Penn State

Stock: down (but not as far as Michigan’s)

 

Although the Nittany Lions return their quarterback Sean Clifford and veteran talent at key positions they have seen their stock drop a bit after Virginia Tech, Kent State and San Jose State were taken off the schedule.

Like Michigan, Penn State is in the position of needing a good out-of-conference win in order to make a playoff run as they often find themselves competing with schools like Florida and Georgia for the final playoff spots.

Winning the Big Ten would obviously give them a great shot at a playoff birth, but not playing Virginia Tech makes it tough for them to overcome a loss against Ohio State were the game to go to the Buckeyes.

Also, most importantly, that game against Ohio State was supposed to be at home for James Franklin’s team in what would have been the white out–one of the most electric atmospheres in college football. No fans at that game will even the playing field and make it more likely Ohio State runs away with the East division.

 

 

It’s become clear that this season will look like no other, if it is able to happen. An optimistic mind sees a conference-only slate and looks at how it affects each team, like we did here. Again telling the complicated story in few words: the altered schedule has a bigger affect on the conference’s top teams than people realize, and could go a long way towards deciding who represents the conference in the College Football Playoff.