So...we're 54 hours away from what, exactly?

[MtNittany]

I've seen videos and pics of the new stadium and it's beautiful. If they had made it 45K instead of 35K, it would be even better. I want to think the crowd will be a problem, and it may be. But Lamade in South Williamsport has hosted many bigger crowds, so I don't think that will be the problem.

I hope they play well. Asking the OL, QB, WR's, TE's all to improve against NW on a short week is a tall ask, but that's about what it will take. Plus some luck.

 

[MtNittany]

Also, if you ever feel a bit of a soft spot for NW, remember these 4 words:

Mike Greenberg
Christine Brennan

 

[TheBigUglies]

I want them to play well and if they battle until the end but still lose I would be okay with that but if they blow a 17 point lead again well I won't be okay with that. Also, I would love for the defense to post a shut out against Dip Kelly's OC play calling. Still can't stand that guy!!

 

[BobPSU92]

How loud can 35k geniuses reading books be?

When I was high school, a smart guy with me in the marching band brought his backpack in the stands. He didn’t care about football and just read during games. He ended up going to Cal-Berkeley. As a dumb sh|t who went to Penn State, I watched the games and goofed around with friends.

 

[ChiTownLionPSU]

Northwestern looked good against Indiana.

 

[Chumboshifko1]

There will be whining, weeping, collapsing and a loss of sphinetic control.

 

[Marshall2323]

Northwestern looked good against Indiana.

Very true. However my experience is that "looking good" in a loss rarely translates into consistent winning. I think this game is more about which PSU team takes the field. If Becht can get in a rhythm, the D has been effective. If the offense falters again....

 

[Chumboshifko1]

Car 54 where are you?

 

[leinbacker]

We are clearly a trap game for Northwestern.

 

[BUFFALO LION]

I actually think we have a better chance of beating USC. After the fiasco I saw last Saturday, I don’t have a very good feeling about this Friday.

Northwestern played an exponentially better game than we did last week against a much better team. USC almost crapped the bed against Rutgers, and was probably even more overrated than us. Another cross country trip to a White Out will be a lot tougher than Piscataway.

 

[IoffendwithTruth1]

Very true. However my experience is that "looking good" in a loss rarely translates into consistent winning. I think this game is more about which PSU team takes the field. If Becht can get in a rhythm, the D has been effective. If the offense falters again....

I 100% agree and from a players perspective, I want to get back out on the field ASAP after a poor performance. The longer I sat, the longer I thought about it.

 

[Marshall2323]

I 100% agree and from a players perspective, I want to get back out on the field ASAP after a poor performance. The longer I sat, the longer I thought about it.

Tomorrow will go a long way in evaluating this team. Are they the 9.5 quarters they appeared to be vs Marshall, Buffalo and Temple? Or are they more like the team in the 6 5 quarters vs Wisconsin and Temple?

 

[razpsu]

There will 10k in white.

 

[Catch1lion]

1. Psych attempt- NW put in cramped and crappy visiting team locker room. But at least they didn't paint it pink.
2. NW QB coach Neuheisel knows all about our D after hanging out in the Tavern with his dad.

 

[IoffendwithTruth1]

Tomorrow will go a long way in evaluating this team. Are they the 9.5 quarters they appeared to be vs Marshall, Buffalo and Temple? Or are they more like the team in the 6 5 quarters vs Wisconsin and Temple?

We will find out. I am hoping its the team that played against Marshall and Buffalo. I cannot imagine the offense playing any worse than it did.

 

[BUFFALO LION]

There will 10k in white.

i doubt it for this game unless it is a Northwestern White Out or something like that. Captivity is only 36,000, and it’s their Grand Opening. We are only alloted 2,000 seats. My guess for this game, the division will be 34,000-2,000.

 

[KingLando]

I've seen videos and pics of the new stadium and it's beautiful. If they had made it 45K instead of 35K, it would be even better. I want to think the crowd will be a problem, and it may be. But Lamade in South Williamsport has hosted many bigger crowds, so I don't think that will be the problem.

I hope they play well. Asking the OL, QB, WR's, TE's all to improve against NW on a short week is a tall ask, but that's about what it will take. Plus some luck.

JMO...I think 35-45k stadiums for most college teams is ideal. It can help keep demand high. There's no bad seats. Unlike large stadiums, like ours, where the only advantage of going to the game is the atmosphere if you're sitting up high and unless you're playing Ohio State or another elite team is it worth it?
The Bills new stadium was perfect for the NFL as well. I feel like those in charge are starting to see and adapt to the shift.

The biggest problem might be that Northwestern may be the better team as of now.

 

[Psumatt85]

There will be whining, weeping, collapsing and a loss of sphinetic control.

Pain

 

[Marshall2323]

Pain

Again 100% chance of torrential second guessing.

 

[MtNittany]

JMO...I think 35-45k stadiums for most college teams is ideal. It can help keep demand high. There's no bad seats. Unlike large stadiums, like ours, where the only advantage of going to the game is the atmosphere if you're sitting up high and unless you're playing Ohio State or another elite team is it worth it?
The Bills new stadium was perfect for the NFL as well. I feel like those in charge are starting to see and adapt to the shift.

The biggest problem might be that Northwestern may be the better team as of now.

45 yes. 35 too small imo.

 

[KingLando]

45 yes. 35 too small imo.

Fair enough...I like it for Northwestern but time will tell if they need to expand it

 

[SkiSkiSki]

45 yes. 35 too small imo.

Northwestern Football Home Attendance & Stadium Capacity (2001–2025)​

Note: Attendance figures represent the average home attendance per game for that season.

Year	Average Home Attendance	Stadium Capacity	Notable Context / Venue
2025	15,323	12,023	Martin Stadium / Wrigley Field (Relocated due to construction; Wrigley games boosted average)
2024	17,470	12,023	Martin Stadium / Wrigley Field (Relocated due to construction; Wrigley games boosted average)
2023	23,257	47,130	Final season at the original Ryan Field
2022	28,697	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2021	30,796	47,130	Original Ryan Field (Ranked last in Big Ten attendance)
2020	0	47,130	COVID-19 Pandemic (No fans permitted)
2019	37,736	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2018	43,873	47,130	Original Ryan Field (Featured the last 4 sellouts at the old stadium)
2017	35,853	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2016	34,798	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2015	33,366	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2014	38,613	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2013	39,307	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2012	35,697	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2011	33,442	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2010	36,449	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2009	24,190	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2008	30,120	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2007	25,327	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2006	31,529	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2005	28,113	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2004	34,381	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2003	30,576	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2002	33,192	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2001	32,969	47,130	Original Ryan Field

 

[MtNittany]

Northwestern Football Home Attendance & Stadium Capacity (2001–2025)​

Note: Attendance figures represent the average home attendance per game for that season.

Year	Average Home Attendance	Stadium Capacity	Notable Context / Venue
2025	15,323	12,023	Martin Stadium / Wrigley Field (Relocated due to construction; Wrigley games boosted average)
2024	17,470	12,023	Martin Stadium / Wrigley Field (Relocated due to construction; Wrigley games boosted average)
2023	23,257	47,130	Final season at the original Ryan Field
2022	28,697	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2021	30,796	47,130	Original Ryan Field (Ranked last in Big Ten attendance)
2020	0	47,130	COVID-19 Pandemic (No fans permitted)
2019	37,736	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2018	43,873	47,130	Original Ryan Field (Featured the last 4 sellouts at the old stadium)
2017	35,853	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2016	34,798	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2015	33,366	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2014	38,613	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2013	39,307	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2012	35,697	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2011	33,442	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2010	36,449	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2009	24,190	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2008	30,120	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2007	25,327	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2006	31,529	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2005	28,113	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2004	34,381	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2003	30,576	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2002	33,192	47,130	Original Ryan Field
2001	32,969	47,130	Original Ryan Field

Always dream big, or you'll come up small.