Football PSU ranked No. 4 in latest CFP rankjngs

[Obliviax]

4 of the top five from the B1G

Penn State moves up in latest College Football Playoff rankings

The Penn State Nittany Lions have moved up in the latest College Football Playoff rankings and are now the No. 4 team.

pennstate.rivals.com

 

[psu00]

I know it’s just the AP poll, but based on that (until the real poll is released) Miami would be on the outside of the playoffs with just 1 loss while 2 loss teams in Georgia, Ole Miss, and Bama would be in. However, if Miami would win the ACC, then Georgia would be the first out.

 

[knickslions]

I think it’s must win for Georgia this week.

 

[joeaubie21]

But, but, but....whales PiT????

 

[rrdd2021]

We could see two BiG teams in the final 4 of the Playoffs this year. The conference is very strong this year and it wouldn't surprise me to see a PSU-OSU rematch in the Playoffs. I truly believe there are now 6 to 8 teams that could win it all including PSU

 

[LandoComando]

We could see two BiG teams in the final 4 of the Playoffs this year. The conference is very strong this year and it wouldn't surprise me to see a PSU-OSU rematch in the Playoffs. I truly believe there are now 6 to 8 teams that could win it all including PSU

We could see 3 teams in the final 4
Oregon, Ohio State and Penn State--could be 1 or none but if Ohio State and Penn State are 5/6 I like the chances of both

 

[Jerry]

4 of the top five from the B1G

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Wow, that's really encouraging. Big-10 getting Big Respect.

Let's hope the AP ranking has some subtle influence on the CFP committee.

 

[rrdd2021]

We could see 3 teams in the final 4
Oregon, Ohio State and Penn State--could be 1 or none but if Ohio State and Penn State are 5/6 I like the chances of both

Agree and not sure about Indiana. Still not sure about Indiana with their SOS at 103 before yesterday's game against Michigan.

And a possibility is a Playoff with either Alabama nor Georgia. Both have 2 losses and one more could eliminate them.

This will be a wild Playoff year as there are several teams that could win the NC including PSU

 

[tboyer]

We could see two BiG teams in the final 4 of the Playoffs this year. The conference is very strong this year

It's ironic to me that B1G is 4 of the top 5 but I don't think it's objectively a great year for the conference. Michigan and Ohio State last year were better than any B1G team this year. Oregon may be for real but they're a speed/finesse team -- I could see them getting clocked by physical upper-mid SEC team, say an Ole Miss or a S. Carolina. Ohio State really should have beaten them and tOSU is better now.

PSU is a good solid team, and improving, but their overall athleticism and depth is more like a top 10 team than a top 5 team - you saw that last week against Ohio State. Indiana, happy for them but they are an imposter, they haven't even played a top 25 team yet, they'll be unmasked at the Shoe next week.

And then all these teams that are perennially or occasionally in the top 10-15 are just down this year. Michigan, MSU, Iowa, Wisconsin. And the lower level is pretty low. Wasn't that long ago Northwestern had enough talent to beat good teams on a good day -- those days are over, they just have nothing now. Purdue and Minnesota used to make noise but not this year. And the PAC, aside from Oregon -- UCLA is UCLA and USC and Washington are both in transition; they're going to have to retool significantly to compete in B1G stadiums.

 

[bdroc]

4 of the top five from the B1G

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You may never see 4 of the top 5 from the BiG again.

 

[84Lion]

At the risk of stating the obvious, what this shows is that the SEC is a bit down compared to other years, and there is parity in that conference - so much so that the teams are beating up on each other. The B1G does have two very solid teams in Oregon and OSU, and Penn State has the talent if they can finally win against a top five team. Indiana is a wild card, but given the circumstances, it's hard to leave them out. And, this also shows that the SEC and B1G are head and shoulders above the ACC and Big 12. With the Pac 12 and Big 12 getting picked over by the B1G and SEC, respectively, what we're really seeing is that the B1G and SEC are effectively a "super-league" unto themselves. How long before the B1G and SEC break from the NCAA and make their own league? I don't think it'll take long if either conference feels like one of their own is getting shafted out of the playoffs due to an inferior team.

 

[jbenedict]

What I think is interesting all the years we wished for an expanded playoff. Now we have it and this year we will finish in the top 4 probably. Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeshhh

 

[CJFisJoePaII]

At the risk of stating the obvious, what this shows is that the SEC is a bit down compared to other years, and there is parity in that conference - so much so that the teams are beating up on each other. The B1G does have two very solid teams in Oregon and OSU, and Penn State has the talent if they can finally win against a top five team. Indiana is a wild card, but given the circumstances, it's hard to leave them out. And, this also shows that the SEC and B1G are head and shoulders above the ACC and Big 12. With the Pac 12 and Big 12 getting picked over by the B1G and SEC, respectively, what we're really seeing is that the B1G and SEC are effectively a "super-league" unto themselves. How long before the B1G and SEC break from the NCAA and make their own league? I don't think it'll take long if either conference feels like one of their own is getting shafted out of the playoffs due to an inferior team.

If UGa has 3 losses, it's likely because they lost to Tenn. If that happens, UGa is not making the CFP with a 9-3 fourth or fifth place SEC finish - it also means that this nonsense about Alabama picking up a 3rd loss in SEC CCG is stupid speculation - the SEC CCG would be 1-loss Texas vs 1-loss Tenn. IOW, if both Alabama and UGa end up with 3 losses, it will almost certainly mean they both ended up 9-3 and behind at least 4 other SEC Teams (keep in mind aTm still only has 1 SEC loss and is very much alive for the SEC CCG). Again, if UGa and Bama both end up with 3 losses, it almost certainly means they went 9-3 in Regular Season and they aren't making the CFP Playoff from tied for 5th/6th in SEC.

 

[JR4PSU]

It's ironic to me that B1G is 4 of the top 5 but I don't think it's objectively a great year for the conference. Michigan and Ohio State last year were better than any B1G team this year. Oregon may be for real but they're a speed/finesse team -- I could see them getting clocked by physical upper-mid SEC team, say an Ole Miss or a S. Carolina. Ohio State really should have beaten them and tOSU is better now.

PSU is a good solid team, and improving, but their overall athleticism and depth is more like a top 10 team than a top 5 team - you saw that last week against Ohio State. Indiana, happy for them but they are an imposter, they haven't even played a top 25 team yet, they'll be unmasked at the Shoe next week.

And then all these teams that are perennially or occasionally in the top 10-15 are just down this year. Michigan, MSU, Iowa, Wisconsin. And the lower level is pretty low. Wasn't that long ago Northwestern had enough talent to beat good teams on a good day -- those days are over, they just have nothing now. Purdue and Minnesota used to make noise but not this year. And the PAC, aside from Oregon -- UCLA is UCLA and USC and Washington are both in transition; they're going to have to retool significantly to compete in B1G stadiums.

if OSU beats Indy badly, and then Mich pulls off a surprise win against OSU, it would be Oregon-PSU in the conference championship.

 

[Obliviax]

 

[heckmans]

What I think is interesting all the years we wished for an expanded playoff. Now we have it and this year we will finish in the top 4 probably. Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeshhh

If it was a 4 team playoff, there is no way PSU would finish in the Top 4 as 3/4 in the B2G. Even if warranted, Herbstreit and the ESPNtelligencia would do whatever mental gymnastics were necessary to not have 3 B2G teams in there when they rep the SEC.

 

[OzLion]

It's ironic to me that B1G is 4 of the top 5 but I don't think it's objectively a great year for the conference. Michigan and Ohio State last year were better than any B1G team this year. Oregon may be for real but they're a speed/finesse team

I agree with you, especially with Michigan being down. Same for Washington and USC if you want to count them.

PSU is a good solid team, and improving, but their overall athleticism and depth is more like a top 10 team than a top 5 team - you saw that last week against Ohio State. Indiana, happy for them but they are an imposter, they haven't even played a top 25 team yet, they'll be unmasked at the Shoe next week.

Agree on PSU: Our offense is a little better than last year but defense is not quite as good. Indiana is an artifact of their schedule so far - but I will take it back if they beat the buckeyes of course. Below is a strength of schedule comparison for 4 teams. You can see why Indiana isn't ranked higher. The number in parentheses is the SOS, and each teams "power index" is given.

PSU (30)		OSU (26)		IND (100)		ND (73)
Wva 51		Akr 125		FIU 114		TAM 15
BG 82		WMU 108		WI FCS		NoI 85
Kent 132		Mrsh 70		UCLA 57		Pur 109
Ill 58		MSU 71		Char 114		MOH 76
UCLA 57		Iowa 23		MD 60		Lou 13
USC 18		Ore 70		NW 79		Stan 103
Wis 34		Neb 54		Neb 54		GT 38
OSU 3		PSU 8		UW 47		Navy 66
UW 47		Pur 109		MSU 71		FSU 84
				UM 42

And then all these teams that are perennially or occasionally in the top 10-15 are just down this year. Michigan, MSU, Iowa, Wisconsin. And the lower level is pretty low.

The middle B1G teams have been killing each other off, so none of them have great records.

 

[Safety Blitz]

PSU is a good solid team, and improving, but their overall athleticism and depth is more like a top 10 team than a top 5 team - you saw that last week against Ohio State.

^^^^ This is spot on ^^^^
As much as I would like to watch PSU make a playoff run, I fear the Nits would struggle with teams that have the speed/athleticism edge. Need the right matchup to win one playoff game, perfect bracket storm to pull off a second victory.

 

[Lion_Backer]

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4. Penn State 1274
5. Indiana 1273
6. Tennessee 1270

The 'Points' differential between 4th and 6th place in the AP poll are minute.

And while it can be fun to speculate, there are so many games to be played not involving PSU that will have ramifications on us and where we ultimately end up given the criteria for earning a bye and the subjective nature of the process.

 

[LandoComando]

4. Penn State 1274
5. Indiana 1273
6. Tennessee 1270

The 'Points' differential between 4th and 6th place in the AP poll are minute.

And while it can be fun to speculate, there are so many games to be played not involving PSU that will have ramifications on us and where we ultimately end up given the criteria for earning a bye and the subjective nature of the process.

Just to clarify we have like a 2% chance to get a bye because we'd need to win the Big Ten. If Indiana beats Ohio State and Tennessee beats Georgia then worst case is we're 8 hosting a playoff game if we win out. Probably 7 though.

 

[JR4PSU]

The middle B1G teams have been killing each other off, so none of them have great records.

That's no different than any other conference. You can say the same for the SEC, ACC, Big12, etc.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

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They ought to throw out highest and lowest scores. That guy who has us at is like the proverbial East German judge. ****ing moron.

He has ND at 6 and Miami at 7

 

[LandoComando]

They ought to throw out highest and lowest scores. That guy who has us at is like the proverbial East German judge. ****ing moron.

He has ND at 6 and Miami at 7

It's honestly why we need a playoff--people have too much control with the voting
And, yes, I know the committee has too much control but once we go to 14 and it's top 4 SEC/Big TEN...top 2 Big XII/ACC...AQ winner and one at large for potentially ND things get better

 

[Chickenman Testa]

It's honestly why we need a playoff--people have too much control with the voting
And, yes, I know the committee has too much control but once we go to 14 and it's top 4 SEC/Big TEN...top 2 Big XII/ACC...AQ winner and one at large for potentially ND things get better

Yeah, people pining for the old days miss the ridiculousness of BYU 1984 and other travesties when there was nothing to control morons like this guy. The current playoff is still a much better system.

 

[LandoComando]

Yeah, people pining for the old days miss the ridiculousness of BYU 1984 and other travesties when there was nothing to control morons like this guy. The current playoff is still a much better system.

And '84 is a great call out for a couple reasons--one it shows the insanity of the polls determining a champion but, also, it speaks volumes about a large portion of the fan base still thinking a team needs to be undefeated to "deserve" a title. That should have never been the case.

 

[The Spin Meister]

I don’t wanna be Top Four. They all get byes and then play on the road.

I want a home playoff game at the Beav. If you think a regular White Out is fun imagine a playoff game!!!

I demand it!

Penn State fans demands it!

College football fans demand it!

Tv networks demand it!

THE WORLD DEMANDS IT!!!!!

 

[rrdd2021]

if OSU beats Indy badly, and then Mich pulls off a surprise win against OSU, it would be Oregon-PSU in the conference championship.

Just don't see that happening and it's all about the Michigan QB situation -- it's putrid. Michigan's defense is solid again this year but you definitely need a solid QB to beat the top teams plus they lost all 6 of their top OL from 2023 and it shows at times.

Indiana could beat OSU. I believe the point spread is around OSU - 10 to 10.5. They stand a lot better chance of beating OSU than Michigan. The problem for both Michigan and Indiana is that both games will be in the Horseshoe and that place will be SUPER loud - especially tough for the inexperienced - lousy Michigan QB whoever it is

I just think that the only two B1G teams with a shot at beating OSU are Oregon and PSU and yes, I know that OSU has already beat PSU but the Lions played them really tough and has the horses to stack up against OSU and beat them - maybe in the B1G CG or the Playoffs

 

[CJFisJoePaII]

Just don't see that happening and it's all about the Michigan QB situation -- it's putrid. Michigan's defense is solid again this year but you definitely need a solid QB to beat the top teams plus they lost all 6 of their top OL from 2023 and it shows at times.

Indiana could beat OSU. I believe the point spread is around OSU - 10 to 10.5. They stand a lot better chance of beating OSU than Michigan. The problem for both Michigan and Indiana is that both games will be in the Horseshoe and that place will be SUPER loud - especially tough for the inexperience - lousy Michigan QB whoever it is

I just think that the only two B1G teams with a shot at beating OSU are Oregon and PSU and yes, I know that OSU has already beat PSU but the Lions played them really tough and has the horses to stack up against OSU

Delusional to believe the Officiating in the PSU game is not going to be visited upon Indiana. No way the corrupt b2g allows duhO$U to take a 2nd loss prior to 11/30. Not sure scUM can beat duhO$U because they're not very good (currently 3-4 in B1G play and 5-5 overall), but duhO$U will not get protection from the corrupt b2g Officiating in scUM game as they received in PSU game.

 

[LandoComando]

Delusional to believe the Officiating in the PSU game is not going to be visited upon Indiana. No way the corrupt b2g allows duhO$U to take a 2nd loss prior to 11/30. Not sure scUM can beat duhO$U because they're not very good (currently 3-4 in B1G play and 5-5 overall), but duhO$U will not get protection from the corrupt b2g Officiating in scUM game as they received in PSU game.

Why? Ohio State losing to Indiana assures the Big Ten 4 playoff teams. Indiana's the only one that could be out right now--Ohio State isn't losing to Michigan lol

 

[The Spin Meister]

Delusional to believe the Officiating in the PSU game is not going to be visited upon Indiana. No way the corrupt b2g allows duhO$U to take a 2nd loss prior to 11/30. Not sure scUM can beat duhO$U because they're not very good (currently 3-4 in B1G play and 5-5 overall), but duhO$U will not get protection from the corrupt b2g Officiating in scUM game as they received in PSU game.

Don’t be so sure if you last sentence. If that team had only one loss and is #1-2 they will be protected for the playoffs as scum is done.

Even if Indiana gives them a second loss it would be even more important to protect them and get them into the playoffs.

Scum may not have much of a chance but if it is close look for some calls to help that team into the playoffs.

 

[bison13]

Just don't see that happening and it's all about the Michigan QB situation -- it's putrid. Michigan's defense is solid again this year but you definitely need a solid QB to beat the top teams plus they lost all 6 of their top OL from 2023 and it shows at times.

Indiana could beat OSU. I believe the point spread is around OSU - 10 to 10.5. They stand a lot better chance of beating OSU than Michigan. The problem for both Michigan and Indiana is that both games will be in the Horseshoe and that place will be SUPER loud - especially tough for the inexperienced - lousy Michigan QB whoever it is

I just think that the only two B1G teams with a shot at beating OSU are Oregon and PSU and yes, I know that OSU has already beat PSU but the Lions played them really tough and has the horses to stack up against OSU and beat them - maybe in the B1G CG or the Playoffs

AFter watching IU against UM, I dont think they are all that good. UM offense is pathetic, thats the only reason IU won

 

[bcspsu]

Don’t be so sure if you last sentence. If that team had only one loss and is #1-2 they will be protected for the playoffs as scum is done.

Even if Indiana gives them a second loss it would be even more important to protect them and get them into the playoffs.

Scum may not have much of a chance but if it is close look for some calls to help that team into the playoffs.

Would it be more beneficial to PSU for OSU to beat IU or vice versa? IMO, it would be more beneficial for OSU to win that game, so I hope that the officials are biased in that game.

 

[rrdd2021]

AFter watching IU against UM, I dont think they are all that good. UM offense is pathetic, thats the only reason IU won

Indiana's SOS before the Michigan game was 103 and might be even lower now after dealing its 5th loss of the season to Michigan. Michigan plays Northwestern and finish with OSU. If they get upset by Northwestern (unlikely) and lose (expected) at OSU, they could finish at 5-7,,,,,just WOW. I wonder what the worst ever record for the season after a NC is?

 

[bcspsu]

Indiana's SOS before the Michigan game was 103 and might be even lower now after dealing its 5th loss of the season to Michigan. They play Northwestern and finish with OSU. If they get upset by Northwestern (unlikely) and lose (expected) at OSU, they could finish at 5-7,,,,,just WOW. I wonder what the worst ever record for the season after a NC is?

UM's qbs are not D-1 level, which is shocking for a program of that caliber. Their qbs look and play like they've been moved from other positions in the middle of the season.

 

[Jerry]

Would it be more beneficial to PSU for OSU to beat IU or vice versa? IMO, it would be more beneficial for OSU to win that game, so I hope that the officials are biased in that game.

Agreed, it would be more beneficial for us if Ohio State won that game, which is why I'll be rooting for the Buckeyes as I did for Michigan on Saturday.

On the other hand, it might be more beneficial for the league if Indiana won, so that's an interesting twist on things.

 

[Lion_Backer]

I don’t wanna be Top Four. They all get byes and then play on the road.

I want a home playoff game at the Beav. If you think a regular White Out is fun imagine a playoff game!!!

I demand it!

Penn State fans demands it!

College football fans demand it!

Tv networks demand it!

THE WORLD DEMANDS IT!!!!!

But will that Whit Out be broadcast on Peacock too?

 

[Agoodnap]

I don't want us in the CCG. I look at it as a possible 2nd loss which could keep us out of the 12 team field. 5th or 6th would be my preference in order to avoid #1 and #2 in the quarterfinals, but 7th or 8th would still give us a home playoff date.

 

[LandoComando]

I don't want us in the CCG. I look at it as a possible 2nd loss which could keep us out of the 12 team field. 5th or 6th would be my preference in order to avoid #1 and #2 in the quarterfinals, but 7th or 8th would still give us a home playoff date.

I don't want us in a CCG because it's an unnecessary extra game but there's no way in hell we'd be lower than 8 if we were 11-2 with a CCG. We might be 5.

 

[republion]

I don’t wanna be Top Four. They all get byes and then play on the road.

I want a home playoff game at the Beav. If you think a regular White Out is fun imagine a playoff game!!!

I demand it!

Penn State fans demands it!

College football fans demand it!

Tv networks demand it!

THE WORLD DEMANDS IT!!!!!

This is incorrect.

Per NCAA.com, "The four highest-ranked conference champions will be seeded Nos. 1-4 and receive a first-round bye."

The chances of getting to and winning the B1G championship game are slim, therefore it's highly unlikely we finish top 4. It's much more likely we fall into the 5-8 slots.

 

[The Spin Meister]

But will that Whit Out be broadcast on Peacock too?

Not even funny….🤬