Penn State has been on the brink of College Football Playoff contention for years, but James Franklin’s team has always fallen short. Michigan It is Ohio State of the world. However, thanks to the new 12-team playoff format, beating the Big Ten’s other top teams may no longer be necessary for a playoff spot.
Penn State was fortunate to only play one of the Big Ten’s other top teams this year, as they dodged Michigan and the newly added Oregon ducks. They will still face Ohio State in early November, but they are very likely to be the favorites in every other matchup in 2024. If they take care of business beyond that game, an 11-1 result and a potential conference title appearance may be enough to be ranked in the top 12.
However, nothing is guaranteed in college football, and there is a potential late-season trap game that could derail Penn State’s playoff hopes. Oregon and USC It may be the big names that have been added to the conference this year, but only one of the new additions comes from a National Championship appearance.
O Washington Huskies They are obviously not the same caliber of team as they were in 2023. They are no longer led by Michael Penix Jr. and Rome Odunze, both top 10 picks in the draft. Head coach Kalen DeBoer is also gone, taking the opportunity to replace Nick Saban at Alabama. Still, there’s a lot of talent on this roster, and new coach Jedd Fisch is coming off an impressive job turning around a terrible Arizona program.
What really makes this game a huge potential trap is when it is being played. The Nittany Lions have their matchup with Ohio State the week before, and regardless of the outcome, that could set up a potential disappointment against Washington. The excitement of beating Ohio State could make the team overconfident, and a loss could leave them still reeling next week.
Having to face Washington late in the season rather than at the beginning is also difficult as it will give Fisch and his staff time to evaluate the roster and decide what works for them. The addition of transfer QB Will Rogers should help keep the offense respectable, as he brings a lot of experience (40 games, over 12,000 passing yards). Overall, this is a team that could easily surprise in 2024, despite all the changes it has gone through. Don’t be shocked if they at least give Penn State a scare.
