After an excruciatingly painful month of Penn State football, it feels like the program is as close to rock bottom as it gets. Drew Allar suffered a season-ending ankle injury, James Franklin was fired, and Penn State has now lost three straight games to unranked teams, with a 25-24 loss to Iowa last weekend marking the latest loss of a four-game skid.

Fortunately, the Nittany Lions can’t lose this upcoming weekend, because they do not play. But until they return to action against Ohio State on November 1, we have no choice but to watch some other college football teams this weekend.

Here are the outcomes to root for as a Penn State Football fan.

Who To Root For

While UCLA is, in fact, a member of the Big Ten, Penn State fans should put their differences aside and root for the Bruins to upset No. 2 Indiana on Saturday. Sure, UCLA did deliver Penn State’s second crushing loss of the season earlier in the month, but a Bruins victory would not only derail a strong season for a heavier conference rival in Indiana, but it would also make Penn State’s loss to UCLA less embarrassing.

Folks should also root for Wisconsin to upset No. 6 Oregon this weekend. If Penn State isn’t at the top of the Big Ten, no one should be. I know they say “treat others how you want to be treated,” but the scene of Oregon’s bench storming the field and rushing toward the student section to bark at us after that game-sealing interception in double overtime keeps replaying in my head. The Ducks have ripped out the hearts of Penn State fans in back-to-back years, so I support any method of payback for all the pain they’ve inflicted on the blue and white faithful.

Who To Root Against

Staying within the state of Pennsylvania, root against Pitt in its ACC battle with NC State. There’s not really a specific rhyme or reason, other than Eat Sh*t Pitt.

Similarly, root against Michigan in its territorial dispute with Michigan State on Saturday night. Regardless of Penn State’s record, Michigan’s downfall will always be prayed upon.

Lastly, root against No. 15 Mizzou, who plays No. 10 Vanderbilt this weekend. Yes, we love Beau Pribula and wish no harm on the former Nittany Lion quarterback, but Penn State needs to hire a head coach, and the one down in Columbia, Missouri, sure does fit the bill. A loss for the Tigers at this point in the season could derail their college football playoff chances, increasing the likelihood of Eli Drinkwitz departing for Happy Valley after the season ends.

Cadyn is a third-year broadcast journalism major at Penn State. Hailing from the great state of Texas, he is a die hard Dallas sports fan. You’ll often see him voicing his opinions on music and sports on X/Twitter @cgill214.