Looking for any glimmers of hope following Penn State’s second loss of the season is always difficult. While a shot at a Big Ten championship has essentially been pulled from beneath them, there is still a path to play in a New Years Six bowl game as a consolation prize. The College Football Playoff will remain out of reach in the final year of a four-team format before expanding the field next season, but most fans may not be ready to warmly embrace a potential 10-2 season with a matchup against a non-power conference champion.
Penn State’s 24-15 loss to Michigan was an unfriendly reminder that Penn State is missing some important ingredients for going to where it wants to be. Here are some final takeaways from Penn State’s second frustrating loss of the year.