Indiana arrives in Beaver Stadium unbeaten, meaning Penn State must solve one of the nation’s hottest teams to keep its postseason hopes from fading entirely.
The Matchup: November 8 at Beaver Stadium
Penn State will host No. 2 ranked Indiana on November 8, 2025, for a critical Big Ten matchup at Beaver Stadium. The Hoosiers enter the game as one of the nation’s hottest teams, while Penn State fights desperately for bowl eligibility. This contest will be crucial for both programs’ postseason aspirations.
Indiana’s Historic Season
The Indiana Hoosiers have shocked the college football world with a remarkable 7-0 record and a perfect 4-0 Big Ten conference record. Currently ranked No. 2 in the AP poll, Indiana has exceeded all expectations this season after their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance in 2024 and a school-record 11 wins last year.
Indiana’s success has been built on a dominant defense and explosive offensive play. Their Week 7 victory over Oregon marked the first time in program history the Hoosiers defeated a top-five ranked opponent on the road, showcasing the quality of this team. With momentum, ranking, and championship aspirations, Indiana represents one of the strongest opponents remaining on Penn State’s schedule.
Penn State’s Must-Win Situation
For Penn State, the situation is dire. Currently sitting at 3-4 with a 0-4 Big Ten record, the Nittany Lions absolutely need to win this game to remain in bowl contention. A loss would put Penn State at 3-5, requiring them to win all remaining games just to reach the minimum 6-6 record for bowl eligibility.
With Terry Smith now in his second week as interim head coach and Ethan Grunkemeyer still developing as the starting quarterback, Penn State faces a monumental task against a top-2 ranked opponent. The pressure of this game cannot be overstated for the program’s immediate future.
Ethan Grunkemeyer’s Development
By November 8, Ethan Grunkemeyer will have had over two weeks to develop further as Penn State’s starting quarterback. His experience against Iowa (15 of 28, 93 yards, 2 INTs) will hopefully have taught him valuable lessons about decision-making and poise under pressure.
Facing Indiana’s aggressive defense will again test Grunkemeyer’s abilities, but the redshirt freshman must show improvement from his first start if Penn State hopes to move the ball and stay competitive. The supporting cast of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton will also be crucial in taking pressure off the young quarterback.
Running Back Dominance
Penn State’s path to victory likely depends on the running game. Kaytron Allen has been outstanding this season with 612 yards and 9 touchdowns through seven games, while Nicholas Singleton adds another dimension with 274 yards and 6 TDs. If the Nittany Lions can establish the run game early and control time of possession, they have a chance to keep this game closer than Indiana’s ranking would suggest.
The Defensive Battle
Penn State’s defense has been one of the team’s bright spots this season, allowing just 19.4 points per game (31st nationally). Led by juniors like Abdul Carter and Dani Dennis-Sutton, the defensive line will need to generate pressure on Indiana’s offense to limit the Hoosiers’ explosive plays.
Bowl Eligibility Path Forward
Penn State’s remaining schedule after Indiana includes:
- Nov. 15: at Michigan State (3-4)
- Nov. 22: vs. Nebraska (5-2)
- Nov. 29: at Rutgers (3-4)
To reach bowl eligibility, Penn State realistically needs to defeat Indiana, Nebraska, and at least one of Michigan State or Rutgers. The road gets increasingly difficult if they lose this game.
The Bottom Line
This matchup pits Penn State’s desperation against Indiana’s momentum and elite ranking. While the Hoosiers are heavy favorites, Beaver Stadium could provide the home-field advantage Penn State needs to keep this game competitive. A Nittany Lions victory would not only guarantee bowl eligibility but would also represent a signature win under new interim head coach Terry Smith. Conversely, a loss would likely be devastating to Penn State’s postseason hopes and would make the coaching search more critical.