Even the best of all time make mistakes sometimes, and Nick Saban made an error when talking about Penn State’s resume on ESPN College GameDay Saturday morning.
Saban claimed that Penn State “had not beaten one top 25 team.”
Although Penn State’s overall strength of schedule is debatable, what’s a proven fact is that Penn State does have a win over a top 25 team.
Illinois was ranked No. 19 when Penn State dispatched of it 21-7 Sept. 28 and is now No. 25 in the College Football Playoff rankings. This is the only team Penn State’s beaten that’s anywhere close to the top 25, but it’s a top 25 win nonetheless.
Nick Saban on Penn State Football….
“They have not beaten one Top 25 team.”
👉 https://t.co/KVPdWb2RGp pic.twitter.com/eAvmyIEmwf
— Penn State Nittany Lions | Happy Valley Insider (@PennStateRivals) November 23, 2024
A DOMINANT EFFORT
Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now: Nick Singleton
Penn State’s win over Illinois didn’t look like a dominant effort on the scoreboard. But those who watched the game knew that it was. Penn State out gained Illinois by 145 yards and would have won by three scores if not for a pair of missed kicked by Sander Sahaydak, who hasn’t started a game for Penn State since.
Penn State left guard Vega Ioane felt like the Illinois defensive line started to wear down as early as the second quarter.
“It didn’t seem like they wanted to try anymore,” Ioane said. “It’s a good feeling. We’re playing our hardest at 100 percent, and we notice our opponents don’t want to play anymore. That makes us want to go even harder.”
IN SABAN’S DEFENSE…
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 16: Alabama Crimson Tide Head Coach Nick Saban watches the action on the field during the College Football game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the South Florida Bulls on September 16, 2023 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire)
Penn State’s schedule hasn’t been as strong as many expected coming into 2024. West Virginia, which Penn State pounded in Week 1, was thought to be a Big 12 dark horse. WVU is 5-5. USC, which Penn State beat in overtime Oct. 12, was thought to be a playoff contender. USC is also 5-5. Wisconsin and Washington, who some thought could make some noise, have been mediocre. So although what Saban said was factually inaccurate, people are right to question how tough Penn State’s road has been.
Penn State takes on Minnesota Saturday, Nov. 23 at 3:30 on CBS.
