do we win out over next 4 games?

[blion72]

the media analysts all seem to suggest that we win these games without issue. We have a team that is playing injured/hurt, and not at our best. The team we started the season with was materially in better shape. I think if we played tOSU on opening day we might have beaten them, and they are playing hurt also.

• Washington is much tougher than their record. Outside of USC they have outgained every opponent. Indiana was very lucky in that game.
• Minnesota - playing tough and weather factor.
• Purdue can show some resistance at their place. We should prevail.
• Maryland - we usually handle them home or away.

best case we run the table. If we don't run the table, making the playoff could be dicey.

 

[LionsAndBears]

the media analysts all seem to suggest that we win these games without issue. We have a team that is playing injured/hurt, and not at our best. The team we started the season with was materially in better shape. I think if we played tOSU on opening day we might have beaten them, and they are playing hurt also.

• Washington is much tougher than their record. Outside of USC they have outgained every opponent. Indiana was very lucky in that game.
• Minnesota - playing tough and weather factor.
• Purdue can show some resistance at their place. We should prevail.
• Maryland - we usually handle them home or away.

best case we run the table. If we don't run the table, making the playoff could be dicey.

I think our toughest remaining games are in this order:

Washington - tougher than record and we're coming off OSU week
Minnesota - getting better and we have to go there
Maryland - has some talent and lightning has struck before for them
Purdue - tough to see a path for a Purdue victory here

Having said that, I think we run the table and finish 11-1.

 

[MacNit]

the media analysts all seem to suggest that we win these games without issue. We have a team that is playing injured/hurt, and not at our best. The team we started the season with was materially in better shape. I think if we played tOSU on opening day we might have beaten them, and they are playing hurt also.

• Washington is much tougher than their record. Outside of USC they have outgained every opponent. Indiana was very lucky in that game.
• Minnesota - playing tough and weather factor.
• Purdue can show some resistance at their place. We should prevail.
• Maryland - we usually handle them home or away.

best case we run the table. If we don't run the table, making the playoff could be dicey.

We’ll lose at least 1

 

[Bvillebaron]

We’ll lose at least 1

To whom?

 

[BUFFALO LION]

the media analysts all seem to suggest that we win these games without issue. We have a team that is playing injured/hurt, and not at our best. The team we started the season with was materially in better shape. I think if we played tOSU on opening day we might have beaten them, and they are playing hurt also.

• Washington is much tougher than their record. Outside of USC they have outgained every opponent. Indiana was very lucky in that game.
• Minnesota - playing tough and weather factor.
• Purdue can show some resistance at their place. We should prevail.
• Maryland - we usually handle them home or away.

best case we run the table. If we don't run the table, making the playoff could be dicey.

Even if we win out, we have blown our chances for the Championship Game in Indy. We lose all tie breakers to the winner of the Indiana/Ohio State Game, assuming the winner of that game wins out. A one loss Oregon team also trumps us.

That being said, both Washington and Minnesota will be tough. Washington will be the lamest White Out Game in History, and we could see a big letdown. Minnesota may be a better team than us right now and we have them in Minny.

We have been WAY overrated all year. Tackling has been horrendous, our running backs are SLOW, we have been losing the line of scrimmage, and our WRs can’t get any separation.

 

[Lionville]

Lose to Washington and Minnesota. No playoffs.

 

[LB99]

Lose to Washington and Minnesota. No playoffs.

That would be an epic collapse, almost as disastrous as 1999.

 

[Nits1989]

Here’s hoping we win out. We only lost by 7 and had chances. We play them 10 times and we win a few of them. The team has a good season going. The loss was tough but there’s work to be done.

 

[kgilbert78]

Here’s hoping we win out. We only lost by 7 and had chances. We play them 10 times and we win a few of them. The team has a good season going. The loss was tough but there’s work to be done.

Eh, if that were true, we'd be better than 1-10 vs them....

 

[Nits1989]

Eh, if that were true, we'd be better than 1-10 vs them....

I’m talking about playing them 10 times this year, not 10 times in 10 years.

 

[kgilbert78]

I’m talking about playing them 10 times this year, not 10 times in 10 years.

And we've been saying that for the last 11 years--almost every year.

 

[psuro]

At the beginning of the season, a significant portion of the fan base and "experts" predicted a loss to Ohio State and USC and a 10-2 season. And most everyone was happy with it.

Now, you have a chance for an 11-1 season. And you got a loss against a team that most everyone projected a loss to. Frankly, you are ahead of where you thought you would be at the beginning of the season.

Is Washington better than projected? Probably.
Is Minnesota on a hot streak? Sure.

It's entirely feasible that Penn State loses all four remaining games and it's also feasible that Penn State wins its' four remaining games. It's also feasible they split or lose one. I think they do win out and end up 11-1 and host a play off game. The advantage to that is they don't play in the CCG and get a week's rest before the playoff game.

 

[BeerLion]

I am hopeful we win out. We are so inconsistent on both sides of the ball and some of the play calls just leave me wondering and anxious before every game no matter the opponent. That being said, I think we are a better team than our last four opponents. The toughest game by my guess is Minnesota. They have played well all year..

That's it, that is my 2c.

 

[Alphalion75]

At the beginning of the season, a significant portion of the fan base and "experts" predicted a loss to Ohio State and USC and a 10-2 season. And most everyone was happy with it.

Now, you have a chance for an 11-1 season. And you got a loss against a team that most everyone projected a loss to. Frankly, you are ahead of where you thought you would be at the beginning of the season.

Is Washington better than projected? Probably.
Is Mineesota on a hot streak? Sure.

It's entirely feasible that Penn State loses all four remaining games and it's also feasible that Penn State wins its' four remaining games. It's alos feasible they split or lose one. I think they do win out and end up 11-1 and host a play off game. The advantage to that is they don't play in the CCG and get a week's rest before the playoff game.

The schedule appeared tougher at the beginning of the year. To date, our best win is versus a 3 loss Illinois team. We will definitely have to win all of the last 4 games you get into the playoffs.

 

[BobPSU92]

We have been WAY overrated all year. Tackling has been horrendous, our running backs are SLOW, we have been losing the line of scrimmage, and our WRs can’t get any separation.

But you have to like our chances.

 

[BUFFALO LION]

At the beginning of the season, a significant portion of the fan base and "experts" predicted a loss to Ohio State and USC and a 10-2 season. And most everyone was happy with it.

Now, you have a chance for an 11-1 season. And you got a loss against a team that ymost everyone rpojected a loss to. Frankly, you are head of where you thought you would be at the beginning of the season.

Is Washington better than projected? Probably.
Is Mineesota on a hot streak? Sure.

It's entirely feasible that Penn State loses all four remaining games and it's also feasible that Penn State wins its' four remaining games. It's alos feasible they split or lose one. I think they do win out and end up 11-1 and host a play off game. The advantage to that is they don't play in the CCG and get a week's rest before the playoff game.

The chances of us HOSTING a Playoff Game are now slim to none. That would mean Indiana would HAVE to lose to Ohio State, and I don’t think they will. Even if Indiana loses, HOSTING a game would be a long shot because that would mean we would have to beat out the loser of the Ohio State/Oregon Championship Game, the SEC leftovers after their Championship Game, Notre Dame, and everyone else for spots 5,6,7, and 8.

USC could be our best friend if they somehow knock off Notre Dame. That means they would be putting us ahead of both LSU AND Notre Dame in the pecking order. If Notre Dame smokes them, we could be in trouble wrt HOSTING a Game.

 

[BUFFALO LION]

But you have to like our chances.

To win the last 4 Games? Yes. I think our chances are 51%.

 

[Train027]

I think our toughest remaining games are in this order:

Washington - tougher than record and we're coming off OSU week
Minnesota - getting better and we have to go there
Maryland - has some talent and lightning has struck before for them
Purdue - tough to see a path for a Purdue victory here

Having said that, I think we run the table and finish 11-1.

We’ll put. I remember how Minnesota ambushed us in 2019. Let’s hope #11 stays onside, no one struts on the field to receive an unsportsmanlike penalty, and throw out stale play calling.

 

[psuro]

The chances of us HOSTING a Playoff Game are now slim to none. That would mean Indiana would HAVE to lose to Ohio State, and I don’t think they will. Even if Indiana loses, HOSTING a game would be a long shot because that would mean we would have to beat out the loser of the Ohio State/Oregon Championship Game, the SEC leftovers after their Championship Game, Notre Dame, and everyone else for spots 5,6,7, and 8.

USC could be our best friend if they somehow knock off Notre Dame. That means they would be putting us ahead of both LSU AND Notre Dame in the pecking order. If Notre Dame smokes them, we could be in trouble wrt HOSTING a Game.

I disagree

I don't think Indiana will beat Ohio State. I am not entirely confident if they will beat Michigan next week either. Their wins have been against teams that are combined 34-45. They have played and defeated a 3-6 Western Illinois team (D-1AA) and a 3-6 Charlotte team (G5). Take nothing away from Curt Cignetti, but he has not faced a daunting schedule. The only teams with a winning records of the nine victories are Nebraska at 5-4 and Washington at 5-4. Michigan, while 5-4, still has better talent than IU does. Ohio State has signicantly better talent than anyone else in the conference.

The schools ranked 5, 6, 7 and 8 will host. If PSU's only loss is to a (now) #3 ranked OSU team who goes to the CCG game against a (probably) #1 Oregon team. If they lose, they will fall to 5, pushing PSU to 7 or 8. (pending the results of SEC games). If they win, PSU ends up 6 or 7. because Oregon would fall to #5 and pending the SEC games.

edit- I also think you see a number of SEC teams fall off....Alabama might already be out, and if they lose to LSU, they will definitely be out. A loss to a then unranked Vandy does not help them. Ole Miss lost to an unranked Kentucky team, plus LSU. Tennessee lost to an unranked Arkansas team and will probably lose to UGa. Texas may lose to aTm. Some or all of these will push the SEC teams down the list. I don't see UGa losing again until the CCG (if at all before the playoffs).

 

[leinbacker]

That would be an epic collapse, almost as disastrous as 1999.

Lose either an no playoff. Penn State's schedule strength is non existent

 

[BUFFALO LION]

I disagree

I don't think Indiana will beat Ohio State. I am not entirely confident if they will beat Michigan next week either. Their wins have been against teams that are combined 34-45. They have played and defeated a 3-6 Western Illinois team (D-1AA) and a 3-6 Charlotte team (G5). Take nothing away from Curt Cignetti, but he has not faced a daunting schedule. The only teams with a winning records of the nine vicotries are Nebraksa at 5-4 and Waschington at 5-4. Michigan, while 5-4, still has better talent than IU does. Ohio State has signicantly better talent than anyone else in the conference.

The schools ranked 5, 6, 7 and 8 will host. If PSU's only loss is to a (now) #3 ranked OSU team who goes to the CCG game against a (probably) #1 Oregon team. If they lose, they will fall to 5, pushing PSU to 7 or 8. (pending the results of SEC games). If they win, PSU ends up or 7. because Oregon would fall to #5 and pending the SEC games.

You are right that we would trump Indiana if they lose. The problem is that we would still have the SEC leftovers, Notre Dame (if they smoke USC), and the other P-4 leftovers like the loser of SMU/Miami Championship Game all fighting for spots 6,7, and 8.

We have to be HUGE USC fans and Ohio State fans. If Indiana wins out, our HOSTING chances are screwed. If Notre Dame takes USC to the woodshed, the Committee would probably jump them over us. Both situations would be problematic. What worries me is Ohio State is NOT that good. Indiana is.

PS. I HATE HATE HATE rooting for Ohio State over Indiana. I absolutely LOVE what Indiana’s doing after being in the basement for so long. But if they beat Ohio State and screw us out of HOSTING a Playoff Game, …well then ….they are getting just a little bit too big for their britches.

 

[bdgan]

I’m talking about playing them 10 times this year, not 10 times in 10 years.

Yes but it's always something

 

[psuro]

You are right that we would trump Indiana if they lose. The problem is that we would still have the SEC leftovers, Notre Dame (if they smoke USC), and the other P-4 leftovers like the loser of SMU/Miami Championship Game all fighting for spots 6,7, and 8.

We have to be HUGE USC fans and Ohio State fans. If Indiana wins out, our HOSTING chances are screwed. If Notre Dame takes USC to the woodshed, the Committee would probably jump them over us. Both situations would be problematic. What worries me is Ohio State is NOT that good. Indiana is.

PS. I HATE HATE HATE rooting for Ohio State over Indiana. I absolutely LOVE what Indiana’s doing after being in the basement for so long. But if they beat Ohio State and screw us out of HOSTING a Playoff Game, …well then ….they are getting just a little bit too big for their britches.

I just edited my post to discuss my thoughts on the SEC teams that have a legitimate playoff chance.

BTW - Vandy is just a missed FG and recovering an onsidies kick from being the leader in the SEC clubhouse.

 

[CDLionFL]

Lose either an no playoff. Penn State's schedule strength is non existent

I agree with you on that. 2 losses from this team won't get it done because there are no resume-building wins on the wall. Of course, you can't predict what else will happen throughout the nation. But the fact that PSU's previous opponents have fallen flat on their seasons hasn't helped the SOS.

That said, the hardest game left is Minnesota on the road. We've stayed away from that 'Franklin Game' the last couple of years but this one certainly has the characteristics of one. Washington has moved the ball well in their losses to Rutgers and Indiana but self destructed at the worst times. Otherwise, they'd probably be ranked coming into this game. Purdue is a tomato can and the Twerps aren't any good.

 

[PSUFBFAN]

the media analysts all seem to suggest that we win these games without issue. We have a team that is playing injured/hurt, and not at our best. The team we started the season with was materially in better shape. I think if we played tOSU on opening day we might have beaten them, and they are playing hurt also.

• Washington is much tougher than their record. Outside of USC they have outgained every opponent. Indiana was very lucky in that game.
• Minnesota - playing tough and weather factor.
• Purdue can show some resistance at their place. We should prevail.
• Maryland - we usually handle them home or away.

best case we run the table. If we don't run the table, making the playoff could be dicey.

Washington has yet to win an away game (0-4). In those 4 losses, they have scored 16, 17, 18, and 19 points while giving up an average of 29 points. Traveling 3 time zones into a white out environment at Penn State is unlikely to improve their away record.

Minnesota - they are playing better, but will they be playing in the same weather conditions as us or will they be subject to warmer, drier weather on their side of the field?

11-1 gets us a home playoff game. I don't see any circumstances where an 11-1 Penn State is ranked 9-12 in the final CFP seedings.

10-2 and we may very well miss the playoffs altogether. If we're in, we will almost be guaranteed to be on the road in the opening round.

 

[PSUFBFAN]

At the beginning of the season, a significant portion of the fan base and "experts" predicted a loss to Ohio State and USC and a 10-2 season. And most everyone was happy with it.

Now, you have a chance for an 11-1 season. And you got a loss against a team that most everyone projected a loss to. Frankly, you are ahead of where you thought you would be at the beginning of the season.

Is Washington better than projected? Probably.
Is Mineesota on a hot streak? Sure.

It's entirely feasible that Penn State loses all four remaining games and it's also feasible that Penn State wins its' four remaining games. It's also feasible they split or lose one. I think they do win out and end up 11-1 and host a play off game. The advantage to that is they don't play in the CCG and get a week's rest before the playoff game.

Good post.

The advantage to that is they don't play in the CCG and get a week's rest before the playoff game.

It won't be long until folks figure out that playing in the conference championship is mostly all risk with little reward as far as the playoffs are concerned. Yes, a conference title is nice, but when folks see that both participants are in the CFP regardless of the outcome, why risk potential injuries just prior the the playoff? Can you imagine how we would feel if we got into the CCG and Drew and Tyler Warren (or Abdul) suffered a season ending injury in that game? And ... you lose the game and then have to play the first round a week or so later?

 

[bdgan]

At the beginning of the season, a significant portion of the fan base and "experts" predicted a loss to Ohio State and USC and a 10-2 season. And most everyone was happy with it.

I think most people would have been happy with 11-1 but considered 10-2 acceptable and sufficient to get us into the playoffs.

Since then we discovered that USC isn't very good. They're 4-5 with losses to teams like Maryland. We also learned that Wisconsin isn't as good at we thought at 5-4. It turns out that our best win is vs 6-3 Illinois.

 

[LB99]

Lose either an no playoff. Penn State's schedule strength is non existent

Again, similar to 1999 if it would happen. You go from losing at home to Minny then a total collapse to finish the season. From #1 in the country to the Alamo Bowl.

Edit: Actually, 1999 was far worse.

 

[84lion]

Lose to Washington and Minnesota. No playoffs.

I think the way this goes is, lose to Washington and there's a good chance of a loss against Minnesota. Win over Washington, then there is a good chance of a win against Minnesota. Penn State tends to be emotionally down after losses, hoping the white out atmosphere helps get them going.

 

[leinbacker]

Again, similar to 1999 if it would happen. You go from losing at home to Minny then a total collapse to finish the season. From #1 in the country to the Alamo Bowl.

Edit: Actually, 1999 was far worse.

Was that the game where Minny did a suprise onside kick and recovered? I think they did that two years in a row in that era.

 

[LB99]

Was that the game where Minny did a suprise onside kick and recovered? I think they did that two years in a row in that era.

I’m not sure on the inside kick. They hit a long pass with very little time left to set up the game winning FG at Beaver Stadium. I was there. It’s the quietest I have ever heard it there. Unfortunately, I was there the next week when they dropped a very winnable game to Michigan also.

 

[psu31trap]

I love the schedule. I say a 4-0 finish for the Lions.

 

[BUFFALO LION]

Good post.

The advantage to that is they don't play in the CCG and get a week's rest before the playoff game.

It won't be long until folks figure out that playing in the conference championship is mostly all risk with little reward as far as the playoffs are concerned. Yes, a conference title is nice, but when folks see that both participants are in the CFP regardless of the outcome, why risk potential injuries just prior the the playoff? Can you imagine how we would feel if we got into the CCG and Drew and Tyler Warren (or Abdul) suffered a season ending injury in that game? And ... you lose the game and then have to play the first round a week or so later?

Which is where my tin foil hat came on on Saturday after the game.

Why were we so freakin STUPID in our play calling when we had it first and goal at the end of the game??? If we KNEW before hand we were going to go to a run run run package, which we obviously did, why the heck wasn’t Bo in there to make it harder for Ohio State to defend it???

Was it because we didn’t CARE if we lost??? If we score, great. If we don’t, we avoid the risk of losing the Championship Game and having to play one more game than everyone else.

I know that sounds stupid, but so was the strategy used on first and goal. It was just plain insane that if you KNOW you are going to run that package THREE STRAIGHT TIMES, that you don’t put Bo in there to run it (unless he was hurt).

 

[Midnighter]

I disagree

I don't think Indiana will beat Ohio State. I am not entirely confident if they will beat Michigan next week either. Their wins have been against teams that are combined 34-45. They have played and defeated a 3-6 Western Illinois team (D-1AA) and a 3-6 Charlotte team (G5). Take nothing away from Curt Cignetti, but he has not faced a daunting schedule. The only teams with a winning records of the nine victories are Nebraska at 5-4 and Washington at 5-4. Michigan, while 5-4, still has better talent than IU does. Ohio State has signicantly better talent than anyone else in the conference.

The schools ranked 5, 6, 7 and 8 will host. If PSU's only loss is to a (now) #3 ranked OSU team who goes to the CCG game against a (probably) #1 Oregon team. If they lose, they will fall to 5, pushing PSU to 7 or 8. (pending the results of SEC games). If they win, PSU ends up 6 or 7. because Oregon would fall to #5 and pending the SEC games.

edit- I also think you see a number of SEC teams fall off....Alabama might already be out, and if they lose to LSU, they will definitely be out. A loss to a then unranked Vandy does not help them. Ole Miss lost to an unranked Kentucky team, plus LSU. Tennessee lost to an unranked Arkansas team and will probably lose to UGa. Texas may lose to aTm. Some or all of these will push the SEC teams down the list. I don't see UGa losing again until the CCG (if at all before the playoffs).

Indiana scored 47 unanswered points against MSU. They have blown out everyone they’ve played. They are a two touchdown favorite over Michigan (same spread given to Oregon).

 

[psuro]

Indiana scored 47 unanswered points against MSU. They have blown out everyone they’ve played. They are a two touchdown favorite over Michigan (same spread given to Oregon).

Fair enough on the Michigan spread. But, they blew out teams that collectiively have a losing record, including a D-1AA and a G5 team. And by an 11 game deficit.

Again, don't take anything away from Curt Cignettti. But he has been significantly helped by playing some bad teams and a couple of mediocre teams. And I still don't see them beating OSU.

 

[Karl_Havok]

Yes. I like the White Out being after Ohio State. Win or lose against Ohio State it is a tougher task to manage emotions (highs or lows) and the White Out game, at night, gives the team a focus for this Saturday which they need.

The other teams on the schedule are simply not even close to being as good as we are and we should win those games. We should finish 11-1 and be in the fight to host a playoff game.

 

[stater02]

If we can overcome the disappointment from the Ohio State game and beat Washington this upcoming weekend, we will win out.

 

[MacNit]

You are right that we would trump Indiana if they lose. The problem is that we would still have the SEC leftovers, Notre Dame (if they smoke USC), and the other P-4 leftovers like the loser of SMU/Miami Championship Game all fighting for spots 6,7, and 8.

We have to be HUGE USC fans and Ohio State fans. If Indiana wins out, our HOSTING chances are screwed. If Notre Dame takes USC to the woodshed, the Committee would probably jump them over us. Both situations would be problematic. What worries me is Ohio State is NOT that good. Indiana is.

PS. I HATE HATE HATE rooting for Ohio State over Indiana. I absolutely LOVE what Indiana’s doing after being in the basement for so long. But if they beat Ohio State and screw us out of HOSTING a Playoff Game, …well then ….they are getting just a little bit too big for their britches.

Root for Indiana and them steal their coach!

 

[MacNit]

Again, similar to 1999 if it would happen. You go from losing at home to Minny then a total collapse to finish the season. From #1 in the country to the Alamo Bowl.

Edit: Actually, 1999 was far worse.

That 1999 team was very good. Really had some tough losses…could have easily been undefeated.

 

[Anon1640372757]

Face it. We have a pathetic schedule and a pathetic head coach.