A survey was taken amongst media members to see just what everyone thinks about this upcoming season that could show a lot of promise for Penn State football.
Most of the members asked agreed between 11-1 and 10-2 with the biggest question marks being the usual Ohio State and Michigan showdowns. Penn State plays the Buckeyes in Columbus in October, and hosts Michigan in November.
Here is what some of the statewide media said on what they expect from Penn State this season:
Michael Boytim, Altoona Mirror: 9-3. Comment: Nittany Lions will probably lose a game they should have won as Drew Allar gains experience he should have gotten last season.
Mark Brennan, Lions247: 11-1. Comment: I think this team has the talent to run the table, but until they show me they can beat Ohio State and/or Michigan in a given year, I think it’s hard to project them going 12-0. Talent wise, this is as deep of a team as I’ve seen in a long time.
Andrew Clay, WTAJ: 10-2. Comment: I think 10-2 is the floor with this team. If Drew Allar is what everybody wants to thinks he is, this is a team that has no ceiling. The only question is if Drew Allar is what they say he is, and I don’t think any of us know if that’s true or not yet.
Scott Franco, Altoona Mirror: 10-2. Comment: The Nittany Lions will lose to Illinois and Ohio State, and still get a more-than-decent bowl game when the New Year holiday arrives.
Cory Giger, DKPittsburghSports.com: 10-2. Comment: This team is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball and can beat opponents in a variety of ways. But I still think the Lions lose to both Ohio State and Michigan, then 2024 could be their year to make a strong run at a national title.
John Hartsock, Altoona Mirror: 10-2. Comment: Drew Allar is a five-star quarterback recrut, but he will still be getting his feet wet at the most vital position on the field. The Lions could lose a game they’re expected to win.
Dan Isenberg, Altoona Mirror: 10-2. Comment: Still think this team is a year away from turning the corner to “elite,” but with this schedule and young playmakers, the potential is there for a special season if all falls into place.
Greg Pickel, Blue-White Illustrated: 10-2. Comment: It wouldn’t surprise me if they go 11-1 because this is probably the year they can beat Michigan or Ohio State, but I need to see it to believe it.
Jarrod Prugar, Nittany Sports Now: 11-1. Comment: This is a team with a lot of talent. Drew Allar is unproven at quarterback, but he’s got the most experience of any new quarterback at Penn State in quite some time. The offense should be very explosive.
Ryan Risky, WTAJ: 10-2. Comment: Anything below 10-2 wouldn’t exceed expectations. If Drew Allar is the guy, the sky is the limit as far as them getting into the College Football Playoff for the first time. They’ll go as far as Drew Allar’s arm takes them.
Neil Rudel, Altoona Mirror: 11-1. Comment: I honestly debated 12-0. Penn State has that kind of talent on both sides of the ball, and now needs to prove it can be equal to the big-game moment. Ohio State is breaking in a new starting QB, and the Nits have Michigan at home. The rest of the schedule should be manageable.
Joe Smeltzer, Nittany Sports Now: 11-1. Comment: Anything less than 10-2 for Penn State this year would be a disappointment. This team is loaded for reasons we’ll talk about all fall, and I fully believe it’s capable of beating both Michigan and Ohio State and going 12-0.
Audrey Snyder, The Athletic: 11-1. Comment: I think Michigan is the biggest stumbling block because they just don’t match up well with them. I think they can go into Columbus and beat Ohio State.
Andy Stine, Altoona Mirror/Nittany Sports Now: 10-2. Comment: There’s plenty of talent there to do even more, but I won’t buy PSU beating Michigan or Ohio State until they do it.
Brandon Walker, Nittany Sports Now: 11-1. Comment: Penn State will fall to Ohio State on the road close and will exact revenge on Michigan, and we will see how the standings in the Big Ten East unfold.
