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Penn State Football: 5 reasons Nittany Lions will repeat as Big Ten champs

By Matty Breisch

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 03: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions holds up the Most Valuable Player trophy as he walks off the field after the Big Ten Championship game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 3, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 03: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions holds up the Most Valuable Player trophy as he walks off the field after the Big Ten Championship game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 3, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. Strength of schedule

Penn State is the odds-on favorite to win the Big Ten East not only because of its incredible performances on the field, but also its incredible luck off of it.

Unlike Michigan and Ohio State, arguably Penn State’s two biggest contenders for the Big Ten East crown, the Nittany Lions remain undefeated after the first six weeks of the season.

While this may all be for naught, as the Nittany Lions will be facing off against the two aforementioned teams over their next two games, their unblemished record has allowed them to remain firmly in the Big Ten East driver’s seat.

Simply put, if they continue to win, they get in.

Unlike last season, where three of the division’s teams ended the season ranked in the top 10, and with only one loss, Penn State has complete control of its collective destiny and could very well ride that momentum right into the College Football Playoff.

And hey, even if Penn State does lose to either Michigan or Ohio State, it really isn’t the end of the world.

Since all three teams would have at least one loss, their post season aspirations could fall on strength of schedule, and head-to-head records.

Unlike Ohio State and Penn State, the Wolverines have a Week 12 road trip to Madison to face off against the Wisconsin Badgers, who essentially play the same game as Michigan, but do it way better.

And if Michigan is dealt another loss in 2017, the Wolverines are done.

Which would leave the Big Ten a two-dog race between Urban Meyer’s squad and James Franklin’s.

Hypothetically, if Ohio State were to defeat Penn State in Week 9, it may end the Lions’ Big Ten Championship aspirations, but it could very well keep them in the running for a spot in the College Football Playoff, a welcomed consolation prize.

In just deserts for last season, Penn State could leapfrog the Buckeyes into the playoffs on the criteria of strength of schedule, as the Nittany Lions would have only one loss to a highly-ranked OSU opponent, whereas the Buckeyes’ loss to Oklahoma state will likely look much less prestigious after the Sooners’ Week 6 loss to Iowa State.

So fear not Nittany Lions faithful, no matter how the second half of the season unfolds, things are looking good for Penn State.

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