This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.
The original was posted on /r/cfb by /u/Nolesman357 on 2024-08-09 21:05:05+00:00.
Penn State 2024 Schedule
at West Virginia
Bowling Green***
BYE
Kent State***
Illinois
UCLA
at USC
BYE
at Wisconsin
Ohio State
Washington***
at Purdue
at Minnesota
Maryland
Key
*First-time matchup
**Never beaten
***Undefeated against
****All-time series tied
No Michigan or Oregon makes Penn State’s schedule quite favorable. While I have no faith in James Franklin to win big games (like against Ohio State) I still think they are extremely well poised to make the playoffs (likely as a wildcard) and even the Big 10 championship game. 10-2 might actually be enough this year to make the playoffs.
In Penn State’s first half of the season it is hard to find any losses. Perhaps West Virginia can do it but if Penn State loses to West Virginia that would derail their entire season right then and there. It’s not a conference game so theoretically they could rebound, but they would have to win the Big 10 to make the playoffs because I would have to imagine more losses are coming. Then USC is another tough game but I think Penn State can take care of business. Still, this game might be a coin flip.
Then we get to the nitty gritty of their schedule. Penn State plays at Wisconsin which will be an interesting matchup. That could likely be a coin flip game too. Then Penn State plays Ohio State and until I see otherwise—because lately this has been the case—I don’t trust James Franklin to beat big teams like Ohio State. He is capable but I think it will be unlikely as Ohio State will probably be better this year than they were last year. Washington is another tougher game but that’s a game Penn State should win.
Their next three could be tough too but I think Penn State can and should win. Purdue, Minnesota, and Maryland are all very winnable but I think all three are good enough to potentially get an upset. At Purdue could be a trap game. Nevertheless, Penn State should finish strong and make a real push for the CFP. I have their ceiling at 11-1 with a floor of 9-3.