Penn State Football: Way-too-Early Game-by-Game Predictions for 2022

After a less than stellar finish to the 2021 season, can Penn State Football be able to contend for the Big Ten Championship in 2021?

Penn State Football had a nice start to the 2021 season, but things fizzled out after a loss to Iowa in the middle of the season. Despite a tough finish to the season, Penn State managed to sign a solid recruiting class with some impact players that should be able to help the Nittany Lions this season.

Veteran quarterback Sean Clifford is back for yet another season in Happy Valley. Head coach James Franklin turned down other potential job offers and signed a 10-year contract to remain Penn State’s head coach.

While there is optimism about Penn State football getting back to contending for playoff spots, there is a sense of caution as well.

While Clifford is a veteran with plenty of experience, it seems that Penn State has a ceiling when he is at quarterback, even though he was an improved player last season. All eyes are going to be on five-star quarterback Drew Allar to see if he can give Clifford competition and possibly give the Nittany Lions that dynamic presence at quarterback they have been lacking. NFL departures included impact players like wide receiver Jahan Dotson and safety Jaquan Brisker.

The schedule is another tough one for Penn State as well. While there are plenty of winnable games at the start of the year, the Nittany Lions will close the season playing some of the top teams in the Big Ten. There will be some coaching changes as well that are worth keeping an eye on.

Defensive coordinator Brent Pry took the head coaching job at Virginia Tech and he was replaced with former Miami head coach Manny Diaz. Diaz has had some good defenses in the past, but his last two at Miami left a lot to be desired.

This is a team and program hoping to get back to winning the Big Ten East and competing for playoff spots. It will be tough, but there is talent in Happy Valley.

Here are the way-too-early game predictions for Penn State football in 2022.