Can Penn State Still Reach The CFP?

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Post on Nov 03, 2024

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Can Penn State Still Reach the CFP? A Look at the Nittany Lions' Path to the Playoff

The 2023 college football season is in full swing, and for Penn State fans, hopes are high after a strong start. But with a challenging schedule ahead, the question on everyone's mind is: Can Penn State still reach the College Football Playoff?

While it's certainly not an easy path, the Nittany Lions have the talent and the schedule to make a serious run. Let's analyze their chances:

The Good:

• A Dominant Offense: Penn State boasts one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, led by the dynamic duo of Drew Allar and Nicholas Singleton. Allar, a sophomore, is a rising star at quarterback, displaying impressive accuracy and arm strength. Singleton, a junior, is a true game-breaker with elite speed and power.
• A Solid Defense: While not as dominant as the offense, Penn State's defense is still a force to be reckoned with. Abdul Carter is a terror at linebacker, and the secondary has shown flashes of brilliance.
• Favorable Schedule: The Nittany Lions have a relatively favorable schedule down the stretch, with games against teams like Indiana, Rutgers, and Michigan State all potentially winnable.

The Challenges:

• The Big Ten East: The Big Ten East is arguably the toughest division in college football. Penn State has to navigate games against Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State, all top-ranked opponents.
• Depth Concerns: While the starters are talented, Penn State's depth has been tested early on. Injuries could severely impact their performance.
• Close Calls: The Nittany Lions have already squeaked out some wins, indicating that they might be vulnerable against tougher competition.

The Path to the CFP:

• Dominate the Rest of the Schedule: Penn State needs to win out in the regular season, including their remaining Big Ten games.
• Get Help: The Nittany Lions will need some help from other teams in the conference. An upset or two in the Big Ten West could open the door for a CFP berth.
• Impress the Committee: Penn State will need to put together some impressive wins, especially against ranked opponents, to solidify their position in the CFP rankings.

Conclusion:

Can Penn State reach the CFP? It's a tall order, but not impossible. With a talented roster, a favorable schedule down the stretch, and some luck, the Nittany Lions have a legitimate shot. But they need to be consistent, stay healthy, and get some help along the way.

The journey to the CFP is a long one, but Penn State fans will be glued to their screens hoping for a magical run. One thing's for sure: the stakes are high, and the Nittany Lions are ready for the challenge.