Five games on Penn State's schedule that will go a long way in determining the fortunes of the Nittany Lions' season ... or just figure to be fun to watch:

Cornell, Nov. 19
The season opener allows the Nittany Lions a chance to start 1-0, so no matter how they finish, at least they'll start on the right foot.

at Pitt, Dec. 10
This is the matchup folks want to see in football, but on the basketball court, it's far less intriguing.

at Ohio State, Jan. 5
Last year, the Lions won one of 16 conference games, and this contest -- the Big Ten opener -- will be a litmus test for any signs of improvement.

at Illinois, Feb. 4
This might be Penn State's toughest game of the year. At Assembly Hall. Facing conference player of the year Dee Brown.

Indiana, Feb. 15
With the Big Ten's two marquee programs, Michigan State and Illinois, playing host to the Lions, the contest against the Hoosiers might be the most attractive game at the Bryce Jordan Center.