The latest poll is out, and a Penn State footballโs ranking has moved up.
In the US LMBM Coaches Poll, Penn State has moved up from No. 4 to No. 3.
This development was expected but still a positive one for Penn State and its fans.
PSU came into the week ranked No. 4. One of the three teams ahead of it, No. 2 Ohio State, lost to rival Michigan in a stunning upset which allowed Penn State to move up in the rankings.
More importantly, it allowed Penn State to go to the Big Ten Championship Game, a place it hasnโt been since 2017.
A WILD SATURDAY
COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 30: Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) gets tackled by Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Mason Graham (55) during a college football game on November 30, 2024 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire)
Ohio State failed to beat hated Michigan, meaning Penn State just had to beat Maryland to make it to the Big Ten Championship.
A 21-yard field goal by Michiganโs Dominic Zvada gave UM a 13-10 lead with 45 seconds left.
Michiganโs defense held the rest of the way, and the 19.5-point road underdogs beat their rivals for the fourth season in a row.
What this meant was that PSU had to take care of business as a 24.5-point favorite to punch its ticket to Indianapolis next Saturday. It did that, pounding Maryland 44-7.
MIGHTY OREGON IS NEXT
EUGENE, OR – OCTOBER 12: Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) runs for a 27-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter during a college football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks on October 12, 2024, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.(Photo by Brian Murphy/Icon Sportswire)
All Penn State has to do to win the Big Ten is beat the No. 1 team in the country. No big deal. In all seriousness, Penn State will be in for a battle regardless of ranking.
As it is, Penn State finished the regular season 11-1 for the first time since 2008.
