Penn State’s future non-confrence schedule added a traditional powerhouse to the slate earlier today after athletic directors Sandy Barbour and Jay Jacobs (Auburn) announced that the two iconic programs would face off during the regular season for the first time in history.

The schools haven’t faced off since 2003, when the Tigers defeated Penn State 13-9 in the 2003 Capital One Bowl. The two will square off in a home-and-home series; Penn State will host Auburn on Sept. 18, 2021, and will travel to Jordan-Hare Stadium on Sept. 17, 2022.

While there’s no real history between the two programs aside from two bowl matchups, there will be a great deal of pride put on the line come 2021. Former offensive line coach Herb Hand unceremoniously jumped ship after the conclusion of the 2015 season to assume the same role at Auburn — a move many took to be lateral given the title and similar salary.

A pair of Mid-American Conference opponents were also added to future Penn State schedules. The Lions will host Buffalo — who was the unfortunate victim of Saquon Barkley’s breakout performance last season — on Sept. 7, 2019. The Lions host Ball State for the first time ever on Sept. 11, 2021.

Given the program’s somewhat lackluster non-conference schedule of late (except next year’s trip to Pitt), the addition of a perennial (except the last two seasons) SEC power is fun for the fans, certainly helps recruiting, and gives the Lions an early gauge of talent during the first few weeks of the young season. As history shows, the Lions sit slightly north of .500 all-time against SEC teams, currently holding a 23-22 record. Penn State and Auburn both have one victory apiece against each other, and will each try and gain the upper hand when the two powers face off.