5 college football teams facing intense pressure in 2022

Penn State

The Penn State football program is facing some pressure in 2022 because the Nittany Lions really can’t afford another mediocre season in the Big Ten East.

After signing a new contract extension, it’s clear that Penn State football has confidence in James Franklin and he did just land arguably his best recruiting class and easily the most important recruit since Saquon Barkley in five-star Ohio QB Drew Allar.

Allar could find his way onto the field next year if Sean Clifford stumbles, but regardless, Penn State has to turn things around in 2022 after posting an 11-11 record over the past two seasons.

Many Penn State fans are putting the blame on Clifford and he has been part of the issue. But, he was better down the stretch last season and it’s hard to see Allar unseating him right away.

So Franklin and the Nittany Lions have to find a way to win 9-10 games, otherwise, they risk falling behind not just Ohio State, but Michigan State and Michigan — two programs that have surged past Penn State in the Big Ten East in recent years.