Penn State fans, to Nittany Sports Now’s bowl projections.
With the College Football Playoff rankings being in its second week and the season reaching week 10 and beyond, it’s time for our initial bowl projections.
Penn State hosts No. 3 Michigan Saturday with a lot at stake for both teams. With a loss, Penn State would fall to 8-2 with games against Rutgers and Michigan State remaining.
Michigan, with a win, stays in the driver’s seat in the Big Ten alongside Ohio State, who it plays in two weeks. With a loss, Michigan would fall to 9-1 and its Big Ten Championship hopes take a weird hit as a three-way tie scenario would be in place if it were to beat OSU.
Without a doubt, this is the toughest test Michigan has had outside of the court of public opinion this season. For Penn State, a win would propel it into the top 5 with only a loss to Ohio State on its resume.
All eyes will be on Beaver Stadium today, but for now, let’s take a look at where the Nittany Lions could be for the holidays.
Each week, we’re going to take a shot at projecting who will go to each bowl. For simplicity, I’ve projected the CFP Semifinals and National Championship, New Year’s Six bowls as well as bowls the Big Ten is eligible for.
NSN’S BOWL PROJECTIONS
CFP National Championship
Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Date: Monday, January 8, 2024
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Ohio State vs. Georgia
CFP Semi-Finals
Rose Bowl
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024
Time: 5 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Ohio State vs. Washington
Sugar Bowl
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024
Time: 8:45 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Georgia vs. Florida State
Fiesta Bowl
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024
Time: Noon
TV: ESPN
Texas vs. Oregon
Peach Bowl
Date: Saturday, December 30, 2023
Time: Noon
TV: ESPN
Penn State vs. Alabama
Cotton Bowl – Highest Ranked Group of 5 vs. At-Large
Date: Friday, December 29, 2023
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Tulane vs. Ole Miss
Orange Bowl – ACC vs. Big Ten or SEC
Date: Saturday, December 30, 2023
Time: 7:30 p.m. or 8 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Michigan vs. Louisville
Cheez-It Citrus Bowl vs. SEC
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024
Time: 1 p.m.
TV: ABC
Iowa vs. Missouri
SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl vs. Pac 12
Date: Saturday, December 23, 2023
Time: 7:30 p.m.
TV: ABC
Nebraska vs. USC
TransPerfect Music City Bowl vs. SEC
Date: Saturday, December 30, 2023
Time: Noon
TV: ABC
Wisconsin vs. Tennessee
New Era Pinstripe Bowl vs. ACC
Date: Thursday, December 28, 2023
Time: 2 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Rutgers vs. Duke
Guaranteed Rate Bowl vs. Big 12
Date: Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Time: 8:45 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Minnesota vs. Iowa State
Quick Lane Bowl vs. MAC
Date: Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Time: 2:00 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Maryland vs. Toledo
