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College Football: 1 of these 5 teams will make the playoff for the first time in 2023

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 2, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts in the first half of the Pac-12 Championship against the Utah Utes at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts in the first half of the Pac-12 Championship against the Utah Utes at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Penn State football head coach James Franklin smiles as he answers a question from a member of the media during football media day at Beaver Stadium on Sunday, August 6, 2023, in State College.
Penn State football head coach James Franklin smiles as he answers a question from a member of the media during football media day at Beaver Stadium on Sunday, August 6, 2023, in State College. /

2. Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State is constantly being overlooked in the Big Ten and that’s because the Michigan vs. Ohio State rivalry has heated up yet again. It was dead for over a decade, but it has returned in full force because the Wolverines are finally legit contenders again. But we simply cannot sleep on Penn State in the Big Ten East race.

Arguably the best division in college football, the winner of the Big Ten East will almost surely be headed to the playoff this season. Heck, even the No. 2 team in the division could get in again.

Last year, Michigan and Ohio State both got into the playoff. This year, two Big Ten teams could make the field again. I wouldn’t be shocked if one was Penn State.

Looking at the schedule and the fact that it’s finally Drew Allar’s time to shine with that elite backfield and defense helping him out, everything sets up nicely for Penn State to get to the playoff. I can see the Nittany Lions starting the season 6-0 before heading to Columbus to face Ohio State. Even if they lose that game, I think they can legitimately go 11-1 because they get Michigan at home.

Don’t sleep on James Franklin and this well-constructed Penn State team.

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