Penn State is gearing up for what could be a fun season of college football in Happy Valley. It all kicks off with a challenge on the road against West Virginia. The schedule also includes road trips to Wisconsin and USC in addition to hosting Ohio State and Washington. On paper, the schedule brings some good challenges for a Penn State team many expect to make a push for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
But it’s time to officially go on the record. Our staff came together to share our preseason predictions for this Penn State season, and we all seem to think Penn State will be winning quite a bunch this fall. Will it be enough for a spot in the Big Ten championship or College Football Playoff?
Here is a look at our official record predictions for Penn State this season.
Brad Wakai: 10-2
Losses to Ohio State and Wisconsin
Outside of the Ohio State matchup that looks like a loss on paper, Penn State’s second loss will come against Wisconsin on the road prior to facing the Buckeyes. Good news is they’ll win out and still be in the CFP mix.
Charlie Strella: 10-2
Losses to Ohio State and USC
Both games will be close and likely decide Penn State’s season. Until the Nittany Lions show be otherwise I can’t pick them to upset Ohio State even at Beaver Stadium. The Buckeyes seem to be on another level this year. As for the Trojans, I am worried about the cross country travel without a bye week in between games. USC will have a talented offense no doubt and an even a slightly improved defense could make this a much more challenging matchup than it would have been in past seasons. Penn State has the talent and ability to win both games, but I need to see it before I can believe it.
Shayne Kubas: Final Record: 11-3
Regular season losses to Ohio State and USC, CFP loss in semifinal round
Penn State has had no issue winning 10 games in recent years, but that hasn’t been enough to break into the College Football Playoff picture. Now with 12 spots up for grabs, 10 wins should be all they need. I think they win their first playoff game but fall short in the semifinals.
Kevin McGuire: 10-2
Losses to Ohio State and USC
Could Penn State run the table this season? Yeah, sure. But Ohio State is the best team in the Big Ten and has had Penn State’s number for years. That is not about to change this season, although I expect a tough showing from the Nittany Lions when the Buckeyes come to town. And a cross-country road trip to USC is one I think is a frustrating one against a beatable USC.
Regardless, I think 10-2 gets Penn State into the expanded College Football Playoff, and a shot to host a game is within reach.