Where is Penn State in the Associated Press top-25 poll this week?
Penn State has moved up in both the Associated Press and Coaches Poll top-25 rankings after beating Auburn 41-12 on Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
The Nittany Lions were Nos. 22 and 23, respectively, after starting 2-0. Now that they are 3-0, voters have slotted them at Nos. 14 and 15, respectively.
Head coach James Franklin’s team was impressive throughout its latest win. Penn State led 14-6 at halftime before ambushing the visitors 27-6 in the third quarter. The visitors outgained the hosts 477-416 on the day and averaged 7.7 yards per play. PSU also forced four turnovers, recorded six sacks, had 11 tackles for loss, and nine quarterback hurries. The defensive effort was also highlighted by a red zone defense that allowed only two field goals on four Auburn trips into the red zone and no touchdowns over the course of the contest.
“We didn’t feel like we had started out the year playing red zone defense the way we think we could,” Penn State head coach James Franklin said. “We continued to work on it, we’ll work on it again this week. Making them one-dimensional I think help. Obviously you’re always at your best in the red zone if you’re able to run the ball, and we were able to limit their impact in the running game.
“And then our guys are just getting more confident and comfortable with the red zone coverages that we’re playing, some of the nuances of it if that make sense. I’m proud of our guys. To hold that team, on the road in the SEC. without an offensive touchdown for the majority of the game is significant. They’ve got some good athletes.”
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Penn State moves on to Central Michigan
Penn State will aim for a second straight perfect September next Saturday opposite Central Michigan. Kickoff is set for Noon ET at Beaver Stadium. Big Ten Network will televise the contest.
An early line was not available from Vegas oddsmakers as of Sunday afternoon. But, the Lions figure to be a prohibitive favorite opposite their second Mid-American Conference foe of the season. All-time, Penn State is 1-0 against the Chippewas. It took a 40-3 contest against the school back in 2005. that matchup was also at home.
The Lions will move onto CMU prep today after cleaning up corrections from the Auburn game.
“Overall, there hasn’t been too many Big Ten teams in the history of the Big Ten to come on the road and get a win in the SEC,” Franklin said. “So we’re very, very proud of that. I also think we’ve had a very challenging schedule to open the season.
“On the road in Big Ten play, then a home game, and then on the road again. This team here (Auburn) has five home games to start the season. So I’m proud of our guys. We’ll enjoy this win for a couple hours and then get back to work tomorrow.”
