Penn State vs. Wisconsin: How to Watch Big Ten Opener Without Cable
Iowa football fans know the drill: when the Big Ten schedule heats up, so does the scramble to find the right channel. This Saturday, No. 13 Penn State hosts Wisconsin in the conference opener, and the game will be exclusive to Peacock, NBC's streaming service. For Hawkeye fans keeping tabs on the conference race, here is everything you need to know to catch the action.
Why is the Penn State-Wisconsin game on Peacock?
This marks Penn State's fourth exclusive appearance on Peacock. The game will not air on traditional broadcast or cable channels. Fans will need a Peacock subscription or access to a streaming platform that includes NBCSN, which is also scheduled to carry the game. Some services, such as Prime Video, offer free Peacock trials.
Dave Flemming handles play-by-play with analyst Matt Cassel, and Ashley ShahAhmadi reports from the sideline. Penn State is 2-1 in Peacock-exclusive games, including a loss at Iowa last season.
How to listen to the game on the radio
If streaming is not an option, the Penn State Sports Network has fans covered. Steve Jones and Jack Ham will call the game on dozens of radio stations across the region. The broadcast is also available on Sirius XM channels 106, 180, and 232, as well as online through the Penn State Sports Network.
What is the betting line for Penn State vs. Wisconsin?
Penn State enters as a 10-point favorite, with the over/under set at 44.5 points, according to DraftKings. The Nittany Lions are -380 on the money line, while Wisconsin sits at +300. The line has held steady despite news that Penn State receiver Koby Howard will miss the game.
Where do the teams stand in the rankings?
Penn State moved up to No. 13 in the AP Top 25 and No. 14 in the Coaches Poll. The Nittany Lions also hold a season-high No. 12 ranking in the ESPN College Football Power Index. Wisconsin checks in at No. 53 in the FPI, making them the highest-ranked opponent Penn State has faced this season.
Penn State leads the series, but Wisconsin has a dual-threat quarterback
Penn State brings a six-game winning streak over Wisconsin into Saturday, dating back to 2012. The Badgers have not won in Beaver Stadium since 2003.
Wisconsin quarterback Colton Joseph is the player to watch. He rushed for 1,007 yards and 13 touchdowns at Old Dominion last year, including a 179-yard performance against Indiana. Penn State's defense will need to contain his designed runs and scrambles, a task that falls largely to linebacker Kooper Ebel.
On the offensive side, Penn State will lean on running back Quinton Martin Jr. and receiver Zay Robinson to fill the void left by Howard's absence. Martin broke a 61-yard run against Buffalo, while Robinson has a perfect catch rate on six targets this season.
What does this game mean for Iowa?
For Iowa fans, this matchup offers a glimpse at two teams the Hawkeyes could face in the Big Ten title race. Penn State's only Peacock loss came in Iowa City last year, and the Nittany Lions will be eager to avoid another streaming-service stumble. Wisconsin, meanwhile, is looking to snap a long road losing streak against a ranked opponent.
Kickoff is set for Saturday at Beaver Stadium. Fans without Peacock can still follow the action on the radio or through the Penn State Sports Network online.