Penn State Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2020 season

The 2020 regular season ends with two opponents who have struggled to line up against the Nittany Lions. Maryland enters State College for Senior Day with a 2-40-1 record against Penn State while Rutgers is 2-28 against the Nittany Lions.

After a hot start to the 2019 season, the Terps were embarrassed 59-0 in front of a Friday night blackout crowd. While Mike Locksley’s Maryland team should be more competitive in 2020, transfer quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa is not currently eligible to take over one of the worst passing offenses from 2019.

While it is difficult to predict another blowout in the likes of 59-0 or 66-3, the Nittany Lions have outscored Maryland an average of 50-5 the last four seasons and a November matchup in State College should see a similar script. Penn State will look to its late November schedule to either make a push to the playoff as a potential one-loss team or an opportunity to make a strong statement towards another 10-win season and a New Year’s Six bowl appearance.

Record: 9-2, 6-2

Like Maryland, the Rutgers game should be a comfortable victory for Penn State to close out the 2020 regular season and hold on to hopes for a New Year’s Six bowl game. While Greg Schiano would like to end his return to Rutgers on a high against his alma mater, the Nittany Lions should easily put away Rutgers.

While Penn State has comfortably defeated Rutgers in recent years, the Nittany Lions have not blown the Scarlet Knights away in a similar manner as their dominance against Maryland. James Franklin will look for an early lead to rest starters over the Thanksgiving game season finale.

Record: 10-2, 7-2

Season recap

With two losses against Ohio State and Michigan, the Nittany Lions would not be punching a ticket to Indianapolis for a shot at the Big Ten title. However, if Penn State can win against the Wolverines or Buckeyes, the Lions will not just have a shot at a conference title, but the chance to make the playoff.

An 11-1 record with a win over Ohio State likely puts Penn State in as the Big Ten East champion while and 11-1 record with a close loss against Ohio State could keep Penn State alive as a fringe four-seed and the safety of avoiding a potential conference championship game loss.

Penn State returns one of the most talented teams in the conference and country and will have their first College Football Playoff as their primary goal entering the 2020 season. While there may be uncertainty at receiver and offensive coordinator, Penn State’s playoff hopes will once again ride on the offensive line and secondary. The experienced line will need to maintain a pocket around Clifford and sustain drives against the likes of Ohio State and Michigan as the big play offense from 2019 will not be enough to take down elite competition.

Likewise, Penn State needs to improve upon one of the worst secondaries in the conference from last season. Ohio State, Indiana, Minnesota and Michigan exposed the secondary in 2019 and if a competent quarterback lines up opposite this unit in 2020, the Lions could see what should be a conference victory flip to a potential trap game. There’s experience within both these position groups, but the Lions will need a break through or two if they are to take down the Buckeyes and make the playoff.