The latest College Football Playoff rankings are in, and as expected, Penn State finds itself in a solid position.
Penn State is ranked No. 3 by the CFP as it is in both the AP and US LBM Coaches Polls.
But what fans will be more interested in is where Penn Stateโs projected seeding is.
As of now, Penn State is the top-rated at-large team, meaning itโs the No. 5 seed. This sets Penn State up against Arizona State, the highest-Big 12 team. Arizona State must beat Iowa State in Saturdayโs Big 12 title game to make the Playoff but itโs hard to argue Penn State wouldnโt be favored against either one of those schools.
But first, Penn State has an unexpected date in Indy this weekend.
BACK TO INDIANA
Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now: Penn State RB Kaytron Allen
Coming into Saturday, it looked like Penn Stateโs game against Maryland on Senior Day at Beaver Stadium would be the teamโs last contest until Playoff time. Penn State was to beat Maryland as a heavy favorite, Ohio State was to do the same to Michigan and because Ohio State beat Penn State and Indiana, who also came into the week 7-1 in the Big Ten, Ohio State would go to the Big Ten Championship Game and play Oregon.
Well, Penn State did indeed pound Maryland. Ohio State didnโt do the same to Michigan, and as a result, Penn State will be playing Oregon Saturday, Dec. 7 for the Big Ten Championship.
WHAT IF PENN STATE LOSES?
Penn State’s offense would come up short on 4th down in their eventual loss to Ohio State.
As many benefits as there are to Penn State playing in the Big Ten Championship Game, one (potential) drawback is, of course, PSU losing to Oregon. A win would guarantee Penn State a first-round bye. A loss would guarantee Penn State has to play in the first-round. The rest is up to the committee.
The first games of the expanded College Football Playoff are scheduled to begin Friday, Dec. 20 at 8 on ESPN/ABC.
