College Football
Penn State football is coming into this season with a lot of hype and excitement surrounding them, and for good reason. However, every season in the Big Ten does include ups and downs along with surprises. Penn State has experienced both recently. More importantly, there are must win games for Penn State this season.
It is no surprise that Penn State football is favored in the majority of their games this season. With the talent that surrounds this Penn State football team, big things are in store. However, there are must win games for Penn State this season in order to get in the College Football Playoff.
The Past two seasons
The last two seasons for Penn State have been extraordinary. Actually, the past two years have been College Football Playoff caliber. However, some very important games that didn’t go in favor of the team ended up costing them a spot in the CFP.
In 2016, they had an early upset loss to an unranked Pitt team on the road, which was then followed up later in the season by a pounding at the hands of Michigan on the road at Michigan. The combination led to Penn State not making it into the Playoff.
In 2017, the tables actually flipped early on. They beat an unranked Pitt team at home and beat Michigan at home. However, losing by one point to Ohio State on the road and by three on the road at Michigan State cost them again.
Fast Forward to 2018
Week two of the season presents the Nittany Lions their first true challenge. They’ll face a Pitt football team on the road in prime-time. This is a huge game early on. It gives Penn State the challenge they need in an early nationally televised game. Additionally, it’s a must win game because it’s on the road and it’ll avenge the loss from 2016.
On the other hand, there are four to five other must win games for Penn State football. Most notably at home against Ohio State (White Out) which always brings an intensive atmosphere. Furthermore, one game that will truly catch the committee’s eyes is if the Nittany Lions can go on the road to the Big House and defeat Michigan.
Ironically, Penn State will be considered a young team just like they were in 2016. The difference here is they are young but with experience this time around. Meanwhile, both Wisconsin and Michigan State are must win games for Penn State football. Reasons being are this: Michigan State will be good this year. However, the loss last season by three points — remember there was a two-hour rain delay but the loss was terrible on paper. Ironically, Penn State didn’t face Wisconsin last year but the Badgers are favorites to win the West this year and beating them would be a boost.
In Conclusion
All jokes aside, every game is crucial to win. However, the games I pointed out are must win games for Penn State simply because the committee will not overlook them if Penn State wants in. The Pitt game is a must win game for Penn State due to the fact that two loses in the past three years won’t look great on the Nittany Lions’ resume.
On the other hand, they’re also must win games for Penn State because majority of those opponents will be ranked when they face Penn State. Even though Penn State has hung on in both games against Ohio State the past two years, splitting both games. Likewise, Michigan shouldn’t be taken for granted given the last time Penn State went into the Big House it wasn’t a pretty sight. If they can win these games, they’ll have a spot in the College Football Playoff.
