The Nittany Lions dropped to number 10 this week in the College Football Playoff rankings the week after they took a four point deficit to the fourth quarter on the road against Ohio State this past week. They are the highest ranked 2-loss team in the rankings, with both losses to opponents ahead of them in the rankings.
The Buckeyes, who clinched the Big Ten East title with last week’s victory, stay poised to make the playoff this week - bumping back up to #1 in the rankings. Former PSU opponents Minnesota (#8), Michigan (#13), and Iowa (#17) are also in the rankings. Wisconsin, who plays the Golden Gophers this week for the Big Ten West crown, remains in the rankings at #12.
PSU is in a good position to finish the season strong by playing in a very good bowl game, with a senior day BYE week game against Rutgers on the slate this week.