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College football’s bards mused this playoff lacked a dominant team, like 2019 LSU or 2020 Alabama, although Ohio State sprints closer to resembling those past juggernauts.
What about 2023 Michigan, though? Anyone guilty of being the Wolverines’ doppelganger? You know, that team that went undefeated a year ago, but doesn’t garner the same respect as some recent champions from the SEC? (Michigan’s cheating might have something to do with that.)
Look inside the Big Ten to spot a potential Michigan 2.0.
I give you Penn State.
Let’s tour the Nittany Lions:
∎ Bruising defense, equipped with dudes who wreak havoc and live in the opponent’s backfield.
∎ Two splendid running backs, one as good as the other.
∎ A pass attack that highlights a tight end suited for the NFL.
Stop me if this sounds familiar. Should I keep going? OK.
∎ A veteran quarterback enjoying a career-best season.
∎ Dependable offensive line.
∎ Efficient in the red zone.
Who’s this sounding like? It’s sounding like 2023 Michigan.
Penn State can replicate Michigan if James Franklin shakes past
A key difference is that Michigan enjoyed undefeated distinction, while Penn State lost to Ohio State and Oregon.
Another difference? Penn State employs no one in a cheap disguise stealing the opponent’s signs.
But, the absence of a Connor Stalions doesn’t much influence Penn State as much as the presence of James Franklin. His baggage in big games introduces an overdose of doubt toward the Nittany Lions.
Why do sportsbooks give Penn State the longest odds of winning the national championship? Franklin’s paltry performance in games of magnitude, like Penn State’s Orange Bowl matchup with Notre Dame on Thursday, must play a factor.
Ohio State fans grumble about Ryan Day’s flops, but Day’s shortcomings mostly center on one opponent. He stinks against…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/penn-state-could-mimic-michigans-152533924.html
Author : USA TODAY Sports
Publish date : 2025-01-08 15:25:00
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