Park Ridge, Ill. — The Big Ten Conference announced Thursday that it will wait until the conclusion of the Major League Baseball regular season on Sunday, Oct. 1, to determine if it is necessary to move the Oct. 7 Penn State at Minnesota football game to Saturday, Nov. 25.
If the Minnesota Twins do not qualify for the playoffs or win the American League Central division with the best or second-best record among division winners, the Penn State at Minnesota football game will be played on Oct. 7 as scheduled.
If the Twins earn the wild card or win the division with the third-best record among division winners, the Penn State at Minnesota football game will be played on Nov. 25.
The University of Minnesota will be financially responsible for all additional travel, hotel, administrative and other direct costs incurred by Penn State University due to the rescheduling. In addition, Penn State fans unable to attend the game due to this possible change may seek reimbursement for a documented, direct financial loss associated with unused game tickets and non-refundable travel and hotel expenses. Fans seeking access to the reimbursement pool should contact the Penn State athletic ticket office and present appropriate documentation.
\”We are very appreciative of the efforts of the Big Ten and Minnesota to find a suitable alternative date for the Penn State-Minnesota football game, if necessary,\” said Tim Curley, Director of Athletics. \”We are hopeful the game can be played on October 7 as scheduled but, if not, feel that November 25 is the best alternative. Playing on the Saturday after Thanksgiving will not require any missed class time for our student-athletes, will provide for a normal game week from a preparation and health and safety standpoint and gives our fans several weeks to change their travel plans.\”
No. 25 Penn State hosts Youngstown State on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Joe Paterno\’s first team as head coach (1966) will be recognized at halftime. ESPNU, the Penn State Sports Network and GoPSUsports.com will carry the contest.
