Penn State better not overlook Indiana or they’ll get upset

Is Penn State in danger of being upset for the second week in a row?

In the past two seasons, Penn State football has had trouble bouncing back after heartbreaking defeats and it could happen this weekend vs. Indiana after their first loss of the year vs. Minnesota last week.

Following one-point losses to Ohio State in 2017 and 2018, Penn State went into games against inferior (at least on paper) but tough Michigan State teams the next week. In both games, the Nittany Lions were flat and the Spartans walked away with upset victories.

After those losses against the Buckeyes in 2017 and 2018, the Lions were not completely out of the College Football Playoff picture yet and still had a lot to fight for. But, many believe, they weren’t able to shake the heartbreak and let it impact their following game.

This week, Penn State has had to deal with the same heartbreak after losing to Minnesota. Just like against Ohio State in 2017 and 2018, it was a game they should have won and had many chances to. Also like those seasons, their College Football Playoff hopes are not dead.

However, three very dangerous forces are working against the Nittany Lions this week.

First, they’ve had to deal with the heartbreak and “what-ifs” after losing to Minnesota. Coach James Franklin has done a good job keeping his team focused week-to-week but as history has shown, their focus may not fully be on this week’s game against Indiana.

Second, they may actually be overlooking the Hoosiers. If Penn State manages to beat Ohio State and win the Big Ten Championship Game, they should be in the playoff. Their minds may be affixed to Ohio State right now instead of the game against Indiana.

Third, Indiana is a solid football team. The Hoosiers are not “just Indiana” anymore. Their only losses have come to Ohio State and at Michigan State. With a No. 24 AP ranking and a record of 7-2, Indiana is exactly the type of team that can take advantage of Penn State while they’re down.

Coach Tom Allen has done a tremendous job of building up the Hoosiers since 2016, making them believe they are worthy of a Top 25 ranking. Indiana is not satisfied with their current ranking, however, and after being left out of this week’s playoff rankings they will surely come out on fire and give the Nittany Lions their best shot.

Historically, Indiana has been a team overlooked by the perennial powers in the Big Ten. This year they should not be, especially by Penn State right now. Just like Michigan State in 2017 and 2018, Indiana may be inferior to Penn State on paper but they are tough and have a real shot at winning.

The fact Indiana is regularly overlooked, on top of the possibility Penn State is looking forward to Ohio State and/or the possibility that morale is low after last week, there may not be a better chance for Indiana to get their first win in Beaver Stadium.

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