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College football 2019: Biggest trap game facing every Top 25 team

By Cody Williams

CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 24: Tee Higgins #5 of the Clemson Tigers gets away from R.J. Roderick #10 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 24: Tee Higgins #5 of the Clemson Tigers gets away from R.J. Roderick #10 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FL – JANUARY 01: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks on against the Kentucky Wildcats before the VRBO Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium on January 1, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. Kentucky won 27-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – JANUARY 01: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks on against the Kentucky Wildcats before the VRBO Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium on January 1, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. Kentucky won 27-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

15. Penn State Nittany Lions

Biggest Trap Game: at Maryland (Sept. 27)

Over the past few seasons, college football fans have certainly become accustomed to the exciting offensive players lead the way for the Penn State Nittany Lions. Whether it was Saquon Barkley and Miles Sanders at running back or even Trace McSorley at quarterback, head coach James Franklin has not been shy of dynamic playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. Coming into 2019, though, it’ll be a different look for the Nittany Lions.

Primarily, Penn State is going to find their most consistent success — at least early in the season — on defense. An area where they have struggled somewhat recently, the Nittany Lions now boast a fearsome group of playmakers on that side of the ball, led by defensive end Yetur Gross-Matso and linebacker Micah Parsons. On top of that, a secondary that was quite good last season returns two starters and brings up some talented guys.

The questions will arise on offense, though. Tommy Stevens appeared to be the heir to McSorley, but he shocked everyone by entering the transfer portal. Sean Clifford seems in line to take the job but he has little experience and, outside of KJ Hamler, no real proven playmakers to help him out at the skill positions.

For already the third time in looking at trap games, we see the Maryland Terrapins again. You could make a case that a Nov. 9 date against Minnesota after playing Michigan and Michigan State should be the call. However, kicking off Big Ten play against a talented and underrated Maryland team after a rivalry non-conference matchup against Pittsburgh could be a recipe for a letdown if they aren’t careful.