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Penn State among teams facing new expectations in new CFP era: Newsstand

Greg Pickelby:Greg Pickel05/27/24

GregPickel

james-franklin-adds-nil-dinner-west-coast-swing
(Photo credit: Steve Manuel/BWI)

Penn State news, notes, and updates for May 27 include a look at the Lions’ latest expectations in the new CFP era, headlines of the day, and more.

It’s time to dive into Monday’s top tweets and headlines about the Nittany Lions and college athletics.

Penn State tweets of the day

We start with a CBS Sports list of programs and coaches facing new expectations in the new 12-team College Football Playoff setup. James Franklin leads the list from Chip Patterson.

“No program has more New Year’s Six bowl appearances without a CFP bid than Penn State,” Patterson writes. “The Nittany Lions have played in a New Year’s Six bowl game five times in the last eight years (with a 3-2 record in those games) and even won the Big Ten championship in 2016 but did not get selected for the playoff. The hiccup for Franklin has frequently come at the hands of Ohio State, Michigan or both. In fact, the Buckeyes and Wolverines represent the only regular-season losses for Penn State over the past two seasons.  

Top 10

  1. 1

    Nico Iamaleava update

    Josh Heupel provides latest on Tennessee QB

  2. 2

    Kirk calls out trash throwing

    Herbstreit: "Enough is enough, clowns"

  3. 3

    Ole Miss storms field

    Celebration starts too early after beating Georgia

  4. 4

    Herbstreit 'retired' from CFP show

    College football analyst no longer on Tuesday rankings reveal

  5. 5

    Tour of Oxford

    Goalposts visit local landmarks after Georgia upset

View All

“But now two things have happened that benefit Penn State’s postseason outlook in a major way. Not only is the Big Ten getting rid of divisions, which increases the Nittany Lions’ chances to compete for a conference title, but the playoff is expanding in a way that would have made many of those New Year’s Six seasons a potential playoff year. Franklin has done a tremendous job of establishing a standard at Penn State. And, routinely turning in 10-win seasons has kept real job pressure (externally, at least) somewhat low. But now that there is an achievable goal to lead Penn State where it has not yet been, the pressure is going up. The Nittany Lions have a team, and a schedule, to be in the thick of the Big Ten title and CFP races. So unlike previous years when Penn State might’ve played out the string after falling to Ohio State and/or Michigan, the late-season games for the Nittany Lions are going to packed with playoff pressure for the team and its coach.”

Headlines of the day

Just how loaded is the Penn State safety room in 2024? Post-spring questions: Flounders, PennLive

Advanced Scouting: Penn State wide receiver target Andrew Marsh: Carr, BWI

Penn State Recruiting Profile: Defensive Back Kenny Woseley Jr. Is a Playmaker: Wogenrich, SI

3 questions for the Penn State football quarterbacks heading into summer: Pickel, BWI

Why Penn State center Nick Dawkins could be set for big 2024: Hill, Daily Collegian

PSU guard Ace Baldwin makes decision on 2024-25 season: Bauer, BWI

Transfer Portal: Four schools in mix for Oregon State guard Dominika Paurova: Goodman, On3

Quote of the day

“Going against Kenny every day was great. He helped me get better with my routes because Kenny is so patient. He’s a real technical DB, fundamentally sound. So, you got to really work to get open against him and he helped me a lot when it comes to perfecting different routes. Just going at it against a guy like Kenny every day, it’ll make you better for sure.”

–PSU WR signee Tyseer Denmark on working with fellow signee Kenny Wosley at the Big 33.

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