Watch Washington vs. Penn State exclusively on Big Ten Peacock

We are officially in the home stretch of the college football season. In just a few weeks, all major conferences will crown champions and set the stage for the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff, meaning it’s time for every team with a solid record to make its case and make it last few really enforce games count.

When it comes to playoff contenders, Penn State has been in the picture since the start of the season. After keeping their record perfect for seven weeks in a highly competitive field, the Nittany Lions now suffer their first loss of the season and have fallen to No. 6 in the rankings. It’s time for Penn State to prove they deserve to stay in the playoff conversation, but the Washington Huskies are standing in their way.

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Let’s take a closer look at this week’s Peacock-exclusive Big Ten Conference matchup.

What to expect from Washington vs. Penn State on Peacock

It’s been a very inconsistent first year for Washington in the Big Ten Conference, which was particularly jarring because the team is just one season removed from a national championship bid. With a new starter, the Huskies are 5-4 this season and 3-3 in the Big Ten Conference, having lost games to Indiana, Iowa and Rutgers. They’ve had problems, but things are looking up now thanks to a win over USC last weekend. The Huskies still have a chance for a strong bowl game and rebound in 2025.

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Nevertheless, the Nittany Lions are the clear favorites here. They play at home, are still a top-10 team, and have the talent to handle anything Washington throws their way. Perhaps most importantly, the Nittany Lions are playing with a loss on their record for the first time this year. Last weekend, playoff contenders Ohio State outlasted State College and wiped out Penn State’s perfect record, falling from tied for first place in the conference to third place in the conference. This means they have to stay perfect for the rest of the season if they are to secure the conference title.

Washington is the first obstacle on this path. So expect Penn State to do its best to make a statement starting November 9th at 8:00 PM ET exclusively on Peacock.

Tune in to NBC and Peacock all season long to watch Big Ten and Notre Dame football!