Penn State’s next 3 games could lead to something special [opinion]

Almost seven months ago, offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki sat inside Lasch Building and was asked what it would take for him to describe his first season at Penn State as a success.

“I don’t know if I can,” Kotelnicki said. “I hesitate to talk about wins and losses and winning conference titles and national titles. If you believe in the process you have to develop your football team, the results will take care of themselves.

“I know this. I know Coach (James) Franklin has always had a goal since he got here. He wants to win the whole friggin’ thing. I want that, too.”

Yes, Franklin and the third-ranked Nittany Lions (6-0) are all about going 1-0 each week. Focus on the next task and not the ones after that. Don’t get ahead of yourself. That philosophy has mostly worked since his arrival in 2014.

But Penn State’s next three games might turn out to be the most significant of Franklin’s tenure.

Beating Wisconsin Saturday night at Camp Randall Stadium and then Ohio State and Washington on back-to-back weekends at Beaver Stadium would put the Lions in prime position to make the Big Ten championship game and gain a potential bye in the College Football Playoff.

Easier said than done, of course.

The Badgers have found their groove after decisive losses to Alabama and USC. They rank among the national leaders in total and scoring defense.

The Buckeyes have owned Penn State since 2016 with seven consecutive wins. They have a $20 million roster that ranks in the top 10 on offense and in the top five on defense.

The Huskies might struggle on offense, but they have a top 10 defense and own a win over Michigan.

Favored by 6.5 points over Wisconsin, Penn State likely will be an underdog against Ohio State and a favorite in its remaining four games against Washington, Purdue, Minnesota and Maryland.

“The reality…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/penn-state-next-3-games-034600943.html

Author : Reading Eagle, Pa.

Publish date : 2024-10-24 03:46:00

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