ESPN is predicting Penn State ends 2021 season 8-5

Penn State is coming off an underwhelming 2020 campaign. Hope, however, springs eternal according to ESPN. The FPI (Football Power Index) is a predictive algorithm developed by ESPN based on the team’s strengths and weaknesses.

Penn State has eight potential returning seniors, seven starters, and one key reserve for the Nittany Lions. This season is crucial. While there is plenty of uncertainty in redshirt senior quarterback Sean Clifford’s game, they believe as he can improve his level of play, the bigger threat Penn State becomes. According to ESPN, the Nittany Lions will finish the upcoming season 8-4.

ESPN season predictions for Penn State

Sept. 4th: at Wisconsin: Penn State opens up the season with a fairly even matchup. Can Clifford’s performance help them edge the Badgers? ESPN gives them a 45.6% chance of beginning the season off with a victory. The Nittany Lions have won 10 of the 19 matchups overall.

Sept. 11th: vs. Ball State: While Ball State is a respectable and competitive organization, there are levels to FPI respectability. ESPN gives Penn State a 90.4% chance of winning this game. Anything besides the win will bring even more speculation about the Nittany Lions and James Franklin.

Sept. 18th: vs. Auburn: After a fairly easy win the previous week, Penn State has another tough game against the Tigers. ESPN has given the Nittany Lions a 61.5% chance of winning at home against an SEC opponent. This matchup could be a crossroads moment for Penn State’s season.

Sept. 25th: vs. Villanova: Following a touch matchup the previous week, the Nittany Lions will have a 97.8% chance of winning against the Wildcats. This game is a great momentum and confidence game to build up the team morale going forward. Franklin can utilize this game to capture momentum at the close of the first quarter of the season.

Oct. 2nd: vs. Indiana: Penn State hopes to continue to keep the ball rolling by beating the Hoosiers the following week. Although, the Hoosiers had an amazing season the previous year finishing 6-1. ESPN gives them a 71.5% chance of winning that game and spoiling the Hoosiers season.

Oct. 9th: at Iowa: Despite Penn State having won 17 of the previous 30 matchups prior, the Hawkeyes were able to prevail over the Nittany Lions in their last meeting. Franklin and Penn State have revenge on their mind and they are looking to right the ship. ESPN gives them a 50.9% chance of getting that done.

Oct. 23rd: vs. Illinois: Penn State may be coming out of a dog fight the previous week, but fortunately for them, this week features a 91.9% chance of winning against Illinois. While the Nittnay Lions cannot sleep on the Illini, they should have no problem getting through this matchup. The biggest concern would be getting out of this game healthy and ready for the following week.

Oct. 30th: at Ohio State: While many of the conferences have troubles with Ohio State, James Franklin really has struggled to prepare for the Buckeyes. In his reign, they are 1-5 and ESPN believes for this trend to continue by giving the Nittany Lions an 18% chance of winning this game. 

Nov. 6th: at Maryland: Another road game for Penn State, but this time the odds are on their side. ESPN has given the Lions a 75.1% chance of winning this game on the road. Maryland is a young competitive team but the FPI believes Penn State will have too much in the arsenal and will prevail in a convincing fashion.

Nov. 13th: vs. Michigan: The Wolverines had an underwhelming season the previous year much like Penn State. These two teams have a 17-17-1 record split in their all-time series. This game would normally be hard-fought all the way to the end but, according to ESPN giving Penn State a 72% chance of winning this game, the FPI clearly thinks otherwise. Franklin will look to jump out on them early and never let up to take a lead in the all-time series. 

Nov. 20th: vs. Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights are a growing program and with that being said, ESPN has given the Lions an 89.3% chance of winning this game. Penn State beat Rutgers on the road last year convincingly and ESPN believes they will repeat the feat at home this season. Penn State has won the last 17 matchups against Rutgers. 

Nov. 27th: at Michigan State: To finish the season off they go on the road and face the Spartans. Spartans had an abysmal season last year with a 2-5 record and according to ESPN, they won’t have much more success the following year at least against Penn State; they have given Penn State a 65.6% chance of winning this game. 

Overall

After a very mediocre season the previous year, ESPN believes this team can return to its winning ways. Following the numbers, Penn State will finish this upcoming season 8-4. The Nittany Lions have the potential to cause a few upsets, and if they can follow this roadmap they can have an amazing season.