Where does Penn State rank in the updated Associated Press Poll?
Penn State had an opportunity late to tie the game against Oregon, but in the end, the Nittany Lions were unable to get the job done, losing to Oregon 45-37 in Saturday night’s Big Ten Championship game. While the loss hurts, Penn State is all but assured a spot in the College Football Playoff game.
If the Associated Press Poll, which has Penn State ranked No. 5 overall, foreshadows how the CFP Poll will look later today, James Franklin and his team should host a playoff game in just under two weeks.
“One of the things I talked to the guys in the locker room about is this is a new college football,” Franklin said after the game. “You have to understand that this is new college football, and there’s a 12-team playoff. Our season has just begun. We’ll find out tomorrow whether it’s a home game in 16 inches of snow or whether it’s an away game on the road. We’ll be excited about whatever opportunity comes and we’ll be prepared and ready because we have two losses this year, two top-five teams. Had a chance to win both of those games. Learned a ton from it. Same thing tonight.”
Report Card: Grading out Penn State’s 45-37 loss to Oregon
Clemson defeating SMU last night in the ACC Championship was arguably the biggest development of the weekend. Clemson came into the weekend ranked No. 17 in the CFP Poll and No. 18 in the AP Top 25. They’re now up to No. 13 in the AP Poll. However, because they won their conference championship game, the Tigers are now in the playoff and could potentially be Penn State’s opponent if they stay as the No. 5 seed.
The Big Ten is in a strong position to get four teams into the playoffs, as Ohio State and Indiana are both expected to make it. Texas, Georgia and Tennessee all seem like safe bets in the SEC. Arizona State’s win over Iowa State will see the Sun Devils make the field, as will Boise State following its win over UNLV on Saturday night.
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Penn State fans can check out the complete Week 16 Associated Press Poll below.
Updated Associated Press Poll – December 8
1) Oregon
2) Georgia
3) Notre Dame
4) Texas
5) Penn State
6) Ohio State
7) Tennessee
8) Boise State
9) Indiana
10) Arizona State
11) Alabama
12) SMU
13) Clemson
Link: How did Penn State’s players perform vs. Oregon?
14) South Carolina
15) Miami
16) Ole Miss
17) BYU
18) Iowa State
19) Army
20) Colorado
21) Illinois
22) Syracuse
23) Missouri
24) UNLV
25) Memphis
Others Receiving Votes: Texas A&M 75, Louisville 37, Duke 29, Kansas St. 9, Marshall 8, LSU 8, Florida 5, Ohio 2, Tulane 2, Baylor 2, Louisiana-Lafayette 1.
