Why I'm okay if we win B1G championship and then get screwed out of CFP...

[ericstratton-rushchairman]

Don't get me wrong, I would rather make the cut. However, IMHO we are over achieving a bit this year. While it would be great to get into the CFP, we would not stand a very good chance of taking the crown. Next year, however, we will return with 16 starters and 36 of 44 on 2-deep rooster. Getting screwed out of the CFP would place a sizable chip on the teams shoulders and provide extra incentive to drive them through the off season. Next year we are as good as any team out there. Properly motivated through the contempt for the CFP process would be a great motivator.

 

[maxxedout]

But what if we won THIS YEAR!? All in or STFD.

 

[ram2020]

Don't get me wrong, I would rather make the cut. However, IMHO we are over achieving a bit this year. While it would be great to get into the CFP, we would not stand a very good chance of taking the crown. Next year, however, we will return with 16 starters and 36 of 44 on 2-deep rooster. Getting screwed out of the CFP would place a sizable chip on the teams shoulders and provide extra incentive to drive them through the off season. Next year we are as good as any team out there. Properly motivated through the contempt for the CFP process would be a great motivator.

Fair point, I have sort of thought about this a bit. You can't be afraid of anyone and you certainly need to take your opportunities when presented because there are no guarantees in sport, but playing Alabama in Atlanta is no treat. I'd have no problem with a close loss, but I'd hate for our "feel good" team confidence to be destroyed if Alabama just whips us a a new one. I think it might make it harder for us to reach the same pedestal again. If we play in a solid bowl and finish 11-3 or 12-2 with a BIG championship, I think that can be considered equally as good as a big loss to Bama in the first round. I don't know, maybe that sounds defeatist and I don't want to be, because I do believe this is a team of destiny, so hopefully we make it and give bama a good punch in the mouth.

 

[Fayette_LION]

Don't get me wrong, I would rather make the cut. However, IMHO we are over achieving a bit this year. While it would be great to get into the CFP, we would not stand a very good chance of taking the crown. Next year, however, we will return with 16 starters and 36 of 44 on 2-deep rooster. Getting screwed out of the CFP would place a sizable chip on the teams shoulders and provide extra incentive to drive them through the off season. Next year we are as good as any team out there. Properly motivated through the contempt for the CFP process would be a great motivator.

Not acceptable to leave the conference winner out especially when it is the toughest conference in football. It would be just another snub to eastern and especially to the Penn State football program. We have endured way too many snubs over the years.

 

[Grant Green]

I absolutely want the playoff. It is best for PSU.
However, if we win the B10 and get shafted, I would love to see PSU play Colorado. Would be a great matchup of surprise teams on the rise.

 

[psugisher]

Fair point, I have sort of thought about this a bit. You can't be afraid of anyone and you certainly need to take your opportunities when presented because there are no guarantees in sport, but playing Alabama in Atlanta is no treat. I'd have no problem with a close loss, but I'd hate for our "feel good" team confidence to be destroyed if Alabama just whips us a a new one. I think it might make it harder for us to reach the same pedestal again. If we play in a solid bowl and finish 11-3 or 12-2 with a BIG championship, I think that can be considered equally as good as a big loss to Bama in the first round. I don't know, maybe that sounds defeatist and I don't want to be, because I do believe this is a team of destiny, so hopefully we make it and give bama a good punch in the mouth.

Except this team showed this year they can take a beating and come back from it stronger than ever. Any team in a playoff setting has the risk of getting their doors blown off. I think this conference championship game and a playoff game are exactly what this team needs to move to another level. Big games against great teams. We get beat.. nothing lost. Great experience and something to shoot for for next year. We could just as easily not make the playoff next year and this group never sees the playoff. Gotta take advantage of the opportunity right now.

 

[Obliviax]

Me too. There is only going to be in national champion. Playing in the Rose is just as big to me.

 

[AdvanSix]

not sure I'd even want to be on that Committee. If Washington and/or Clemson loses, I think a legitimate case can honestly be made for several 2-loss teams.

 

[BoulderFish]

Don't get me wrong, I would rather make the cut. However, IMHO we are over achieving a bit this year. While it would be great to get into the CFP, we would not stand a very good chance of taking the crown. Next year, however, we will return with 16 starters and 36 of 44 on 2-deep rooster. Getting screwed out of the CFP would place a sizable chip on the teams shoulders and provide extra incentive to drive them through the off season. Next year we are as good as any team out there. Properly motivated through the contempt for the CFP process would be a great motivator.

Let me start by being extra clear about this... I'm NOT saying we would beat 'Bama.

With that said, if we pass the test this weekend, I honestly don't think there's anyone as well equipped to give 'Bama a game as are we. In other words, IMO, we'll be the second best team in the country -- Especially if Mahon will be back for our first playoff game.

Yes, I agree we'll be even better next year.

Wow.

 

[psuro]

Don't get me wrong, I would rather make the cut. However, IMHO we are over achieving a bit this year. While it would be great to get into the CFP, we would not stand a very good chance of taking the crown. Next year, however, we will return with 16 starters and 36 of 44 on 2-deep rooster. Getting screwed out of the CFP would place a sizable chip on the teams shoulders and provide extra incentive to drive them through the off season. Next year we are as good as any team out there. Properly motivated through the contempt for the CFP process would be a great motivator.

You been smoking crack?

How many times in a player's career do they have the opportunity to get a chance at a championship? Outside of Alabama, it seems not very often. If PSU has earned the opportunity, absolutely fantastic. If they don't earn the opportunity, then OK, they took their shot. It's not about the fans, the coaches or overachieving - it's about the squad.

 

[Talpsu]

The plan will be to win Saturday, Win the first "playoff" game, win the MNC and then run the table next year. Then I can sit here and say "I love it when a plan comes together"

 

[ericstratton-rushchairman]

You been smoking crack?

How many times in a player's career do they have the opportunity to get a chance at a championship? Outside of Alabama, it seems not very often. If PSU has earned the opportunity, absolutely fantastic. If they don't earn the opportunity, then OK, they took their shot. It's not about the fans, the coaches or overachieving - it's about the squad.

First, I stopped smoking crack 9 years ago... got sick of waking up in my car doing 90.

Second, I'm not saying getting screwed over is my first choice. All I am saying is I could see a silver lining in the scenario where we get screwed over.

 

[AWS1022]

Fair point, I have sort of thought about this a bit. You can't be afraid of anyone and you certainly need to take your opportunities when presented because there are no guarantees in sport, but playing Alabama in Atlanta is no treat. I'd have no problem with a close loss, but I'd hate for our "feel good" team confidence to be destroyed if Alabama just whips us a a new one. I think it might make it harder for us to reach the same pedestal again. If we play in a solid bowl and finish 11-3 or 12-2 with a BIG championship, I think that can be considered equally as good as a big loss to Bama in the first round. I don't know, maybe that sounds defeatist and I don't want to be, because I do believe this is a team of destiny, so hopefully we make it and give bama a good punch in the mouth.

But Bama isn't going anywhere. They will be just as tough to beat next year. Might as well have two shots at them in back to back years than only one possible shot.

 

[Mister Magoo]

Don't get me wrong, I would rather make the cut. However, IMHO we are over achieving a bit this year. While it would be great to get into the CFP, we would not stand a very good chance of taking the crown. Next year, however, we will return with 16 starters and 36 of 44 on 2-deep rooster. Getting screwed out of the CFP would place a sizable chip on the teams shoulders and provide extra incentive to drive them through the off season. Next year we are as good as any team out there. Properly motivated through the contempt for the CFP process would be a great motivator.

You forgot to mention some upcoming Bushy rants that will be quite entertaining reading!

 

[psu00]

I think everything from now on is just bonus compared to what was expected this year. While I obviously would like for the team to make the playoff, the Rose Bowl would be great as well. The 1 potential downside that I see popping up more and more in bowl predictions is Penn St loses to a Wisky and then goes to the Cotton bowl to play Western Michigan. That would put a damper on the end of the season for me (with all respect to the W. Michigan folks).

 

[NedFromYork]

I wouldn't be ok with it. I actually believe this team can win it all this year. Good defense, good balanced offense, good special teams. I think we beat Wisconsin 31-14. If Mahon is back for CFP, I really do think we could win it all and certainly feel we would beat any of the other non-Alabama participants and even think this team and staff will be very competitive with Alabama.

 

[NewEra 2014]

There are no guarantees in football. This was supposed to be Michigan's year, and now they will be sitting at home holding their weiners while the CFP is being played. When you get this close to a championship, you have to seize the moment--it may not come again.

On another note, I would love to see Michigan matched up with USC in the Holiday Bowl. Harbaugh might go into next season losing 3 of 4 games.

 

[Grass]

I selfishly want them to go to the Rose Bowl since I live in the Bay Area and would most likely make the trip. I always wanted to go to the Rose Bowl and never had the chance so it works out perfectly. Alabama gave up 30 to Arkansas and 43 to Ole Miss while only scoring 10 against LSU. They aren't as unbeatable as some think. Is the SEC that great this year? Florida looked absolutely pedestrian against FSU. Arkansas just lost to Missouri who is currently 4-8. A&M is 8-4 and just got smoked by LSU who just lost to a mediocre Florida. I still think Clemson has the best chance to beat Bama as they have athletes all over the place. They just have been inconsistent this year.

 

[MtNittany]

So we could be like the Washington Nationals when they shut down Strasburg assuming they'll just be back to win it all the next season?

In a word. NO!

 

[Bob78]

Don't get me wrong, I would rather make the cut. However, IMHO we are over achieving a bit this year. While it would be great to get into the CFP, we would not stand a very good chance of taking the crown. Next year, however, we will return with 16 starters and 36 of 44 on 2-deep rooster. Getting screwed out of the CFP would place a sizable chip on the teams shoulders and provide extra incentive to drive them through the off season. Next year we are as good as any team out there. Properly motivated through the contempt for the CFP process would be a great motivator.

We will be better next year, no doubt.

Our in-conference schedule in 2017 is tougher than this year's, so going 8-1 again in conference will be very difficult to do. Even if we go 10-2 again next year, and are clearly a better team than this season, if those 2 losses are in conference, we're very possibly out of the B1G Title game. (e.g. Michigan '16 vs. '15).

That said, next season holds a lot of promise. If we stay healthy and focused, we have a legitimate chance at coming out of November with a better record than this season. But realistically, there are so many upsets each season anymore that you just cannot assume the future.

Gotta go for what you can when you can. We could continue to improve each year for the next 5 years and not get back to the title game - unlikely, maybe, but in this Division, it ain't out of the realm. Winning Saturday and getting to the Rose Bowl vs. the Playoffs will still be great. But being a playoff team, even if we lose in the semis.... well, we got to the semis! That is great+!

 

[dawgduice]

We will be better "on paper" than any team we play next year except for OSU. It should be a very good game next year. Does that mean we win the others? Not necessarily, but we are better than the others.
I really do not care about the playoff. Just amazed as to where we are, I really expected to be a couple of years away.

 

[bytir]

I

You been smoking crack?

How many times in a player's career do they have the opportunity to get a chance at a championship? Outside of Alabama, it seems not very often. If PSU has earned the opportunity, absolutely fantastic. If they don't earn the opportunity, then OK, they took their shot. It's not about the fans, the coaches or overachieving - it's about the squad.

I'm sorry..............you were saying something?

 

[green2623]

Did any pundits think we were going to beat Miami in 86.

 

[psu1969a]

Don't get me wrong, I would rather make the cut. However, IMHO we are over achieving a bit this year. While it would be great to get into the CFP, we would not stand a very good chance of taking the crown. Next year, however, we will return with 16 starters and 36 of 44 on 2-deep rooster. Getting screwed out of the CFP would place a sizable chip on the teams shoulders and provide extra incentive to drive them through the off season. Next year we are as good as any team out there. Properly motivated through the contempt for the CFP process would be a great motivator.

I WANT TO PLAY EVERY GAME WE CAN!

 

[Royal_Coaster]

Did any pundits think we were going to beat Miami in 86.

No way would we beat Georgia with Herschel Walker. No way would we beat USC with Marcus Allen.

Personally, I think if we win the B1G championship, and have the head to head advantage vs. Ohio State, they should be the ones who drop to #4, and get to play Alabama in the semis. Why should they get a bye, then get to play a lower seed? Their resume isn't THAT spectacular.

 

[bdgan]

Winning the B1G would be great. Getting into the CFP would be great. I'll be happy if we win 1 more game and finish in the top 10. Anything more is a bonus.

 

[john4psu]

QUOTE="NewEra 2014: 2477271, member: 10088"]There are no guarantees in football. This was supposed to be Michigan's year, and now they will be sitting at home holding their weiners while the CFP is being played. When you get this close to a championship, you have to seize the moment--it may not come again.

On another note, I would love to see Michigan matched up with USC in the Holiday Bowl. Harbaugh might go into next season losing 3 of 4 games.[/QUOTE]

I'd love to see USC play Michigan but I can't see the Wolverines falling all the way back to the Holiday Bowl.

 

[ga.lion]

Don't get me wrong, I would rather make the cut. However, IMHO we are over achieving a bit this year. While it would be great to get into the CFP, we would not stand a very good chance of taking the crown. Next year, however, we will return with 16 starters and 36 of 44 on 2-deep rooster. Getting screwed out of the CFP would place a sizable chip on the teams shoulders and provide extra incentive to drive them through the off season. Next year we are as good as any team out there. Properly motivated through the contempt for the CFP process would be a great motivator.

Actually Penn State's offense has a much better chance to be competitive against Alabama than this year's Ohio State offense.

 

[BoulderFish]

I wouldn't be ok with it. I actually believe this team can win it all this year. Good defense, good balanced offense, good special teams. I think we beat Wisconsin 31-14. If Mahon is back for CFP, I really do think we could win it all and certainly feel we would beat any of the other non-Alabama participants and even think this team and staff will be very competitive with Alabama.

Exactly! Assuming we pass this last test this weekend, it would be a travesty for this team to not get in the playoff.

 

[marisa45]

And what if we draw USC in the Rose Bowl? Is that a guaranteed "W"? Certainly not--you play every game like a championship and if you get a chance you play for the championship. If the old man got a whif of this and you were on his team.......one that had a chance to play for a championship.....he'd beat it out of you.