Penn State Nittany Lions
Record: 6-2 (4-1 Big Ten)
Rank: No. 12
Next big obstacle: Look no further than Saturday night's tilt against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Iowa is the only winning team left on Penn State's schedule.
Reason for optimism: Ever since halftime against Minnesota, this team has played like one of the Big Ten's best. The defense has brought constant pressure, the linebackers have become healthier, and the offense is posting some big numbers, including scoring 62 points against Purdue last week, their most against a Big Ten team since 2005. Few teams have more momentum right now.
Cause for concern: Coach James Franklin once said that losing magnifies issues, but winning minimizes them. There are still issues. The offensive line has improved greatly, but left tackle remains an issue. Saquon Barkley rushed for 207 yards last week, but only four of those yards came outside the left tackle. The offense is also converting a nationwide-worst 25.3 percent of its third downs, which is only slightly worse than that of one-win Bowling Green.
Whom they'll be rooting for this week: Maryland. The Nittany Lions are obvious long shots to make the playoff, but there is still some semblance of hope. If Michigan loses to Ohio State AND another team, such as the Terrapins, then Penn State would make the Big Ten title game if it wins out. That sounds simple, but it sure doesn't seem that two Michigan losses are in the cards.
Record: 6-2 (4-1 Big Ten)
Rank: No. 12
Next big obstacle: Look no further than Saturday night's tilt against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Iowa is the only winning team left on Penn State's schedule.
Reason for optimism: Ever since halftime against Minnesota, this team has played like one of the Big Ten's best. The defense has brought constant pressure, the linebackers have become healthier, and the offense is posting some big numbers, including scoring 62 points against Purdue last week, their most against a Big Ten team since 2005. Few teams have more momentum right now.
Cause for concern: Coach James Franklin once said that losing magnifies issues, but winning minimizes them. There are still issues. The offensive line has improved greatly, but left tackle remains an issue. Saquon Barkley rushed for 207 yards last week, but only four of those yards came outside the left tackle. The offense is also converting a nationwide-worst 25.3 percent of its third downs, which is only slightly worse than that of one-win Bowling Green.
Whom they'll be rooting for this week: Maryland. The Nittany Lions are obvious long shots to make the playoff, but there is still some semblance of hope. If Michigan loses to Ohio State AND another team, such as the Terrapins, then Penn State would make the Big Ten title game if it wins out. That sounds simple, but it sure doesn't seem that two Michigan losses are in the cards.
