Dismantling divisions in the Big Ten could benefit Penn State in the future. Head coach James Franklin has struggled against Ohio State and Michigan, going just a combined 4-16 in his tenure at Happy Valley.
Not having Michigan on the schedule and getting Ohio State at home has people thinking Penn State can be one of the Big Ten’s best, and even crack the college football playoff. That isn’t the case with ESPN’s Pat McAfee, as he left the Nittany Lions off his projected 12-team playoff field.
McAfee has the Big Ten sending three teams to the postseason— Ohio State, Oregon, and Michigan.
Pat McAfee’s 12-Team Playoff Prediction … pic.twitter.com/DsrIxhkIiS
— Jed Drenning (@TheSignalCaller) August 24, 2024
Quarterback Drew Allar will be Penn State’s X-Factor this season. Allar was fourth in the conference last season in terms of passing yards with 2,631. However, he received help from the transfer portal this year as the Nittany Lions acquired former Ohio State wide receiver Julian Fleming.
Abdul Carter and Dani Dennis-Sutton headline an imposing Penn State defense line entering the upcoming season. The two combined for eight sacks and hope to duplicate that and more in 2024. Cornerbacks A.J. Harris and Audavion Collins will also play a key role against some talented Big Ten passing offenses on Penn State’s schedule.
Funny enough, the Nittany Lions will open up their season against McAfee’s alma mater, West Virginia, on Aug. 31 in what should be a rowdy environment in Morgantown.