Penn State Football's Biggest College Football Playoff Concern Revealed

College football preseason rankings are always a topic of conversation, and many outlets release their own. Max Chadwick from Pro Football Focus released his Top 25 rankings this week, with Penn State Football ranked number nine.

The Nittany Lions ranked eighth earlier this week in the AP Preseason poll, which is essential since college football uses it until the playoff rankings come out in early November.

Chadwick is very high on Penn State and wrote, “In a tale as old as time, Penn State’s defense gives the team a very high floor, but the passing game will determine the Nittany Lions’ true ceiling.”

After last season’s performance in the season’s biggest games, it isn’t surprising to see Chadwick and other national analysts viewing Penn State’s passing game as the program’s biggest concern in 2024.

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Penn State’s Defense to Lead The Charge, Again

Penn State Football DE Dani-Dennis Sutton could be in for a breakout season in 2024. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire)

There is no argument to be made about the Nittany Lions’ defense. Even after losing defensive coordinator Manny Diaz to Duke this offseason, the defense shouldn’t lose a beat under new coordinator Tom Allen.

The offense does have several question marks, starting with second-year starting quarterback Drew Allar and how the passing game will be with a receiving core that still needs to prove itself.

Penn State Football should be able to put itself into position to make the new 12-team College Football Playoff, even with an offense that could be shaky at throwing the ball.

Other Big Ten schools ranked in Chadwick’s Top 25 were Ohio State at two, Oregon at three, Michigan at eight, USC at 21st, and Iowa at 24th.

MORE: How Penn State Plans to Use Five-Star Freshman Phenom This Season

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Daniel Fisher

Penn State Football Reporter at NittanyCentral

Fisher covers Penn State Football for NittanyCentral. In addition to his work for NittanyCentral, Fisher also writes for a few other sports outlets: Gridiron Heroics, where he covers college football and the NFL, and Stadium Rant, where he is a head editor and covers all major and college sports.

Follow Dan

Author

Daniel Fisher

Fisher covers Penn State Football for NittanyCentral. In addition to his work for NittanyCentral, Fisher also writes for a few other sports outlets: Gridiron Heroics, where he covers college football and the NFL, and Stadium Rant, where he is a head editor and covers all major and college sports.