4. Penn State (3-0)
Defeated Georgia State 56-0
Led by Heisman hopeful Saquon Barkley, the Nittany Lions are looking to turn last year’s near miss of the Playoff a one-off event. They travel to Iowa this Saturday, but the next big test on their schedule is against Michigan on Oct. 21.
Aside from their great running back, the defense has been impressive this season. In three games, they have allowed 14 total points. Shutouts are impressive, no matter the opponent. They have a tough path to the Playoff, but if they can win out, they have one of the strongest records against good teams.
Head coach James Franklin has put together a great team in his fourth year. He has recruited well, developed well, and his teams have played well. As of now, we have them ranked the highest out of all of the Big Ten teams.
Their schedule doesn’t help them down the stretch, as they will play Michigan, Ohio State, and an always plucky Michigan State team in three straight weeks. This stretch will prove if the Nittany Lions have what it takes for success in the College Football Playoff.