By Jim Williams, Senior Columnist – Capital Sports Network
As the college football season heats up, two of the sport’s most iconic programs—Penn State and Notre Dame—enter Week 3 with vastly different narratives but equally high stakes. Penn State (2–0) is rolling through its non-conference slate, preparing for a marquee White Out clash against Oregon later this month. Meanwhile, Notre Dame (0–1) is already in playoff survival mode after a narrow season-opening loss to Miami. On Saturday, September 13, 2025, both teams host critical matchups that will shape their trajectories for the rest of the season.
Penn State vs. Villanova – 3:30 PM ET, FS1
Location: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA
Broadcast: FS1 (Connor Onion & Mark Helfrich)
Streaming: Fox Sports App
Radio: Penn State Sports Network, Sirius XM 121/197
Penn State wraps up its non-conference schedule against in-state FCS foe Villanova. While the Wildcats (1–0) are no pushover, the Nittany Lions are expected to dominate behind QB Drew Allar and the dynamic backfield duo of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton—both of whom surpassed 3,000 career rushing yards last week. Coach James Franklin emphasized that while the team is winning, it hasn’t yet played to its full potential.
This game also marks a celebration of Penn State’s legendary 2005 Big Ten Championship team, adding emotional weight to an already packed Beaver Stadium. With a bye week ahead and Oregon looming on September 27, this matchup is Penn State’s final tune-up before the national spotlight intensifies.
Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M – 7:30 PM ET, NBC & Peacock
Location: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
Broadcast: NBC (Dan Hicks & Jason Garrett)
Streaming: Peacock
Radio: Notre Dame IMG Network
Notre Dame enters Saturday night’s primetime clash against No. 16 Texas A&M with its season already hanging in the balance. After a heartbreaking 27–24 loss to Miami in Week 1, the Irish must win to stay in the College Football Playoff conversation. QB CJ Carr, making just his second start, will need to rise to the occasion against a fast and physical Aggies defense led by Marcel Reed and Le’Veon Moss.
Coach Marcus Freeman has emphasized resilience and maturity, urging his team to focus on long-term growth rather than short-term setbacks. With no remaining ranked opponents on the schedule, this game is Notre Dame’s last chance to impress the playoff committee before October.
As the sun sets on September 13, 2025, both Penn State and Notre Dame will have either solidified their status as contenders or exposed vulnerabilities that could define their seasons. For Penn State, a dominant win over Villanova would reinforce their readiness for Oregon and the national spotlight. For Notre Dame, the stakes are even higher—Texas A&M represents not just a ranked opponent, but a crossroads. In a sport where perception drives opportunity, Saturday’s outcomes will echo far beyond the final whistle. Whether it’s Allar’s precision or Carr’s resilience, these games are more than matchups—they’re statements.
