The Penn State Nittany Lions would need some help from the country if they are handed a loss to the Buckeyes.
The Penn State Nittany Lions are undefeated and ranked No. 2 in the country heading into Saturday’s showdown with No. 6 Ohio State. They have a magnificent resume so far this season, especially the blowout victory over Michigan, 42-13. However, losing to the Buckeyes would definitely shake things up for the Big Ten team and the College Football Playoff committee.
The Nittany Lions would definitely need some help in order to have another shot at getting in the four-team field they were shut out of last year despite winning the Big Ten. While some of these scenarios may seem unlikely, they are possible in college football where everything is on the table.
Penn State needs a few scenarios to work out in their favor, which could be tricky.
In order for the Nittany Lions to have another shot at the Playoff, they need to win out. Simply put, two-loss teams aren’t getting in. Although a loss to the Buckeyes tonight would make things extremely difficult for Penn State, especially if the Buckeyes win out and advance to the Big Ten Championship Game it isn’t a death sentence
Ohio State would have to lose again, with Michigan and Michigan State presenting the toughest challenge the rest of the way. If that does happen and Penn State wins the remainder of their regular season games, they would then have to beat an undefeated Wisconsin team in the Big Ten Championship Game. Is this scenario possible? Of course, it is.
This definitely wouldn’t be the end of the run for Penn State.
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The rest of the season is very manageable for the Nittany Lions. I believe Penn State will beat Ohio State tonight, although I don’t feel confident to put my money where my mouth is and bet on it with the game in Columbus. Overall, Penn State should be in good condition win or lose, but a win is what they’re hoping to leave Columbus with.