Penn State cheerleaders pump up the crowd outside Beaver Stadium before the start of a NCAA football game against Massachusetts Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in State College, Pa.
Who does Penn State miss from the Big Ten schedule?
The Nittany Lions benefit greatly from not having to play Michigan, which is their biggest advantage. They also avoid potentially difficult games against Illinois, Minnesota, USC, Washington, and Wisconsin. Additionally, they won’t have to face Maryland, who could be a tricky opponent on any given day
Penn State football schedule, the good and the bad
THE GOOD:The positive aspects of the schedule include a heavy home game presence in the first month, with only one road game until November 18th. The non-conference schedule is very easy, essentially providing three games for practice.Other advantages are a home game against Oregon, a bye week before playing at Ohio State, and no back-to-back road games. While Indiana and Nebraska pose potential challenges, they will be played at home. However, there are also some potential downsides to consider.
THE BAD:On the downside, the schedule lacks consecutive home games after September. While most road games seem manageable, the Nittany Lions face challenges with away games at Ohio State and against Oregon. Games at Iowa, Michigan State, and Rutgers, along with the unpredictable nature of the Ohio State game, mean the team has significant work ahead throughout the Big Ten season
Best Case Scenario: Victories against Oregon and UCLA would pave the way for a strong 6-0 start for Penn State. After a hard-fought win against Iowa, the Nittany Lions would head into their bye week to prepare for Ohio State.Despite an expected loss somewhere in the season, they are projected to finish with an 11-1 record, securing a spot in the Big Ten Championship and a guaranteed place in the College Football Playoff
Worst Case Scenario: Despite the team’s overall quality, a few narrow losses could derail their season. They are projected to lose one game against Iowa, Michigan State, or UCLA, as well as a game against Ohio State. An additional loss to either Oregon, Nebraska, or Indiana would further damage their playoff chances.As a result, they would miss both the Big Ten Championship and the College Football Playoff, putting significant pressure on head coach James Franklin.
Season Prediction: Penn State is projected to make it back to the College Football Playoff, despite two losses and failing to win the Big Ten title. The playoff committee will likely value a respectable showing in a loss to Ohio State, as well as a close loss to either Iowa, Oregon, or Michigan State, which will be enough to secure a spot in the CFP. While the team’s ambition may be higher than a 10-2 record, that should be sufficient in the new playoff format
