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Big Ten football: Breaking down the conference’s initial CFP rankings

By Christopher Mangum

BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 08: Blake Corum #2 of the Michigan Wolverines runs the ball during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on October 8, 2022 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 08: Blake Corum #2 of the Michigan Wolverines runs the ball during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on October 8, 2022 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 29: PJ Mustipher #97 and Coziah Izzard #99 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrate after a play against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at Beaver Stadium on October 29, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 29: PJ Mustipher #97 and Coziah Izzard #99 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrate after a play against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at Beaver Stadium on October 29, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

No. 15 Penn State

Penn State was an interesting team coming into the 2022 season, largely due to its random nature. Heading into the year, Penn State football had as many 7-6 (or worse) seasons as it did 9-win or better seasons under James Franklin. Since 2014, Penn State has three 7-6 season, a 4-5 season (Covid year), three 11-win seasons, and one nine-win season.

The Nittany Lions had high hopes in 2021 off the heels of an underwhelming 4-5 performance in the Covid year. Like many, most thought 2020 was a fluke — especially after Michigan (who finished 2-4 in the Covid year) went 12-2 and won the Big Ten. After jumping out to a 5-0 start last year, Penn State suffered a few key injuries at Iowa, and finished the year 7-6.

2022 was always supposed to be a transitional year for PSU football. The Lions came into the year with low expectations but have been turning heads so far. Most predicted Penn State to finish 7-5 or 8-4 at best, but as of right now I would take the Lions to close out the season 10-2.

Penn State got off to another 5-0 start in 2022, including impressive wins at Purdue and at Auburn. The Nittany Lions got blown out by Michigan following its bye week but came back strong with a huge win over Minnesota. After losing to Ohio State at home last weekend, Penn State football needs to bounce back once again.

The good news for Penn State fans is that the Nittany Lions are 6-2 and ranked in the top-15. The upcoming schedule is pretty easy (at Indiana, vs Maryland, at Rutgers, vs Michigan State), so there is a very good chance Penn State will finish 10-2 and head to a New Year’s Six bowl. Not too bad for a team projected to have another 7-8-win season.

There is a lot of young stars on this Penn State team, and frankly I think the Nittany Lions will be a force in the coming years. That being said, Penn State needs to worry about finishing the year strong, possibly winning 11 games and finishing in the top-10.

Despite being the question mark of Big Ten football, Penn State can still solidify its place as one of the premier teams in the conference, and in the nation.

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