Expert prediction
NCAAF: Will Penn State Make the 2023-24 Playoffs?
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Penn State surged past Utah in the 2023 Rose Bowl, winning 35-21.
- They’ve been on the rise lately, but will deal with some roster turnover.
- This could be the year the Nittany Lions break into the Big-10’s top two teams.
As the 2023-24 college football season quickly approaches, let’s take a look at Penn State’s outlook and chances to make the College Football Playoff this year. They are expected to fight for the Big Ten title.
CFP Odds
Historical odds are unavailable. The original analysis is preserved.
Team News
Penn State has returned to an elite level after regressing a bit over the past couple of seasons. They made three NY6 Bowls from 2016-2019, but went just 11-11 in 2020 and 2021. The Nittany Lions returned to their NY6 level in 2022, winning the Rose Bowl against Utah. On the other hand, they also went 0-2 against Michigan and Ohio State for the 2nd straight season. If they lose to both again, their CFP hopes are over.
The Nittany Lions are still seeking their first-ever CFP appearance, which stacks the odds against them. They had a really strong year last season, but struggled to keep up against elite competition, being outscored by Ohio State and Michigan 85-48 in those two games. Penn State needs to at least beat one of them to have any hope of making the CFP this year, but will have a new QB at the helm. It won’t be easy.
Prediction
With a 2-loss team still never making the CFP, Penn State will need to beat Michigan or Ohio State to have a shot at making it for the first time. They’ll also need to go 10-0 in their other games, which could prove difficult with a high level of roster turnover. I wouldn’t feel too confident betting on them to make it in 2023.
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NCAAF
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