Nov 16, 2024; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren (44) looks at Purdue Boilermakers linebacker Hudson Miller (40) during the first quarter at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
No. 4 Penn State Football has been a force this year, currently ranking third in the Big Ten.
The Nittany Lions‘ only loss this year came at the hands of conference foe Ohio State, who also sits in 2nd place. Some have criticized Penn State for their lack of quality wins, but Penn State sits at the top of a very intriguing list that gives insight to the schedule they’ve faced this year.
Here’s why Penn State Football’s Resume may be stronger than the eye-test for the College Football Playoff committee.
Penn State Vs. P4 Bowl-Eligible Teams
Despite only facing only two (currently) ranked teams this year, and going 1-1 against those opponents, the Nittany Lions have defeated 5 bowl-eligible teams from Power 4 conferences. That’s tied for the most in all of college football (SMU and Texas).
Additionally, Penn State Football’s strength of schedule is 33rd in the nation. Their schedule hasn’t been a cakewalk. Yet, they now stand at #4 in the AP Top 25 and CFP Rankings.
Compare Penn State’s resume to the other teams atop the Big Ten standings, and you’ll see just how tight of a conference it really is.
Oregon has faced the same ranked teams, Ohio State and Illinois. They narrowly beat Ohio State. Oregon’s strength of schedule also sits at 39th. Indiana’s strength of schedule is good for 65th and they haven’t beaten a ranked team this year.
Then there’s Ohio State.
A single score determined the outcome of the Penn State vs. Ohio State matchup. Such a disappointing loss for the Nittany Lions. But the Buckeyes have more than shown that they’re for real, with their strength of schedule ranking 20th and beating two top 5 teams. Their only loss came against No. 1 Oregon.
Penn State’s Outlook
With the Nittany Lions ranking 4th in the College Football Playoff rankings and their final game being a matchup against Maryland, there’s plenty of hope and excitement for Penn State.
No matter who their opponent is in the first playoff matchup, it will be competitive and there will be fireworks.
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