Penn State Nittany Lions: Top five must-see games for 2015

Apr 18, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Saeed Blacknall (13) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Blue White spring game at Beaver Stadium. The Blue team won the game 17-7. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

In head coach James Franklin’s second year in Happy Valley, Penn State looks poised to take a step closer to returning to its glory days.

Penn State’s 2014 season was defined by peaks and valleys, with four straight wins to start the year, followed by four straight losses, two more wins, two more losses and, lastly, a bowl victory.

RELATED: Penn State Season Preview and Win-loss Prediction

The up-and-down campaign provided glimpses of potential for big things — the Nittany Lions’ close loss to eventual national champion Ohio State stands out — as well as discouraging setbacks — such as losses to Northwestern and Illinois.

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There is reason to believe Penn State fans will experience more of the former in 2015, however, with nine starters returning on offense and seven from a defense that was among the nation’s best last season. A favorable schedule will also lend a hand.

The Nittany Lions have put together a very manageable non-conference slate to start the year, but will also be aided by a lucky scheduling draw that has them facing two of the easier cross-division opponents, Illinois and Northwestern, again.

With a game against Temple in Philadelphia followed by five straight home games against Buffalo, Rutgers, San Diego State, Army and Indiana to start the year, it’s plausible that Penn State could be 6-0 when they head off to Columbus to tangle with the Buckeyes.

Considering this favorable kickoff, spirits should be high in Happy Valley next season, with the following five games providing must-see action for PSU faithful.

Next: Maryland