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College Football Playoff, New Year’s Six Bowl projections after Week 5

By Michael Thompson

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 10: The National Championship trophy is displayed after the Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 33-18 in the 2022 CFP National Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 10: The National Championship trophy is displayed after the Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 33-18 in the 2022 CFP National Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 01: Chop Robinson #44 of the Penn State Nittany Lions stands with teammates after the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium on October 1, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 01: Chop Robinson #44 of the Penn State Nittany Lions stands with teammates after the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium on October 1, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Orange Bowl

NC State v Penn State

The Wolfpack had their chance against Clemson. In a 30-20 loss, NC State held their own and looked the part of a really strong team. They kept Clemson’s offense in check until late in the game, but their offense just couldn’t give Devin Leary enough time to make enough plays. While the loss likely ends the hopes of an ACC championship, we are still projecting this Wolfpack team to represent the ACC in the Orange Bowl. An Orange Bowl appearance would be one of the biggest bowls in the program’s history.

Meeting the Wolfpack in Miami are the Nittany Lions of Penn State.

James Franklin and his men from Happy Valley won ugly in their Big Ten opener against Northwestern, 17-7. The offense isn’t a dominant force like what we were used to seeing when Saquan Barkley and Trace McSorley were in the backfield, but they control the line of scrimmage and can run the ball on anybody. In their win, Penn State racked up over 200 yards rushing and a time of possession advantage of 15 minutes.

It may not be pretty, but their run game, their dominant defense, and their veteran QB play from Clifford has the Nittany Lions in prime position to make some noise.

A bye week to get rested, the Nittany Lions then begin one of the toughest three-week stretches, traveling to Michigan, before hosting Minnesota and the Buckeyes. We’ll get a great look at how special this season can be for them, but for now, we have them partying in South Beach.

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