Call me Nostradamus...Penn State Outlook

[ryoder1]

I know everyone has been waiting for this so here we go.

This Season:
80% chance to win out and host a 1st round playoff game

40-50% chance we win that game. That low because Franklin sucks in these types of games but it won't be vs OSU so maybe we have a decent shot.

IF we get to the quarters we lose.

2025-2030 Seasons (All under Franklin)
-2 seasons of first round playoff wins
-2 seasons of playoff appearances but lose in first round
-2 seasons of missing the playoffs

No B10 championship in any season.

We do find a way to win a couple first round games.

Never advancing beyond a quarterfinal game.

Think about it. We will get knocked out by a top 1 or 2 or 3 seed every year we make it to a quarterfinal game. Just don't see Franklin being able to win a game like that as an underdog.

Some people may be satisfied with those results including the Penn State brass. I know some/many fans would take it. I would hope we can do better and maybe even win a natty. Don't see it happening, though.

Other predictions?

 

[Delcolion915]

Lose to Washington.
Lose to Minnesota.
This year.

 

[wilbury]

I know everyone has been waiting for this so here we go.

This Season:
80% chance to win out and host a 1st round playoff game

40-50% chance we win that game. That low because Franklin sucks in these types of games but it won't be vs OSU so maybe we have a decent shot.

IF we get to the quarters we lose.

2025-2030 Seasons (All under Franklin)
-2 seasons of first round playoff wins
-2 seasons of playoff appearances but lose in first round
-2 seasons of missing the playoffs

No B10 championship in any season.

We do find a way to win a couple first round games.

Never advancing beyond a quarterfinal game.

Think about it. We will get knocked out by a top 1 or 2 or 3 seed every year we make it to a quarterfinal game. Just don't see Franklin being able to win a game like that as an underdog.

Some people may be satisfied with those results including the Penn State brass. I know some/many fans would take it. I would hope we can do better and maybe even win a natty. Don't see it happening, though.

Other predictions?

So pretty much on par with preseason predictions.

 

[wilbury]

Lose to Washington.
Lose to Minnesota.
This year.

Not impossible. This team could check out. We'll see how they respond. Students throwing stuff at the team at the end of the game and then some of the team leaving before the singing of the alma mater was not a good look.

 

[ryoder1]

Not impossible. This team could check out. We'll see how they respond. Students throwing stuff at the team at the end of the game and then some of the team leaving before the singing of the alma mater was not a good look.

If that happens then it would be on par with the 1999 team collapse. But hey we still go to a bowl so we got that going for us, which is nice.

 

[LemonEars]

I know everyone has been waiting for this so here we go.

This Season:
80% chance to win out and host a 1st round playoff game

40-50% chance we win that game. That low because Franklin sucks in these types of games but it won't be vs OSU so maybe we have a decent shot.

IF we get to the quarters we lose.

2025-2030 Seasons (All under Franklin)
-2 seasons of first round playoff wins
-2 seasons of playoff appearances but lose in first round
-2 seasons of missing the playoffs

No B10 championship in any season.

We do find a way to win a couple first round games.

Never advancing beyond a quarterfinal game.

Think about it. We will get knocked out by a top 1 or 2 or 3 seed every year we make it to a quarterfinal game. Just don't see Franklin being able to win a game like that as an underdog.

Some people may be satisfied with those results including the Penn State brass. I know some/many fans would take it. I would hope we can do better and maybe even win a natty. Don't see it happening, though.

Other predictions?

The latest projection I've seen has us playing Alabama at Beaver Stadium in the first game. We are projected to win that game and then get thumped by Oregon in game 2.

 

[ryoder1]

The latest projection I've seen has us playing Alabama at Beaver Stadium in the first game. We are projected to win that game and then get thumped by Oregon in game 2.

That could very well be how it goes although I have my doubts Franklin could beat Bama even at home, in cold weather and with no Saban.

 

[TheWizardofCamelot]

So many what-ifs...

What if our NIL steps up and we get Allar, Singleton, and Winston back?

What if 11-1 and a playoff birth boosts recruiting?

What if Grunk/Huhn turn out to be generational QB talents?

 

[ryoder1]

So many what-ifs...

What if our NIL steps up and we get Allar, Singleton, and Winston back?

What if 11-1 and a playoff birth boosts recruiting?

What if Grunk/Huhn turn out to be generational QB talents?

You're forgetting who the head coach is first of all. Secondly, we have seen Allar's ceiling. Not sure the other guys will be any better. Maybe? That would be great but we thought that about Allar. I highly doubt our NIL coffers open up tremendously and we challenge an OSU or Oregon or Texas or Georgia or others in that area.

 

[RickinDayton]

You're forgetting who the head coach is first of all. Secondly, we have seen Allar's ceiling. Not sure the other guys will be any better. Maybe? That would be great but we thought that about Allar. I highly doubt our NIL coffers open up tremendously and we challenge an OSU or Oregon or Texas or Georgia or others in that area.

When has Allar had capable WRs? TEs, yes but no WRs who can stretch the field and catch 50/50 balls.

 

[TheWizardofCamelot]

You're forgetting who the head coach is first of all. Secondly, we have seen Allar's ceiling. Not sure the other guys will be any better. Maybe? That would be great but we thought that about Allar. I highly doubt our NIL coffers open up tremendously and we challenge an OSU or Oregon or Texas or Georgia or others in that area.

Huge stretch. What decent WR has Allar had? To say he's reached his ceiling is absurd.

Our NIL hasn't been used for portal/recruiting acquisitions but it has been strong in roster retention. Allar/Singleton/Winston are all looking at mid round draft grades right now - we might be able conjure up enough cash to at least make them think about one more year, especially if there's room for draft improvement.

 

[LandoComando]

I know everyone has been waiting for this so here we go.

This Season:
80% chance to win out and host a 1st round playoff game

40-50% chance we win that game. That low because Franklin sucks in these types of games but it won't be vs OSU so maybe we have a decent shot.

IF we get to the quarters we lose.

2025-2030 Seasons (All under Franklin)
-2 seasons of first round playoff wins
-2 seasons of playoff appearances but lose in first round
-2 seasons of missing the playoffs

No B10 championship in any season.

We do find a way to win a couple first round games.

Never advancing beyond a quarterfinal game.

Think about it. We will get knocked out by a top 1 or 2 or 3 seed every year we make it to a quarterfinal game. Just don't see Franklin being able to win a game like that as an underdog.

Some people may be satisfied with those results including the Penn State brass. I know some/many fans would take it. I would hope we can do better and maybe even win a natty. Don't see it happening, though.

Other predictions?

If we get to the quarters I'd bet on us to beat the Big XII champ and possibly the ACC champ if we're 5/6
I'm not worried about a 3 seed in the current format

 

[LandoComando]

So many what-ifs...

What if our NIL steps up and we get Allar, Singleton, and Winston back?

What if 11-1 and a playoff birth boosts recruiting?

What if Grunk/Huhn turn out to be generational QB talents?

We need that money to get a WR that knows how to beat man coverage

 

[LandoComando]

Huge stretch. What decent WR has Allar had? To say he's reached his ceiling is absurd.

Our NIL hasn't been used for portal/recruiting acquisitions but it has been strong in roster retention. Allar/Singleton/Winston are all looking at mid round draft grades right now - we might be able conjure up enough cash to at least make them think about one more year, especially if there's room for draft improvement.

Allar's projected 1-3 depending on who you believe/value. Allar could be the first QB or the 7th QB--and we could see 5 in the first next year.
Singleton and Winston depend on if they're healthy--but both could g as high as 2
Remember, it no longer matters what round they're drafted in--the goal is to get to the 2nd contract asap. No RB, especially one that's injury prone, should return if they feel like they're ready.

 

[RickinDayton]

Allar's projected 1-3 depending on who you believe/value. Allar could be the first QB or the 7th QB--and we could see 5 in the first next year.
Singleton and Winston depend on if they're healthy--but both could g as high as 2
Remember, it no longer matters what round they're drafted in--the goal is to get to the 2nd contract asap. No RB, especially one that's injury prone, should return if they feel like they're ready.

How about Kaytron Allen in the draft?

 

[LandoComando]

How about Kaytron Allen in the draft?

That's solely up to him. He's never going to be an early round pick so just depends if he wants to stay in college to try to make an NFL guy as a ST guy/short yardage back. No right or wrong.

 

[royboy]

How about Kaytron Allen in the draft?

Just my opinion, but I see him as Round 6 or so. He doesn't have the quick burst the pros like.

 

[NewEra 2014]

That could very well be how it goes although I have my doubts Franklin could beat Bama even at home, in cold weather and with no Saban.

I really don't see Penn State beating any SEC playoff team, other than TAMU who never seems to win as much as they should. I'd like Penn State's chances over Notre Dame or any Big 12, ACC, or lower conference team. But I don't see Penn State having much of a chance against OSU, Oregon, Georgia, Texas, Ole Miss, Bama, or Tennessee. I'd love to have them prove me wrong.

 

[LandoComando]

I really don't see Penn State beating any SEC playoff team, other than TAMU who never seems to win as much as they should. I'd like Penn State's chances over Notre Dame or any Big 12, ACC, or lower conference team. But I don't see Penn State having much of a chance against OSU, Oregon, Georgia, Texas, Ole Miss, Bama, or Tennessee. I'd love to have them prove me wrong.

I definitely agree with the first 3. Texas looked worse against Georgia than we did against Ohio State but, yeah, I'd expect to lose. I'd give us a decent shot against Bama and a good shot against Tennessee and Ole Miss if that happened. I do understand the skepticism right now though and, admittedly, our defense has to play great because unless we magically find some WRs we aren't outscoring teams.

 

[Parkland Fan]

I definitely agree with the first 3. Texas looked worse against Georgia than we did against Ohio State but, yeah, I'd expect to lose. I'd give us a decent shot against Bama and a good shot against Tennessee and Ole Miss if that happened. I do understand the skepticism right now though and, admittedly, our defense has to play great because unless we magically find some WRs we aren't outscoring teams.

This year is unusual in that there isn't a core of 4 or 5 teams that are significantly better than the rest. Ohio St. was a few seconds away from a chance to kick a winning field goal against Oregon. If we had not shot ourselves in the foot against OSU (unsportsmenship penalty, interception inside the 5 and not scoring from inside the 5 again) we could have won on Saturday.
The playoffs are going to have a lot of games that are toss ups. I am foolishly optimistic.

 

[LandoComando]

This year is unusual in that there isn't a core of 4 or 5 teams that are significantly better than the rest. Ohio St. was a few seconds away from a chance to kick a winning field goal against Oregon. If we had not shot ourselves in the foot against OSU (unsportsmenship penalty, interception inside the 5 and not scoring from inside the 5 again) we could have won on Saturday.
The playoffs are going to have a lot of games that are toss ups. I am foolishly optimistic.

I think there's a solid argument we're the best team outside that 4 including Miami.

 

[ryoder1]

Huge stretch. What decent WR has Allar had? To say he's reached his ceiling is absurd.

Our NIL hasn't been used for portal/recruiting acquisitions but it has been strong in roster retention. Allar/Singleton/Winston are all looking at mid round draft grades right now - we might be able conjure up enough cash to at least make them think about one more year, especially if there's room for draft improvement.

He has hit the Penn State ceiling. Not sure what would change with him if he comes back for us next year? Same coaching. Could he improve at the next level? Sure. No game changer WRs are walking through the door. Next year, IF he stays, that room won't be much better. Oh and we lose the best tight end we have ever had and no the guys behind him are not as good (yes, they are good but not like Warren is good). Empty promises from anyone who says we will be a markedly improved passing team next year.

I highly doubt Winston comes back. Even if he does he doesn't help the offense and we lose a bunch of D linemen plus our LB room ain't so hot.

Anyway, no one except those wearing blue and white head to toe would ever put Penn State past the quarters next year or this year for that matter. Most likely one of two years will be a first round exit. Next year could be a missed playoff year. We know we will lose to OSU. Oregon at home is probably a L and that may be enough to kick us out but we also have Iowa on the road and Indiana at home.

 

[LemonEars]

When has Allar had capable WRs? TEs, yes but no WRs who can stretch the field and catch 50/50 balls.

Very true. Can you imagine how good Allar could be with Ohio State's wideouts?

 

[ryoder1]

If we get to the quarters I'd bet on us to beat the Big XII champ and possibly the ACC champ if we're 5/6
I'm not worried about a 3 seed in the current format

We won't play a 3 seed. Most likely a 7 seed at best then getting boatraced by the Dawgs. Hope I'm wrong because I agree if we play an Iowa State or BYU or Miami or Clemson we could win and will be favored. I just don't think we get high enough to match up with them. OSU vs Oregon loser at 5/6. Texas vs UGA loser at 5/6. Best we can realistically aspire to is #7 and hence why the quarters are our ceiling. I see the way this year unfolds playing out in future years but in future years we may not be as fortunate to only lose one game.

 

[BBHorn86]

I know everyone has been waiting for this so here we go.

This Season:
80% chance to win out and host a 1st round playoff game

40-50% chance we win that game. That low because Franklin sucks in these types of games but it won't be vs OSU so maybe we have a decent shot.

IF we get to the quarters we lose.

2025-2030 Seasons (All under Franklin)
-2 seasons of first round playoff wins
-2 seasons of playoff appearances but lose in first round
-2 seasons of missing the playoffs

No B10 championship in any season.

We do find a way to win a couple first round games.

Never advancing beyond a quarterfinal game.

Think about it. We will get knocked out by a top 1 or 2 or 3 seed every year we make it to a quarterfinal game. Just don't see Franklin being able to win a game like that as an underdog.

Some people may be satisfied with those results including the Penn State brass. I know some/many fans would take it. I would hope we can do better and maybe even win a natty. Don't see it happening, though.

Other predictions?

He has hit the Penn State ceiling. Not sure what would change with him if he comes back for us next year? Same coaching. Could he improve at the next level? Sure. No game changer WRs are walking through the door. Next year, IF he stays, that room won't be much better. Oh and we lose the best tight end we have ever had and no the guys behind him are not as good (yes, they are good but not like Warren is good). Empty promises from anyone who says we will be a markedly improved passing team next year.

I highly doubt Winston comes back. Even if he does he doesn't help the offense and we lose a bunch of D linemen plus our LB room ain't so hot.

Anyway, no one except those wearing blue and white head to toe would ever put Penn State past the quarters next year or this year for that matter. Most likely one of two years will be a first round exit. Next year could be a missed playoff year. We know we will lose to OSU. Oregon at home is probably a L and that may be enough to kick us out but we also have Iowa on the road and Indiana at home.

five years is an eternity to predict. I think many Michigan fans were ready to bail on Harbaugh before he has his break through. I'm not saying Franklin is on Harbaugh's level but often it just takes one victory in a big game to have the dam break so let's just focus on winning Saturday against a good Washington team then see how things go from there.

Dose of reality.... Aside from 1994, 2005 and 2016 Penn State has not been a legitimate national championship program in 40 years, however we have been a consistently great program since 2016. The record over that time span nearly matches Paterno's best span. I just as frustrated as the next fan at Franklin's record in big games but we also need to appreciate where we are overall. Aside from the truly elite programs that have bottomless pits of money to throw at coaches and players, the national media following and the total commitment of their university to championship programs we are at the top of the stack better than 125 other schools at least. If we can just get to win one, lose one, win one, lose one in big games it will change the perception and potential of the program. I do think Franklin can get there... and frankly name me who you want as the next coach? No gurantee that guy is any better. Please don't say Matt Ruhle because he ain't all that!

 

[LandoComando]

We won't play a 3 seed. Most likely a 7 seed at best then getting boatraced by the Dawgs. Hope I'm wrong because I agree if we play an Iowa State or BYU or Miami or Clemson we could win and will be favored. I just don't think we get high enough to match up with them. OSU vs Oregon loser at 5/6. Texas vs UGA loser at 5/6. Best we can realistically aspire to is #7 and hence why the quarters are our ceiling. I see the way this year unfolds playing out in future years but in future years we may not be as fortunate to only lose one game.

You all have to stop saying we can't be the 5 or 6. There's no logic in that statement. The CCGs losers are guaranteed 5 and 6. Especially if that Texas. At 7 we easily could get ND or Tennessee. Both teams we should beat.