure to be electric.

Oct. 10 – vs. Indiana, 12 p.m.

Considering how Penn State was humiliated last homecoming against Northwestern, the expectation is that the homecoming match won’t be a let down for a second year in a row. The hype leading up to the game will make it enticing, alumni will be back in town, and the Nittany Lions have a good chance of getting a strike in the win column.

Nov. 21 – vs. Michigan, Time TBA

We all know what happened the last time Michigan came to Happy Valley for a White Out: one of the all-time greatest games in Beaver Stadium. Plus, I shouldn’t have to tell you why you can’t miss this game; it’s the White Out game, and no matter what time it’s at, Michigan will still suck. That is all.

Oct. 24 – @ Maryland, Time TBA

Even though this is an away game, I believe it’s one fans should try to make if they can. To start, it’s at an NFL stadium, M&T Bank Stadium, which is the second pro-field the Nittany Lions will visit this season (Lincoln Financial Field against Temple this weekend being the first).

Another reason to make this game is that it’s relatively closer than many of the other away games, plus it’s against a team that gave Penn State a substantial sign of disrespect last year. The Nittany Lions will undoubtedly be fired up and the game has the potential to be one of the best this season.

Women’s Volleyball

Sept. 5 – vs. Stanford, 8 p.m.

This will be the biggest game for women’s volleyball this season, and it comes early in the season. This nationally-televised match will pit No. 1 Penn State against No. 2 Stanford in an epic rematch of last year’s NCAA National semifinal game.

Stanford surely has some venom left over from the semifinal and will look to unleash it to knock off the nation’s number one team. If you’re not headed to Philly for the Temple game this weekend, make your way to Rec Hall for what is anticipated as the greatest match of the season.

Sept. 23 – vs. Wisconsin, 7 p.m.

Another nationally televised game for women’s volleyball this season puts them up against Big Ten rival Wisconsin. The Badgers are the second toughest team — being ranked No. 13 in the country — that Penn State will face in the conference this season, and it’ll be an exciting game fans won’t want to miss.

Oct. 2 – vs. Nebraska, 7 p.m. 

Skip down one week to find another nationally televised game for Penn State, facing another Big Ten rival and the toughest opponent in the conference. Nebraska’s team is one to be weary of this year, as they are ranked No. 4 in the country, and have been competitive with the Nittany Lions in the past.

Splitting the series 1-1 last year, each team looks to sweep as they yet again have a two-meet season. Penn State expects the same result as last year, sweeping Nebraska at home, but the game is certainly worthy of marking on your calendar.

Men’s Soccer

Sept. 13 – vs. Indiana, 1 p.m.

A match-up against a ranked Big Ten rival usually calls for national television. N0. 18 Indiana visits No. 23 Penn State seeking revenge as well as a road win…which is exactly what Penn State did on Sept. 13, 2014.

Sept. 27 – vs. Michigan, 2 p.m.

Again, I shouldn’t have to explain. Michigan sucks.

Oct. 9 – vs. Maryland, 7 p.m.

This is one of the most anticipated games of the Penn State Futbol season. No. 6 Maryland is considered the powerhouse of the Big Ten when it comes to men’s soccer, and if fans make it out to the game (it’s a White Out) and give Penn State a home field advantage, the team could pull off a Homecoming upset.

Women’s Soccer

Sept. 17 – vs. Wisconsin, 7 p.m. 

No. 6 Penn State is one of the top teams in the nation and will face a team that was once a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten. With the game having national hype, it is also meeting that will have some implications of revenge, as Penn State came to Wisconsin last year to win 2-0 despite Wisconsin. Now the Badgers are just outside of the top 25 and look to regain a spot as one of the nation’s best with a win over the Nittany Lions.

Oct. 28 – vs. Michigan, 7:30 p.m.

While not a white out against Michigan, the last game of the season will be the annual Pink Game. All donations and proceeds will be donated to the Pennsylvania Pink Zone at Mount Nittany Medical Center for breast cancer research. So even if you don’t go for the game, go for the great cause.

Field Hockey

Sept. 25 – vs. Michigan State, 6 p.m.

No. 7 Penn State takes on No. 19 Michigan State in a Big Ten clash that should implicate how the conference could work out closer to the playoffs and the Big Ten championship. In last year’s bout, Penn State traveled to East Lansing and defeated the Spartans 2-1, so expect another revenge game for the visiting team.

Oct. 23 – vs. Iowa, 3:30 p.m. 

The last game of the season puts Penn State against another ranked Big Ten rival in No. 17 Iowa. With this game being so close to the Big Ten Tournament, it could possibly affect Penn State’s chances in the playoffs, depending on how they fare throughout the season.

Men’s Hockey

Oct. 16-17 – vs. Notre Dame, Time TBA

With the rise of Penn State ice hockey comes more talented competition. Even if Notre Dame had a worse 2014 campaign than the Nittany Lions, the “experts” rank the Fighting Irish one spot higher than Penn State. While neither team is a top 25 team, it is still one of the toughest home games on the schedule for the fall semester, and could make a great game to watch in the Roar Zone.

Dec. 4-5 – Michigan St., Time TBA

Even though Michigan State is not the most prolific hockey team in the Big Ten, they are the best conference opponent before winter break. If you need an excuse to unwind before spending the whole week studying, you may want to get tickets for these games, as they will be the last chance to catch some Penn State cawlidge hawkey before the semester ends.

Women’s Hockey

Oct. 1-2 – Minnesota, 7 p.m. 

Any time the defending national champions visit Happy Valley, the game has the potential to be one of the most lively and energetic one of the season. As No. 19 Penn State hosts No. 2 Minnesota, the Nittany Lions will get to prove their worth in the Big Ten, and the meet-up could possibly be the biggest game of the season for the young program.

Nov. 6-7 – Mercyhurst, 7 p.m. & 2 p.m.

The game against No. 13 Mercyhurst is one that Penn State fans won’t want to miss because it’s the last chance to see the women’s hockey team on the ice until January. The Nittany Lions get their chance to take down an who went 23-9-3 last season, and give the Penn State faithful one last showing before the end of the semester.

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There are numerous opportunities to see the Nittany Lions in action this semester, but some of the match-ups are sure to have a little more fire than others. If you want to catch an action-packed game or see Penn State beat out some tough opponents, grab your cowbell and mark any of the games listed above on you fall calendar.