Penn State football preview: Everything you need to know heading into 2024 season

It’s finally time for Top 10 Penn State football to open its 2024 season.

The Nittany Lions ’ first test Saturday is a big one — handling a well-regarded West Virginia team determined to prove itself nationally against its former rival. Kickoff at Milan Puskar Stadium is set for noon on the Big Ten Network.

Will it be another harrowing season-opener on the road for the Lions?

They’ve pulled out white-knuckle victories (Central Florida, 2014; Wisconsin, 2021; Purdue, 2022) and lost others (Temple, 2015 and Indiana, 2020) when starting a James Franklin-coached season away from Beaver Stadium.

More: Penn State-West Virginia football rivalry: All-time series record, history and future games

Penn State football’s depth chart: Our prediction for West Virginia

This time they’ll do it while breaking in three new coordinators and a highly-scrutinized Drew Allar-led offense. The defense, meanwhile, figures to be one of the nation’s best again led by All-America candidates at defensive end (Abdul Carter) and safety (KJ Winston) and stacks of talent and depth everywhere.

The ultimate goal will be to qualify for their first College Football Playoff. They certainly should learn more about that path Saturday in Morgantown.

2024 Penn State football season preview

▶ Podcast: Sizing up Penn State football's 2024 season opener at West Virginia Saturday

3 keys to a Penn State football victory at West Virginia: Which running back wins the day?

More: 3 keys to a Penn State football victory at West Virginia: Which running back wins the day?

▶ Penn State football 2024 preview by position in expanded Big Ten

Breaking down Penn State football's 2024 season by position group

▶ Penn State football defensive overview

Safeties breakdown: Trio of safeties to lead starry Penn State football defense

Linebacker breakdown: Is Linebacker U. ready for its next breakout star?

Cornerback breakdown: Who will lead this loaded Penn State football cornerback room?

Defensive line breakdown: Penn State football defensive line guns for even greater rewards

▶ Penn State football offensive overview

Wide Receiver breakdown: Unproven receivers driven to show they're not a weak link

Running back breakdown: Running backs try to take final Penn State football step together

Tight end breakdown: Could crowded Penn State football tight end room be best ever?

QB breakdown: Quarterbacks on the rise? New looks for Drew Allar, Beau Pribula.

Offensive line breakdown: Deep Penn State offensive line must fit pieces in right places

▶ POSITION PREVIEW: Penn State football special teams

Breakdown: Tight kicking competition, seasoned Penn State football special teams

Saturday's Season opener at West Virginia

▶ Jahiem White ready to prove himself vs. Penn State football. 'It's going to be a goodie'

▶ 3 keys to a Penn State football victory at West Virginia: Which running back wins the day?

▶ Another road game frenzy? How Penn State football navigates '70,000 who kind of hate you'

▶ Penn State football prediction: New offense fizzles, defense must sizzle at West Virginia

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Penn State football preview: Everything you need to know heading into 2024 season