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NittanyCentral delivers expert analysis from veteran reporters and timely updates on Penn State sports, with in-depth coverage of Nittany Lions Football, Wrestling, Basketball, and more.

NittanyCentral

NittanyCentral delivers expert analysis from veteran reporters and timely updates on Penn State sports, with in-depth coverage of Nittany Lions Football, Wrestling, Basketball, and more.

Penn State Football Surges in Big Ten Preseason Poll

Penn State Football, James Franklin

Big Ten Media Days have taken off in Indianapolis, Indiana, and four new faces are showing off: Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA. The Big Ten has been hard enough the past few seasons, and they just had Michigan win the National Championship. The Wolverines aren’t even in the conversation to win the Big Ten this season, so it will be very tough, but Penn State Football is garnering major respect.

James Franklin, Penn State Football
Penn State head coach James Franklin reacts during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire)

Cleveland.com released a Big Ten Media poll ranking the teams on Monday. Ohio State came in at number one, and newcomer Oregon was behind them.

Most sportsbooks have the two schools as the two favorites to win the conference, and right behind the two was Penn State, number three.


Is Penn State Football’s Preseason Ranking a Surpise?

The Nittany Lions have ranked one spot ahead of Michigan, which is a surprise since the Wolverines still have an excellent team.

Given their track record over the last few years, they probably should’ve gotten the third sport. Penn State’s ranking of three is excellent because there is a belief that this team could be there at the end with the top dogs.

Penn State will need some help winning the conference, but they do have a nice schedule in which they don’t have to face Michigan or Oregon and get to host Ohio State.

The Buckeyes have struggled in Happy Valley in years past, so there is a great chance they could lose there.

The Nittany Lions never saw themselves make the four-team College Football Playoff, but they are preparing to make the first-ever 12-team one this season.

Head coach Jame Franklin has been one of the better coaches in the sport, but he has had a hard time winning the big game and failing to make the playoffs. This year, he can change all the negativity he receives, win the big win against Ohio State, and make the playoffs.

It will be interesting to see how Penn State does this season, and they have the team to compete with the best teams in the conference and the rest of college football.

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Penn State Football Surges in Big Ten Preseason Poll
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