ESPN identifies best, worst case scenarios for Penn State in 2023

Penn State could be quite the story in 2023, but what exactly is the best case scenario for the Nittany Lions? Well, the best for anyone would be a national title.

Does Penn State have a shot at ultimate glory? That can never be ruled out. ESPN broke down the best and worst case scenarios for Penn State this fall.

It’s not quite a national title, but it’s close.

“College Football Playoff semifinal,” Heather Dinich wrote. “If Penn State can finish as a one-loss Big Ten champion, it would be extremely difficult for the selection committee to snub the Nittany Lions — but that means they have to at least beat either Ohio State or Michigan and force a three-way tie in the Big Ten East.”

Penn State’s only losses last season were to Michigan and Ohio State. As Dinich pointed out, the Nittany Lions have to beat at least one of them and go 11-1 at the end of the regular season to force a three-way tie, maybe. One of those two schools could easily go undefeated as well.

But then again, Penn State’s easiest path to the Big Ten title game is going 12-0 and making the CFP as Big Ten champions.

Despite having a Big Ten title under his belt, head coach James Franklin does not have a playoff appearance during his tenure with the Nittany Lions. It might be about time.

Best, worst case scenarios for Penn State in 2023

The worst case for Penn State is not even being as good as last season. The Nittany Lions won 11 games and took home a Rose Bowl victory.

In 2023, it could look bad with losses to Ohio State and Michigan again, plus another dagger.

“9-3 with losses to Ohio State, Michigan and Maryland,” Dinich wrote. “Considering this was an 11-win team last year, there shouldn’t be much of a drop-off with so much talent returning on both sides of the ball. It’s also the first time since 2019 Penn State has had both coordinators return for a second season.”

Picking Maryland as the third loss is intriguing from Dinich. However, it’s not out of the realm of possibility.

The Terrapins return quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa and if Maryland and Penn State get into a shootout, the Terps have a chance.

Going 9-3 could raise questions about Franklin’s ability to go as far as the playoff. Although 9-3 on paper is a solid season.

By Penn State standards, that wouldn’t be enough.