Where Will Penn State Rank After Ohio Loss?
The Nittany Lions' hopes for a College Football Playoff berth took a major hit with their heartbreaking loss to Ohio State. The question now on everyone's mind is: where will Penn State rank in the national polls after this defeat?
The answer, unfortunately, is not straightforward. Penn State's ranking will be influenced by several factors, including:
- The margin of defeat: The closer the game, the less of a drop in ranking is likely.
- The performance of other top teams: If other top teams also stumble, Penn State might not see a significant drop.
- The strength of schedule: Penn State's challenging schedule, even with the Ohio State loss, could help maintain their position.
Potential Scenarios:
Scenario 1: A Steep Decline
If other top teams win convincingly and the loss to Ohio State was by a significant margin, Penn State could see a drop of several spots in the rankings. A fall from the Top 10 is certainly possible, and a drop to the mid-teens or even lower isn't out of the question.
Scenario 2: A Moderate Drop
A close loss to Ohio State, coupled with other top teams suffering losses, could result in a more moderate decline. Penn State might drop a few spots, but could potentially remain in the Top 15 or even Top 10, depending on the results of other games.
Scenario 3: Staying Put
This scenario is less likely, but possible if other top teams stumble and Penn State's performance against Ohio State was competitive. The Nittany Lions might be able to retain their ranking despite the loss.
What Happens Next for Penn State?
Regardless of where they land in the rankings, Penn State still has a lot to play for. The rest of their schedule is challenging, with key matchups against Michigan State, Michigan, and potentially another ranked team in the Big Ten Championship game.
A strong finish to the season is essential for Penn State to improve their position in the rankings. Even with the loss to Ohio State, the Nittany Lions still have the talent and potential to make a run for the playoffs, though the odds are certainly against them.
The Bottom Line:
Penn State's ranking after the Ohio State loss is uncertain. However, the team's remaining schedule offers opportunities to climb back into contention. The Nittany Lions will need to play their best football down the stretch to make their case for a playoff spot.