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College Football Playoff Rankings: Projected Top 10 after Week 10

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 5, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Carlos Watkins (94) reacts after sacking Syracuse Orange quarterback Eric Dungey (not pictured) during the first quarter at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Carlos Watkins (94) reacts after sacking Syracuse Orange quarterback Eric Dungey (not pictured) during the first quarter at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions safety Marcus Allen (2) gestures to the crowd during the third quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Iowa 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions safety Marcus Allen (2) gestures to the crowd during the third quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Iowa 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

The Penn State Nittany Lions are going to be the No. 9 team in the country in this week’s playoff poll. Saying that again out loud doesn’t make it seem any more real, but that’s how unpredictable this season has been. The Nittany Lions went from losing 49-10 to Michigan to open conference play to five straight wins.

After that huge loss to the Wolverines to drop to 2-2, it looked like the Nittany Lions would be in for yet another 7-5 type of season under James Franklin. They had shown very little fight in the contest and didn’t have nearly the same amount of talent as Michigan, it seemed.

However, it’s wild how much difference a few weeks can make. In fact, the Nittany Lions have five wins in a row since then, including victories over Ohio State and Iowa.

The Buckeyes came to town a few weeks ago and took a 21-7 lead into the fourth quarter over the then-unranked Nittany Lions, cruising to a victory. Not so fast. Penn State came out roaring in the final 15 minutes and grabbed momentum, never looking back. It won the game over then-No. 2 Ohio State, 24-21.

Penn State appeared in the next week’s AP Top 25 and then swooped in at No. 12 in the first playoff poll to the surprise of many.

Now that a few teams in the top 10 have lost, as well as some right on the cusp of the top 10, the Nittany Lions are on the upward trend.

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