Penn State football is going to be a problem for Big Ten in 2023

Penn State will be scary good in 2023

As good as Penn State football is, I expect the Lions to be even better in 2023. Why? Simply because of the talent that is developing at State College right now.

The Nittany Lions came into this year with low expectations for their program; honestly, it was justified. Penn State put more talent into the NFL Draft last year than any other program despite

its 7-6 season, and replacing those contributors looked near impossible.
On top of that, Penn State opened the season at Purdue (9-4 in 2021), had to travel to SEC country to take on Auburn, and faced the usual trio of Michigan, Ohio State, and Michigan State. Expecting Penn State to be a 7-5 or 8-4 team was not absurd; it was a common opinion.

Nonetheless, Penn State earned wins overall, but Michigan and Ohio State this year are in the College Football Playoff. If the Lions played in any conference but the Big Ten or SEC, PSU would easily be 11-1 or 12-0 and regularly competing for a Playoff spot.

Penn State’s combination of Drew Allar, Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen, and a solid offensive line will make its offense scary good in 2023. On top of that, Penn State boasts a great defense with a ton of youth, not to mention its solid coaching staff and favorable schedule next season.

The Lions’ only actual tests in 2023 should, yet again, be Michigan and Ohio State. With the amount of talent OSU is losing, I think Penn State will be favored over the Buckeyes and have a good shot at winning. On the flip side, Michigan football should be great again next year but must travel to State College.

Next year there is little excuse for Penn State football to finish any worse than 11-1. The Lions’ have the talent, experience, staff, and schedule to make a push for the College Football Playoff and a Big Ten Championship. The 10-2 seasons are fantastic, and winning New Year’s Six bowls feels incredible, but Franklin needs to jump to the next level at some point.