College Football Playoff 2017: Case for the Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State football is still in the hunt for a playoff spot. Can they find a way into a spot for the game’s biggest prize?

Penn State had huge expectations coming into this season after an unexpected run to a Big Ten championship during the 2016 season. The next logical step after just falling short of a Playoff bid last year would be to make it this year. With most of last year’s offense back and the defense looking good as well, the Nittany Lions were set to make their case.

Things started well during the non-conference schedule with three victories. This included shutout victories over Akron and Georgia State plus a redemption win over rival Pitt, who helped to spoil the Lions playoff bid last season.

Conference play started at Iowa where the Lions found themselves in a dog fight, but they won it on the last play of the game with a Trace McSorley touchdown throw to wide receiver Juwan Johnson. The win in Iowa City was followed by two dominating wins over Indiana and Northwestern.

After a bye week, the Lions stared down their toughest stretch of the year. They passed their first test with flying colors, destroying Michigan 42-13. In their next game against Ohio State, the Lions appeared to be headed to their eighth victory when Ohio State made a fourth quarter comeback to hand Penn State their first loss of the season.

At 7-1 overall and 4-1 in the conference, the Lions now sit in second place in the Big Ten East. Penn State will need some help to get into the College Football Playoff. Let’s take a look at the case for and against the Lions inclusion in the playoff.