This Penn State football team is a National Championship contender even after losing to Oregon

[@DMak2711]

I think they’re a contender; however, I think our defensive play calling needs to get a bit more aggressive, especially against the top teams. Oregon cooked us, and I think that was mostly because we did not get enough pressure on Gabriel. I believe we need to blitz a bit more, rather than sit back in coverage.

[@LockedOnNittanyLions]

They have to mix it up. Oregon had Penn State’s kryptonite: an elite slot receiver. If you blitz more often, that WR exploits single coverage.

[@scrumthebum2451]

Watched big in 60 replay about 5 times😂 that first drive of 3rd quarter they ran all over them but why did they go away from it ? That missed pass to Tyler could’ve been the game right there. If they tied it up momentum would of swung in a huge way

[@LexRex717]

if Penn State can not underestimate their opponents, I think they will win. but can they do that???

[@likejimi5845]

Say what you want about Franklin but he usually gets his team to take lower level teams seriously. And it is a playoff game at the end of the day. Not like it's a meaningless game

[@thomasorzack5795]

PSU got better draw by losing game much better draw

[@earlschandelmeier751]

I'll be interested to see how NIL and this playoff format affects coaching moves. It seems to me, at least logically speaking, if the top 15 - 20 programs in the country can pay their coordinators what the middle and bottom tier teams pay their head coaches, or even close, that the coaches who want to win championships will stay at those top schools. If I'm Andy, why would I go to a school where I will never be able to recruit the best players to play in my offense? Why would I go to a school where there won't ever be enough money to buy what I need to make even an occasional playoff? It just doesn't seem reasonable and I think we are going to see excellent coordinators and staff below them settling into top programs like they used to. The money is good enough to make it worthwhile and not so good elsewhere to draw guys who don't necessarily really want to be head coaches but in the past might not have been able to turn down the money Honestly, it takes something special to be a head coach. Very few coaches in a coaching staff are not only competent but driven enough to be a good head coach. If we make those coordinator jobs lucrative and autonomous enough- big time coordinators want the freedom to run their offense and defenses as they see fit. I believe we will stop seeing so many coaches bailing for something "bigger" at a smaller less prestigious program.

[@scrumthebum2451]

If we get another shot at Oregon I really wish it was on a real grass & dirt outdoor stadium but unfortunately it’s at a dome

[@LockedOnNittanyLions]

Penn State was within 1 score despite all of the things that went against them. Penalties, mistakes, etc. They can beat Oregon outdoors or indoors.

[@vnvet2282]

wish we still played football on grass even if it gets muddy and you have to mow it. Softer landing and less injuries.

[@scrumthebum2451]

@ Penn state does play on real grass.

[@vnvet2282]

PS has the talent on the field to win it all. All excuses aside, there is a pattern of coming up short in the big games.

[@LockedOnNittanyLions]

I believe every game is unique. Penn State losing in 2017 does not impact them in 2024. Too many different players and coaches. Sometimes it has to do with coaching mistakes, player execution, or the other team was just better.

[@thomasorzack5795]

PSU not contender-NO downfield passing game WR's are so-so at best

[@gregkehres663]

PSU has as much talent as anyone in college football, they don't have good coaches. Why do you think Alabama,Georgia and Ohio State dominate year after year?

[@vnvet2282]

@@LockedOnNittanyLions still, they are 0-2 this year, coming up short v OS and Oregon with comparable talent. I am a PAC-12 fan and from my persepctive, the midwest hallway bullies have perennially been either OS or Michigan with PS a close third. The really successful powerhouses have this kind of mental attitude, a deep conviction they are better than any opponent and an expectation they will win.

[@jamescolborn5325]

Hard when refs get suspended

[@JoeMcK100]

And a couple of key turnovers don't hurt...

[@samrauch8334]

The zero holding calls on Oregons Oline was a travesty

[@scrumthebum2451]

I saw a graphic having Penn state odds of winning the championship at # 2 behind Texas. Not sure if I agree with Texas being # 1 I would have Oregon at #1

[@jlmvlogs1719]

texas has an easier path than oregon so they have a better chance to make it to the natty which also gives them a better chance to win it

[@LockedOnNittanyLions]

Oregon would have to play Tennessee or Ohio State. That’s why. Both of those teams can beat Oregon. Texas plays Clemson and Arizona State. Easier matchups.

[@buccos2004]

KJ could get NIL equal to a third round contract he'll likely get or come back and maybe be a first rounder. I hope Im wrong and he made the right choice. Cant believe Allar would enter draft and compete against the likes of S. Sanders, C. Ward, D. Gabriel and others. Next year hed probably be a top 5 or even #1 pick if he replicates this seasons success, but Allar makes much more sense than Winston to declare.

[@TheTubzt3r]

Tbh Penn state should never be favorites. It’s close every game and it’s a miracle if they win no matter who they play

[@LockedOnNittanyLions]

Any time Penn State is a favorite, they win. They haven’t lost as a regular season favorite since 2021. If you want to count Ole Miss, fine. But the bookmakers would’ve adjusted if they knew PSU was going to have a dozen opt outs.

[@nothingbutmilk6576]

There's big difference between playing top 5 teams close and actually beating those teams. Penn State has not beaten a single 20 team this year. Boise and SMU aren't top 10 teams but they're still better than any team State has beaten this year, and there's no guarantee Penn State will be able to beat them. Especially given all of the execution errors and penalties that State commits whenever they play a team that has similar talent.

[@jamescolborn5325]

I bet PSU for NAT Title preseason

[@scrumthebum2451]

If Drew goes I hope we get a great QB through the portal. I just don’t see Pribula leading us to the promise land

[@LockedOnNittanyLions]

I think Kotelnicki can maximize his abilities. Similar to Moorhead and McSorley.

[@talos-o1g]

Maybe 😮

[@stupickles1]

Frankin needs to step up gameday management. I have no clue why he went for 2 and not extra point to get within 7. Dumb.

[@thomasorzack5795]

Agreed dumb move by Franklin

[@antwha5526]

PSU has been undisclipined in the games they have lost. E.g. over celebrating individual plays, 15-yard penalties, first down arrow. Act like we belong.

[@LockedOnNittanyLions]

Discipline is key.

[@lenh7900]

They won't win with Franklin.

[@blakk7]

No they are not a contender. BIG GAME james will do what that tier 2 overrated HC will always does and that is lose the big game. As they say in Sad Valley. We Aren't. LOL heavy favorites is delusional. There is no one anywhere in the country that thinks this team is a favorite

[@LockedOnNittanyLions]

Then why do they have the 3rd best odds to make the championship?

[@johnnykelley3727]

Oregon will out score everybody they play cause our offense is lethal. That's how we will win. Our defense just needs to make a couple stops then we score. Game over!!!

[@stevelizzio1785]

Keep changing the narrative as your defense is exposed …

[@robear-mi7rp]

Lol that's how everyone wins

[@TheTubzt3r]

Penn State just exposed your defense.

[@johnnykelley3727]

@@TheTubzt3r who won?? Oh that's right, Oregon did. Our run defense is not great but that was exposed in game 1 of the season and Penn St still couldn't beat us. Penn St played a good game tho.

[@vnvet2282]

The Ducks are vulnerable on defense, particularly against the run. The offense is explosive and there are no issues there. I would feel more confident if the offense had some weaknesses but the defense was rock solid. Defense wins championships is often quoted and I believe it. Ducks have a very good defense, but it is not elite, not an iron curtain.