Ranking is Out: Tennessee Loss Helps Penn State

Originally posted on Nittany Sports Now | By Joe Smeltzer | Last updated Nov 17, 2024 2:39 PM ET

The latest batch of college football rankings are in, and Penn State had its ranking go up.

PSU came into the week ranked No. 5 in the USLBM Coaches Poll and because No. 4 Tennessee lost and Penn State won 49-10, there was a slight chance

Penn State is now No. 4.

Against Purdue, Penn State did what it does against inferior competition and won. Offensively, Penn State scored on its first two drives after scoring on its first four drives in the previous Saturday’s 35-6 win against Washington. Defensively, the team didn’t give up a touchdown until it was 49-3 in the fourth quarter.

WHO’S AHEAD OF PENN STATE?

EUGENE, OR – OCTOBER 12: Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) runs for a 27-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter during a college football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks on October 12, 2024, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.(Photo by Brian Murphy/Icon Sportswire)

It wasn’t as easy for No. 1 Oregon as some expected, but the kings stayed the kings with a 16-13 win over Wisconsin in Madtown. No. 2 Ohio State had a unique outing against Northwestern at Wrigley Field and took care of business 31-7 after falling behind 7-0. No. 3 Texas beat un-ranked Arkansas 30-10 but where things get interesting is Tennessee.

If Tennessee had won, Penn State football’s ranking would still be No. 5. But it didn’t, and as a result, PSU had a slight rise.

THE MAIN THING

Photo by Penn State Athletics: Abdul Carter

The most important thing for Penn State is to win out. The team only had two of those left. Penn State plays at Minnesota and then at home against Maryland before what the team hopes will be a College Football Playoff trip.

If Penn State wins out, it will not only make the playoff but have a home game.

PSU takes on Minnesota Saturday, Nov. 23. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 on CBS.

This article first appeared on Nittany Sports Now and was syndicated with permission.

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