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Penn State football named one of college football’s most dangerous teams in 2023

Do the Nittany Lions have the ability to make waves this season?

Published

3 weeks ago

May 16, 2023

Penn State Football, most dangerous teams

Apr 15, 2023; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) runs with the ball during the first 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

Last year, Penn State football surprised many commentators with its on-field performance. The Nittany Lions were predicted by many to drop three or four games, which was considered a bounce-back season after going 11-11 in 2020 and 2021. Instead, Penn State rattled off as many wins in 2022 as the program had combined in the previous two years, capped off by a Rose Bowl victory over No. 8 Utah. This year, the Lions aren’t sneaking up on anyone. Regarded as a team on the cusp of a breakthrough season, 247Sports recently ranked Penn State as one of college football’s most dangerous teams in 2023.

Penn State football named one of the most dangerous teams in the country for the 2023 season

Going into this year, James Franklin’s squad is already firmly entrenched in many preseason top-10 rankings, and is a trendy pick as a darkhorse playoff contender. This week, 247Sports released its rankings of the most dangerous teams in all of college football for the 2023 season. And like most other lists this offseason, Penn State football found itself near the top.

The Nittany Lions are considered the third most dangerous team in the nation by Brad Crawford of 247Sports, coming in behind USC and Texas. Crawford is apparently high on the talented Nittany Lions roster. Still, he notes that the typical barriers could prevent Penn State’s success once again:

On paper, this is James Franklin’s most talented team in Happy Valley, and everyone who follows the Nittany Lions knows there are two games on the schedule that will determine whether this team gets a crack at the playoff on Selection Sunday — Ohio State and Michigan.

Crawford went on to tout the ability of likely starting quarterback Drew Allar, noting that he could be “the piece Penn State has needed to go from great to elite.”

How dangerous are the Nittany Lions?

Penn State football does have all the potential to be a major threat in the Big Ten East and beyond in 2023. The pieces all came together for the Nittany Lions at the end of last season, dominating their opponents 200-61 over the final five games of 2022. The 2023 roster has retained its core of young talent, with players who should perceivably be able to elevate their play with another offseason under their belts.

Like everyone else, I agree that Penn State’s season will likely come down to two Saturdays in the fall. While the Nittany Lions recently moved up in the national championship odds, they’re still looking up at Michigan and Ohio State.

However, I’m high on Penn State’s chances to finally get over the hump this season. The Lions have historically played Ohio State tough in Columbus, and they get this game coming off a bye and a non-conference matchup against UMass.

Penn State then gets Michigan, which in all likelihood will be the tougher of the two games, at home several weeks later. But the rivalry against the Wolverines has often been won by the home team in the James Franklin and Jim Harbaugh era. I would expect the 2023 matchup to play out much closer to 2021 than 2022.

In reality, Penn State only needs to win one of these games to have a realistic chance at the College Football Playoff. Even if it doesn’t make the Big Ten Championship game, a one-loss Nittany Lion team with a win over a potential top-five opponent will be one of the strongest teams in college football. But for now, only time will tell if all the hype around Penn State football will be worth the wait.

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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.