The Penn State football team had high hopes for 2010. Whilst they did not expect this to become a stellar year within the Big Ten, they did start out ranked, and expected to at least compete within the Big Ten. Additionally they had a large out of conference match-up with Alabama which provided plenty of pre-season excitement.

Unfortunately, the growing season hasn't gone as expected. A number of losses and a team that is battling make upcoming games with Michigan, Ohio State, and Michigan State all appear challenging. Penn State vs Michigan football tickets may still be difficult to get since the Nittany Lions has a loyal fan base, but there's plenty of anxiety over if the group will actually have a winning record this season or even reach a bowl game.

But which games forthcoming would be the most difficult? With the way the group has performed so far, no Big Ten games will probably be easy, and you can expect the actual Nittany Lions to be big underdogs in a number of games. Games which at the beginning of the year were expected to be relatively simple, or at least easier, are real obstacles.

The actual most difficult game for Penn State is without a doubt the Ohio State game in Columbus. The Buckeyes are actually ranked #1 in college football, and with the game on the road, Penn State will be a several touchdown underdog. Penn State has struggled in order to defeat Ohio State on the road within good years, therefore this season it will likely be particularly difficult.

The second most difficult game for me may be the Michigan State game. Michigan State happens to be a Penn State nemesis, the team that always has their number, and they also happen to be actively playing extremely well this season. It is the last home game of the season, and Penn State vs Michigan State tickets will be within demand, but the Spartans will probably have more to play for than PSU at that time. This means a far more inspired opponent.

Then there are games versus Michigan and Northwestern. They are teams which much like Michigan State, usually seems to provide PSU problems. Whilst Michigan has struggled in recent years, they are surging once again this year. Northwestern has started the season very strong and are having a better than typical year. With Northwestern surging, this means the increase in demand for tickets in their group of followers, therefore once again Penn State vs Northwestern tickets will be equally difficult to get.

The overall game Penn State probably seems most comfortable about is the game vs Indiana, that this year is being played at FedEx field in Landover, Md. This is supposedly a neutral site, but most likely is going to be full of Penn State enthusiasts. Indiana has a good offense, however I would anticipate the actual excitement and energy of the 90,000 strong crowd to carry the Nittany Lions, but who knows.

It’s going to be a long tough road in the Big Ten for Penn State the rest of 2010.