Penn State Football: Ranking 2019 opponents by toughness

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 15: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions throws a pass for a touchdown against the Kent State Golden Flashes during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 15, 2018 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 15: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions throws a pass for a touchdown against the Kent State Golden Flashes during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 15, 2018 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – NOVEMBER 24: Tariq Castro-Fields #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions tackles Anthony McFarland #5 of the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Beaver Stadium on November 24, 2018 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – NOVEMBER 24: Tariq Castro-Fields #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions tackles Anthony McFarland #5 of the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Beaver Stadium on November 24, 2018 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

After an off week, Penn State will kick off the Big Ten schedule at Maryland on a Friday night. This game should be more competitive than the last two matchups between these schools that has seen the Lions outscore the Terps 104-6.

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Maryland was not consistent enough last season however they did put a scare into Ohio State, ultimately losing by a point to the Buckeyes in overtime. They also fell just short of bowl eligibility but have enough talent to get at least six wins this year.

Virginia Tech transfer Josh Jackson could be just what the Terps need at the quarterback position to finally be consistent offensively. If Jackson wins the starting job, he will be helped out by a bevy of depth at the running back spot.

A Friday night game after a bye week could be tricky for the Lions. New head coach Mike Locksley will be looking for a signature win to kick off his tenure with the Terps. What better way than to upset Penn State. The Lions must bring their ‘A’ game to survive this trip to College Park.