STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Penn State’s path to the College Football Playoff will first include a trip to the Big Ten Championship Game to play No. 1 Oregon.
Yes, you read that correctly. Thanks to Michigan beating No. 2 Ohio State earlier Saturday, the Nittany Lions’ once congested path to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and a chance to control their own Playoff destiny became crystal clear by 3:30 p.m. Needing only a win over Maryland to get into the Big Ten title game, James Franklin’s team delivered.
No. 4 Penn State dropped Maryland 44-7 to finish the regular season 11-1, but Saturday’s thrashing of the Terrapins was just a small part of the day. This past month since the Nittany Lions lost to Ohio State, it’s been about winning out and then seeing what that meant for Penn State’s place in the 12-team College Football Playoff.
Penn State masterfully navigated the past month. While many other teams in the Playoff race faltered this season and suffered upsets, Penn State’s lone loss came in a close game with the Buckeyes. While some have questioned Penn State’s Playoff resume — with the Nittany Lions having just one shot to play one of the country’s best teams this season — all of that now changes.
Penn State is headed back to the Big Ten Championship Game for the first time since 2016.
1. Penn State vs. Oregon sets up countless opportunities for a statement.
Penn State’s senior day ceremony was taking place pregame while Michigan was finishing off a 13-10 win against Ohio State. There was no announcement in the stadium, no sharing of the final score. The Beaver Stadium video boards never showed Ohio State-Michigan, though surely fans trickling in from tailgates and those scrolling their phones in the stands were well aware that with Michigan’s win, the Nittany Lions controlled their playoff destiny.
Remember, Penn State’s path to Indianapolis was congested at best just a few weeks ago, but to the Nittany Lions’ credit, they won out and got the help they needed by Ohio State beating Indiana last weekend and then turning around and losing to Michigan. Even if Penn State and Indiana both finish 11-1 — the Hoosiers are playing Purdue tonight — Penn State still gets the nod to the conference championship game because of the fourth criteria in the Big Ten tiebreaker scenarios, which is opponent cumulative conference winning percentage. Penn State has a significant advantage over Indiana.
Now, a question that’s weighed on the minds of Penn State fans the last several weeks is whether a trip to Indianapolis is worth the risk. On one hand, if Penn State beats No. 1 Oregon, the Nittany Lions secure a bye in the first round of the Playoff and would then likely be the No. 1 seed overall. However, if Penn State loses by a lot to Oregon, then how far could Penn State fall? Would the Nittany Lions still be seeded somewhere fifth through eighth, meaning they’d have a chance to host a first-round Playoff game in Beaver Stadium? There’s no doubt that one extra game means more wear and tear for players’ bodies, but the risk here has to be worth the reward.
Penn State has a chance to prove this team can punch up and hang with the best team in the country. If you’re looking for a positive in a game in which Oregon has known for a couple of weeks that it would be playing, it’s this: Wisconsin had the Ducks on the ropes. In a college football season in which so many teams have had an off game — something Penn State really hasn’t had this season — there’s a chance for this team to prove it’s one of the best. That’s all Penn State should want at this point. Franklin said at Big Ten media days in July that the first goal every season is to win the Big Ten and try and secure a first-round bye in the Playoff. That chance is there for the taking.
2. Penn State is healthy and rolling.
Drew Allar completed 17 of 26 passes for 171 yards for one touchdown and rushed for another. He limped to the sideline briefly in the second quarter, but promptly returned as the next drive started. Tight end Tyler Warren had six catches for 68 yards and a receiving touchdown and continues building his case as one of the nation’s best tight ends.
Most importantly, though, as this team looks to take the next step, running back Nick Singleton looked as healthy as he’s been in several weeks. The running back has been playing banged up for much of this season, and Singleton’s burst looked like he was fully back after not being as effective throughout the season. Singleton carried the ball 13 times for 87 yards and scored two touchdowns. Though he lost a fumble on the opening drive that gave way to Maryland’s touchdown, Singleton responded by returning the ensuing kick 66 yards. Penn State has a handful of players — Singleton, Allar, Warren and defensive ends Abdul Carter and Dani Dennis-Sutton — who can be the difference-makers in a championship run. Those five are all as healthy as they can be expected to be at the close of the regular season.
3. How does a quick turnaround shake out for Penn State?
Like all teams, the month of December is going to be hectic. Penn State’s newest signees will be announced on Wednesday, all while the team will be preparing for the biggest game of the season. The transfer portal opens a week from Monday, a day after the Nittany Lions will know where they’re seeded in the College Football Playoff. Yes, this is a lot for all staffs to manage, and while Oregon has the benefit of knowing what was happening, Penn State surely has mapped out a plan for this week, too.
This is the best-case scenario for this team, and Franklin’s group now has an opportunity that many weren’t sure would materialize after the loss last month to Ohio State.
(Photo of Penn State’s Abdul Carter: Scott Taetsch / Getty Images)
