This season is a big one for James Franklin at Penn State. Franklin has struggled against conference opponents Michigan and Ohio State during his time as coach, going just a combined 4-16 against the two teams. However, an expanded playoff format could turn out to help the Nittany Lions this year.
CBS Sports’ Jerry Palm projects Penn State to reach the college football playoff this season, which would be Franklin’s first postseason appearance in his time at Happy Valley. Palm has the Nittany Lions as the No. 9 seed facing projected No. 8 Texas A&M in a first-round game that would be played in College Station, TX.
CBS Sports’ Jerry Palm projects Texas A&M to make this year’s College Football Playoff. He has the Aggies as the No. 8 seed hosting Penn State in the first round. Projects winner to play No. 1 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl:https://t.co/evLnW7uS18
— Alex Miller (@AlexMill20) August 15, 2024
Penn State certainly has the roster to be a playoff contender this season. The Nittany Lions return a strong running back duo in Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton, who combined for over 1,500 yards last season. They also add Ohio State transfer wide receiver Julian Fleming, who will be a crucial target for junior quarterback Drew Allar.
Defense hopes to be another strong suit for this program once again. Abdul Carter hopes to build on his success at the end of last season, picking up 3.5 sacks in Penn State’s final five games. It will be interesting to see what new defensive coordinator Tom Allen can do with a unit trying to replace some key pieces from last year’s team.
The new playoff format helps teams like Penn State, whose playoff chances were diminished greatly after just one loss. But if the Nittany Lions fail to make the playoffs this year, some major questions will need to be answered.
