Penn State’s disappointing loss to Ohio State on Saturday, a defeat that has unfortunately become all too familiar for the Nittany Lions, set the stage for a critical turning point in their season. With a final score of 20-13, this marked the eighth consecutive defeat against the Buckeyes, dropping coach James Franklin’s record against them to a disheartening 1-10 since he took the helm in 2014. The game took place in front of a record crowd of 111,030 at Beaver Stadium, underscoring the stakes involved in this top-five matchup.
The ramifications of this loss are significant, especially considering Penn State’s position in the playoff race. Despite the setback, the Nittany Lions hold a 7-1 record and still have a pathway to the College Football Playoff, particularly with the shift to a 12-team playoff format that now offers seven at-large berths for the highest-ranked teams that do not win their respective conference championships. In the past, Penn State would have qualified for the playoffs in six different seasons under this structure, even after suffering losses.
Moving forward, it remains uncertain how the loss to Ohio State will affect Penn State’s ranking, especially with many behind them in the Coaches Poll also holding two losses. The first playoff committee rankings of the 2024 season are expected to be released soon, providing a clearer picture of their standing.
Penn State’s aspirations for a first-round bye in the playoff have also become more complicated following the defeat. The highest four seeds are typically reserved for the top conference champions, and with the new structure of the Big Ten, which has expanded to include teams like USC and Oregon, Penn State finds itself in a competitive landscape. Currently, they sit at 4-1 in conference play, among other teams vying for a spot in the conference championship game.
One hopeful aspect for the Nittany Lions is their remaining schedule, which is conducive to closing out the season strong. With no ranked opponents left to face and only one remaining opponent, Minnesota, holding a winning record, Penn State has a solid opportunity to secure victories and potentially finish the regular season at 11-1.
Ultimately, while the loss to Ohio State stings, it has not extinguished Penn State’s hopes for a successful season. With several favorable matchups ahead, the Nittany Lions still have the chance to position themselves for a playoff berth. The coming weeks will be crucial for not only their playoff aspirations but also for restoring confidence within the program as they seek redemption against their rivals.