FOOTBALL

ESPN breaks down how Penn State football makes the 2024 CFP

One of ESPN’s biggest names had high praise for the 2023 version of the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Published

1 month ago

May 2, 2023

Penn State Football, ESPN writer, 2024 CFP

Apr 15, 2023; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) throw a pass during the fourth quarter of the Blue White spring game at Beaver Stadium. The Blue team defeated the White team 10-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

James Franklin and Penn State football enter the 2023 season with the program’s highest expectations in quite some time. Multiple outlets project the Nittany Lions as a preseason top-five team and an early favorite to make a second New Year’s Six bowl in as many years. Coming off an 11-2 season and Rose Bowl victory, another 10-win regular season could be just the start for Penn State this season. Some pundits in the college football media, most recently senior ESPN writer Pete Thamel, believe that Penn State football is a legitimate contender to make the 2024 CFP.

We will find out quickly if the Nittany Lions are playoff contenders

While Penn State’s 2023 schedule can set up nicely for a CFP run, it certainly doesn’t do the Lions any favors. James Franklin’s team opens the season at home against West Virginia. The Lions then play three Big Ten opponents in September, including two on the road. Facing four Power Five opponents in five weeks isn’t an easy way to break in a new quarterback, even if former five-star prospect Drew Allar ultimately gets the starting nod.

However, ESPN’s recently released Football Power Index has Penn State football favored to win in 10 of its 12 games. Of course, showdowns against Ohio State and Michigan loom in October and November. The FPI currently gives the Nittany Lions a considerable chance of losing in Columbus as well as falling in a coin flip at home against the Wolverines.

ESPN writer gives Lions “very good” chance of making the playoff

While another 10-2 regular season would be no slouch of a year, many Penn State fans want and expect more from the Nittany Lions in 2023. The college football world also sees what Penn State is returning this year, and the Lions have become a trendy pick to make the CFP. This includes senior ESPN writer Pete Thamel, who discussed Penn State’s chances of breaking the 10-win barrier on College Gameday’s NFL Draft coverage this weekend.

“I think they’re gonna go over,” Thamel said of the Nittany Lions’ projected 10-win total in a segment of the show he recently clipped and posted on his Twitter account. “I think Penn State has a very good chance to make the playoff this year.”

From @collegegameday on Saturday. Can Penn State be a 10-win regular season team? Is this the year they break through to the College Football Playoff? pic.twitter.com/EmzGcwOSAI

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) May 1, 2023

Pete Thamel breaks down how Penn State football can make the 2024 CFP

According to Thamel, Penn State can overcome the hurdle of breaking in a first-year starter at quarterback by leaning on the running game of Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen early in the season. More importantly, Thamel feels strongly about the Lions’ ability to provide protection up front. Speaking of Olu Fashanu, Thamel noted that Penn State’s starting left tackle was expected to be a top NFL Draft pick this year. “It was probably the biggest surprise amongst NFL evaluators that Olu Fashanu returned of all the players who came back in college football this year,” Thamel stated.

Beyond the Nittany Lions star on the left side, Thamel is buying what the Penn State coaching staff is selling all along the offensive front. “I think they’ve finally grown up,” Thamel said of Penn State’s offensive line. “I think they’ve recruited well at that position. Phil Trautwein, the position coach, has gotten them in the position where they’re gonna have multiple guys drafted. And, they’re ready to go in the trenches with Ohio State and the trenches with Michigan.”

Time will tell if 2023 is the year for James Franklin

Like almost every year, Penn State’s 2024 CFP hopes will rest on two games this fall. Whether or not you believe James Franklin’s Lions are legitimate playoff contenders depends on if you think they can win one — or both — of their matchups against Ohio State and Michigan. More so than at any point in the last several years, Penn State football has the balance of young talent and experience to go toe-to-toe in the Big Ten East. A new window of opportunity is opening for Penn State this season, and we will have to wait and see if this team can take hold of it.

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FOOTBALL

James Franklin is pleased with new Penn State football transfer portal addition

James Franklin says a new Penn State football transfer portal addition is standing out so far.

Published

2 hours ago

June 8, 2023

Chris Mangum

Penn State football, transfer portal, Dante Cephas, James Franklin

Apr 15, 2023; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin walks off the field following the competition of the Blue White spring game at Beaver Stadium. The Blue team defeated the White team 10-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Earlier today, James Franklin and the Nittany Lions’ coaching staff had some time to speak with the media ahead of summer camp in Happy Valley. With the team’s newest signees suiting up and on campus now, it comes as little surprise to fans and the media that a new Penn State football transfer portal addition is already standing out during his short period in the Blue and White.

New Penn State football transfer portal addition already standing out

According to Penn State head coach James Franklin, the Nittany Lions have a star in Dante Cephas, a new Penn State football transfer portal addition. Cephas is headed to State College after spending four years with the Kent State Golden Flashes, a member of the Mid-American Conference.

Cephas brings a large frame, quick hands, great footwork, and a fast release to the table for the Blue and White. He is expected to be a valuable weapon for Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, who many assume will be the Nittany Lions’ starter in Week 1 against the West Virginia Mountaineers.

Today, James Franklin delved into what makes Dante Cephas special and shared his observations so far.

James Franklin breaks down Cephas

Below is just some of what the Nittany Lions’ head coach, James Franklin, had to say about Dante Cephas and his abilities thus far in the Blue and White. It’s important to note that these comments were made shortly after Cephas arrived on campus and before summer ball, but indications are that there are great things ahead for this new addition to the Penn State football transfer portal.

“He tested well in our initial testing,” James Franklin said earlier today during Penn State’s media availability. “I do think this level of training, no knock to anybody else or other programs or other schools, I do think this is different for him. And I think, in a lot of ways, that’s exciting because the lifting in the running is at a very different level. And I think his body really has a chance to explode and develop over the time that hopefully we have him. So far, so good.”

Dante Cephas has been receiving significant national attention since joining Penn State after the 2022 season. Just this week, he was recognized as a top Big Ten transfer by CBS Sports and was ranked among the top three wide receivers in the Big Ten by Pro Football Focus. It’s clear that Cephas is off to a strong start in the Blue and White.

FOOTBALL

BREAKING: 2024 and 2025 Big Ten schedules released

Penn State football has just learned which Big Ten opponents it will face under the new scheduling format.

Published

6 hours ago

June 8, 2023

Matt Thomas

2024 and 2025 Big Ten schedules, Penn State Football

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) is defended by USC Trojans defensive back Ajene Harris (27) in the second quarter during the 103rd Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

On Thursday afternoon, the 2024 and 2025 Big Ten schedules for football were announced. The announcement is notable given the addition of two new teams, USC and UCLA, to the conference. In a significant move for Nittany Lions fans, Penn State football will host USC in Beaver Stadium next fall, followed by UCLA in 2025.

Penn State football gets favorable Big Ten matchups in 2024

Penn State football will face a series of monster Big Ten opponents at home in 2025, including Michigan State, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, and USC. The schedule also features several favorable road matchups, such as Indiana, Purdue, Rutgers, and Wisconsin.

The 2025 schedule will present a challenge for Nittany Lions

While the 2024 schedule shakes out favorably for Penn State football, 2025 will be much more difficult. The Nittany Lions will host Illinois, Minnesota, and Rutgers in the 2025 season. However, the road slate will feature extremely difficult tests. Penn State will have to travel to several challenging venues, including Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, and USC.

Other notable features of the new 2024 and 2025 Big Ten schedules

As has been reported by several different outlets this afternoon, Penn State is not included in one of the protected rivalry games kept by the Big Ten. We are already seeing the impacts of this feature firsthand. Penn State will not play the Michigan Wolverines next season, nor will the Nittany Lions play the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2025.

While this means that James Franklin and Penn State will no longer face the gauntlet of the Big Ten East, that does not mean the schedule gets easier by any means. The 2025 road schedule is nothing short of daunting, with games at Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, and USC.

Of course, we do not have the scheduled dates for any of these games yet, so the timings of these matchups will also greatly influence the strength of the schedule for the Nittany Lions.

Please note: This is a breaking news story. We will provide more information as it becomes available.

FOOTBALL

Penn State football: James Franklin thinks PSU may have the best defensive line in the nation

According to James Franklin, the Penn State football defensive line is coming together nicely thus far.

Published

8 hours ago

June 8, 2023

Chris Mangum

Penn State football defensive line, James Franklin, defensive tackles

Nov 5, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Dvon Ellies (91) celebrates with Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Coziah Izzard (99) after a sack during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Earlier today, head coach James Franklin had a chance to speak with the media for around 30 minutes at the Lasch Football Building in State College, PA. There, Franklin expressed his excitement about the Penn State football defensive line — specifically the defensive tackles — which he claims may be the best in the nation. Since last year’s crushing 41-17 loss to Michigan, the D-tackle position has been in question for Penn State, so this is great news for the Blue and White.

Penn State football defensive line is resolving questions with defensive tackles this spring

The Penn State football defensive line is looking like one of the best in the country right now — from the defensive ends to the interior of the D-line, the Nittany Lions are looking to make waves on defense and push for a Big Ten title this fall.

Following the Blue/White spring game at Beaver Stadium in April, James Franklin pointed out a major area of need for his Nittany Lions: more depth and experience at defensive tackle. Considering the loss of long-time star defensive tackle PJ Mustipher from the 2022 squad, Franklin’s concern appeared to be justified. However, today his message was different heading into summer camp.

“Probably the position I am most excited about right now, for a lot of different reasons, is defensive tackle,” head coach James Franklin said earlier today. “… We got a chance to have, I think, one of the best D-lines in the country — from a depth and talent standpoint — but also a size standpoint … right now that’s a position group that I am really excited about, that I think has a chance to take us to the next level on defense.”

2023 D-line, especially defensive tackles, could make or break the Nittany Lions’ season

A season ago, the Penn State football defensive line left many wondering how it would pan out down the road. Now, Franklin says that these questions are starting to be resolved.

“We’ve got a chance (to have a great defensive tackle group), we just gotta back it up with the work right now,” Franklin explained.

There have been a few notable names turning heads along the Penn State football defensive line this spring. One of the most talked-about rising stars is sophomore tackle Zane Durant, who has consistently been mentioned as a potential breakout player for the 2023 season. Additionally, players like Hakeem Beamon and Dvon Ellies were mentioned today as potential stars in the making.

“Zane Durant is bigger and stronger than he’s been,” Franklin said. “Hakeem [Beamon] is bigger than he has been in a long time.”

If this year’s Penn State football defensive line can step up and make a significant impact this fall, the Nittany Lions will have their best opportunity in quite some time to challenge the powerhouses of the Big Ten East, Michigan and Ohio State. It could pave the way for them to claim the program’s first Big Ten title since the 2016 season.