Penn State Football Rankings: After Ohio Defeat
The Nittany Lions' undefeated season came to a crashing halt in a shocking 21-10 loss to Ohio State. This unexpected upset has sent shockwaves through the college football world, leaving many wondering how it will impact Penn State's rankings and their playoff hopes.
The Fallout from the Ohio State Loss:
The defeat to the Buckeyes has undeniably impacted Penn State's national standing. While they remain a formidable team, their previous undefeated record and top-ranked status are now a thing of the past. The loss puts them in a precarious position, requiring a near-perfect finish to the season to remain in the playoff conversation.
Current Rankings:
- AP Poll: Penn State dropped significantly from their #2 ranking after the loss, now sitting at #9 as of November 6th.
- Coaches Poll: The Coaches Poll mirrored the AP, placing Penn State at #9.
- College Football Playoff Rankings: The CFP rankings have yet to be released this week, but it's safe to assume Penn State will experience a similar drop from their previous spot.
A Look Ahead:
The road to the playoffs is now much more challenging for Penn State. They need to win out the rest of the season, which includes games against ranked opponents like Michigan and Michigan State. This will be a true test of their resilience and determination.
Key Takeaways:
- The loss to Ohio State is a setback, but not a season-ender: Penn State still has a strong team with the potential to make a deep run in the playoffs.
- Winning out is essential: Every remaining game is crucial for their playoff aspirations.
- James Franklin's coaching will be tested: This is a pivotal moment for Franklin as he navigates the team through this adversity.
The Nittany Lions' season is far from over. Their playoff dreams may have taken a hit, but their ability to bounce back and dominate the remainder of their schedule will determine their ultimate fate.
Keywords:
- Penn State football
- Nittany Lions
- Ohio State
- Rankings
- AP Poll
- Coaches Poll
- College Football Playoff
- Playoff hopes
- James Franklin
- Michigan
- Michigan State
- College football
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