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Where does Penn State rank in the updated Associated Press Poll for Week 9?

Mug-Shot 4x4by:Ryan Snyder•10/22/23•

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Oct 21, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end JT Tuimoloau (44) sacks Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) during the fourth quarter of their game at Ohio Stadium.

Penn State traveled to Columbus Saturday for its first marquee matchup of the season against No. 3 ranked Ohio State. However, James Franklin’s team was again unable to upset the Buckeyes, losing for the ninth time in 10 years, 20-12. The loss dropped the Nittany Lions to No. 10 in the updated Associated Press Poll for Week 9.

Defensively, the Nittany Lions had a strong showing for most of the game, but they ultimately tired in the second half, allowing 10 points in the fourth quarter. On offense, quarterback Drew Allar struggled in his first marquee game as the starter, completing just 43 percent of his passes and not scoring a touchdown until the final minute of the game. Penn State converted just 1 of 16 third down attempts throughout the game.

“The story of the game came down to third down,” Franklin said during his opening statement following the game. “We weren’t able to stay on the field on third down on offense, which was the biggest difference in the game, in my opinion. So give Ohio State a ton of credit.”

Penn State also dropped only four spots in the Coaches Poll, staying inside the Top 10. While the Lions now has a loss on the season, PSU still has plenty to play for, as Michigan travels to Beaver Stadium in three weeks, Nov. 11.

The Wolverines remain at No. 2 overall in the AP Poll, beating Michigan State 49-0 on Saturday evening. Ohio State also stayed at No. 3 overall following its win over Penn State. The Big Ten had a fourth team inside the poll coming into the weekend, as Iowa was ranked 24th. However, they once again fell out of the poll following a controversial 12-10 win over Minnesota at home.

Elsewhere, North Carolina was also upset, losing to Virginia 31-27. USC also lost its second straight game, losing to Utah, 34-32. The Tar Heels are now No. 17 in the AP Poll, while USC is No. 24.

Nittany Lion fans can check out the updated AP Poll for Week 9 below.

Associated Press Poll – Week 9

1) Georgia
2) Michigan
3) Ohio State
4) Florida State
5) Washington
6) Oklahoma
7) Texas
8) Oregon
9) Alabama
10) Penn State
11) Oregon State
12) Ole Miss
13) Utah

14) Notre Dame
15) LSU
16) Missouri
17) North Carolina
18) Louisville
19) Air Force
20) Duke
21) Tennessee
22) Tulane
23) UCLA
24) USC
25) James Madison

Others Receiving Votes: Florida 34, Liberty 17, Kansas St. 16, Miami 12, Fresno St. 8, Oklahoma St. 5, Toledo 3, Kentucky 2, Rutgers 2, UNLV 1, Wisconsin 1

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